The Importance of Uninsured Motorist Coverage After a Massachusetts Hit-and-Run Accident
Hit-and-runs are accidents in which the at-fault party leaves the scene of the incident without providing identifying information or rendering care to the victim. Massachusetts hit-and-run victims often face severe and potentially life-threatening injuries as well as significant expenses. The inherent nature of these accidents leaves victims and their families in a precarious position because the victim may face a long road of recovery with little recourse against the culpable driver.
For example, recently, a local news source reported a Massachusetts hit-and-run accident resulting in a fatality. The police department is asking the public to help identify the driver that hit the pedestrian. Grainy security footage depicts the driver crashing into the pedestrian and fleeing the scene of the accident. The 54-year-old pedestrian was taken to a local hospital but has since tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Hit-and-run accidents are more complicated than typical collisions because victims often need to undergo significant medical procedures and extended rehabilitation. Insurance coverage rarely meets the treatment costs that victims accrue. Many victims decline appropriate treatment because they cannot afford these expenses.
In typical Massachusetts car accident cases, victims can recover damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance holder. However, in hit-and-run cases, the driver might not be readily identifiable, posing a problem for recovery. To address these concerns, Massachusetts requires motorists to purchase Uninsured (UM) coverage. This coverage allows policyholders to recover expenses if the at-fault driver is unknown or has inadequate or no insurance coverage. UIM bodily injury coverage pays for the policyholder’s medical expenses, while the UM property damage coverage covers repairs. The statute requires motorists to purchase UM bodily injury coverage for at least $20,000 per person and up to $40,000 per incident.
Despite these consumer protections, insurance companies often prioritize their financial standing over that of their policyholders. In some cases, insurance companies delay, deny, or ignore paying claims, leaving policyholders in a frustrating predicament. Even if an insurance company pays out the total amount, $20,000, it still may not adequately cover the extent of a victim’s expenses. In these cases, injury victims should consult with an attorney to discuss their rights and remedies. An attorney can assist a victim in pushing law enforcement to identify the at-fault hit-and-run motorist. Further, attorneys can engage in negotiations and litigation with insurance companies that are acting in bad faith.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a Massachusetts Car Accident?
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a Massachusetts car accident, contact the Neumann Law Group. Our firm’s attorneys have extensive experience representing Massachusetts injury victims in their claims stemming from motor vehicle accidents, product liability, premises liability, and medical malpractice. We consistently provide clients with respect, compassion, and zealous advocacy. Our attorneys are committed to justice and work to ensure that our clients recover the compensation they deserve. Compensation in personal injury cases typically includes medical expenses, payments for lost wages and benefits, burial expenses, and pain and suffering. Contact our office at 800-525-6386 to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney at our law firm.
