There’s nothing scarier than being hit by a car that then flees the scene.
After the initial shock, you’re also left to pick up all the pieces after the accident by yourself.
What’s worse – even if you’re not to blame for a hit-and-run accident, you could see hikes in your insurance rates.
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident, our Prairieville personal injury attorneys can help. In addition to fighting your insurance company for fair compensation, we can also open our own investigation to help find the driver who injured you and fled the scene.
What Happens After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Prairieville, Louisiana?
Fortunately, catching hit-and-run drivers is easier than ever before.
The abundance of traffic cameras and business security cameras can help identify vehicles that flee the scene of accidents.
Note: Since Louisianans in Prairieville are at a higher risk for hit-and-run crashes, we strongly encourage drivers to have collision coverage and uninsured motorist coverage. These types of coverage can help pay for damages and injuries caused by a driver who flees an accident.
If you have been injured by a hit-and-run driver, the following steps can help your case:
- If possible, try to take picture of the other vehicle. This photo can be used to help identify the hit-and-run driver.
- Write down a vehicle description and its license plate number if you cannot take a picture.
- Look for witnesses. People who witnessed the accident can corroborate what you saw and even supply information you might not know. Be sure to get their contact information.
- Call 911. The police will need to take a report of the accident to open an investigation to locate the driver who fled the scene.
- Call your auto insurance carrier as soon as possible to open a claim. Be sure to inform your agent that the driver who hit you left before you could exchange information.
- Hire an experienced car accident attorney in Prairieville to help you navigate this process and fight your insurance company if they raise your rates.
Will My Insurance Raise My Rates After a No-Fault Accident?
In many states, claims are filed against the at-fault party, which means the person who caused the wreck and their insurer is responsible.
Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents have no identified offending driver, meaning the victim has to file insurance claims with their own insurance.
The good news: the rate increases may not be as high as an at-fault claim. The bad news: policyholders could still see higher premiums.
What to Do if Your Insurance Company Raises Your Rates After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Prairieville
If you see your insurance premiums jump after a no-fault accident, call your policy carrier to make sure your accident was recorded as a no-fault wreck.
You may want to consider shopping for a new insurance company that does not penalize you for no-fault accidents.
Here are some things to consider while looking at new insurance companies:
- Comparing rates with smaller insurance companies
- Bundling other policies, such as renter’s, homeowner’s, and/or life insurance with your car insurance for a discount
- Raising your deductible (a $1000 deductible could yield much cheaper premiums than a $500 deductible)
- Raising your credit score – while building a great credit score takes time, it can result in lower insurance rates in the future
Contact Pierce & Shows Today
At Pierce & Shows, we have built strong relationships with our clients in Prairieville and throughout Louisiana. As a result, generations of families have come to us for guidance through the years. If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run and are worried about your insurance rates, give us a call today so that we can help you through your case.
