Uninsured? Your Options for Compensation After a Hit-and-Run

Being injured by a driver who is uninsured or who flees the scene (a hit-and-run) is terrifying and frustrating. You are hurt, and there seems to be no one to hold accountable for the New Haven auto accident you have just gotten into. However, depending on your own insurance policy, you likely still have options for compensation.

1. Utilize Your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

This is the most critical and common source of compensation in these scenarios. UM/UIM coverage is an optional (or sometimes mandatory) part of your own auto insurance policy.

• What it Covers: This coverage is designed to step in and pay for your damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering) when the at-fault driver either:
  • Has no insurance (Uninsured Motorist – UM).
  • Has too little insurance to cover your damages (Underinsured Motorist – UIM).
  • Is unknown, as in a hit-and-run accident.
• How it Works: In a UM claim, your own insurance company essentially steps into the shoes of the absent, at-fault driver. You make a claim against your own policy for the damages, treating it as if the other driver was insured. Crucially, making a UM claim typically does not raise your rates because you were not the at-fault party.

2. Look at Health Insurance

If your auto insurance coverage limits are insufficient, your private health insurance will cover your medical treatment. However, your health insurance company may assert a subrogation lien—meaning they have a right to be paid back if you recover money from a future lawsuit or UM settlement.

3. The Long Shot: Finding the At-Fault Driver

In a hit-and-run, the police department is responsible for investigating. If you or a lawyer can provide strong evidence, such as:

• License Plate Number: Even a partial number.
• Witness Descriptions: Make, model, and color of the fleeing car.
• Surveillance Footage: Footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or doorbells.

If the driver is identified and found, you can then proceed with a standard personal injury claim against them directly.