If you get into an accident and the driver leaves before giving you any information, it can leave you with questions on how to recover compensation. Knowing your options helps you decide what steps to take after the crash.
Turning to your own policy
Connecticut requires every auto insurance policy to include Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. State law treats an unknown hit-and-run driver the same as an uninsured motorist, so your own UM policy steps in to cover your losses.
This insurance pays for your medical bills, lost wages and other injury-related costs up to your policy limits. The state minimum sits at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, though you may carry higher limits.
If your policy includes medical payments coverage, often called MedPay, you can use those benefits for medical costs right away regardless of fault. For vehicle damage, you would rely on collision coverage instead, since UM benefits only cover your injuries.
It is also worth knowing that the state operates under a modified comparative negligence system. This means that the insurer can reduce the amount you can receive based on the fault they assigned to you.
For example, if you were to receive $20,000 and were 20% at fault, then you would get a $16,000 payout. Should the insurer find you 51% or more at fault, you would not be able to recover any damages.
Taking action at the crash scene
The following actions might help your ability to recover compensation after a hit-and-run:
- Report the accident to police
- Document the scene thoroughly
- Gather witness information
- Seek medical attention promptly
- Notify your insurance company
Establishing an immediate timeline of events limits an insurance adjuster’s ability to attribute your injuries to unrelated causes. This might contribute to the strength of your overall case.
Navigating Connecticut’s filing requirements
Because there is no identified driver to sue, your UM claim is a contractual matter between you and your insurer rather than a standard personal injury lawsuit. State law prohibits insurance companies from setting the deadline to file a lawsuit or demand arbitration at less than three years from the date of the accident, but you must report the initial claim to your insurer much sooner based on your policy’s notice requirements.
Once you have filed your claim, your insurer will review the police report, your medical records and any repair estimates as part of its investigation. If you cannot agree on a fair settlement, you can pursue arbitration or file a lawsuit to resolve the dispute.