Considering the number of accidents on the roads, you may find yourself involved in a hit-and-run. USA Today reports that hit-and-run crashes are increasing in many major cities, and hit-and-run crashes causing deaths are rising across the country.
Crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that the number of fatal hit-and-run crashes is trending upward, from 1,274 in 2009, to 1,393 in 2010, to 1,449 in 2011.
Perhaps more significant, the 13.7% increase in hit-and-run deaths over that three-year period occurred while traffic deaths overall were falling 4.5%, from 33,883 in 2009 to 32,367 in 2011.
It has been reported that many hit-and-run crashes involve alcohol. At fault, drunk drivers flee the scene for fear of being caught. To help deter drivers from taking off, legislators in Texas have sought to increase the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident.
Who Pays your Bills in a Hit-and-Run Car Crash
If the driver who hit you flees the scene, who is going to pay your bills? If there is no way to identify the other driver, hopefully, you can turn to your insurance. When purchasing insurance coverage, it is important to discuss this issue with your agent. Ask your insurance agent:
- How will my property damage or car repair bills be paid if I’m hit by a driver who flees the scene?
- How will my medical bills and lost wages be paid if the driver who causes the accident takes off? For more information on payment of medical bills read Who pays my Medical Bills after a Car Wreck?
- Who will cover the cost of my rental car if I’m involved in a hit-and-run crash? For more information on rental car coverage read Getting a Rental after a Car Accident.
It is very important to plan ahead for the possibility of a hit-and-run accident. If you purchase car insurance for this situation, it will likely also cover you if another driver hits you and doesn’t have insurance.
Having a car accident is scary and cause great inconvenience, among other things. Being involved in a car crash with a hit-and-run driver further complicates the process. Contact Chelsie King Garza for a free consultation on your rights after a Houston hit-and-run car crash.
