What To Do After a Hit-And-Run Accident in Bowling Green, KY

Navigating the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be a distressing experience, leaving victims uncertain about their next steps. Understanding the necessary actions to take after such an accident is crucial for ensuring personal safety and a smoother resolution. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

After being involved in a hit-and-run accident, reaching out to Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers is essential to protect your rights, strengthen your case, and navigate the legal process with the support of experienced legal professionals. If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, hire an experienced car accident lawyer from Hughes & Coleman. We will guide you through every step after a hit-and-run accident in Bowling Green. Our team is here for you 24/7, and the consultation is free.

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What is a hit-and-run accident?

A hit-and-run accident is a traffic collision where a driver involved in the incident leaves the scene without providing their contact information, such as their name, vehicle registration number, and insurance information, to the other party involved or to law enforcement authorities. Hit-and-run accidents can involve any type of motor vehicle, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, or bicycles, and may result in property damage, injuries, or even fatalities.

Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are common in the state of Kentucky. According to Kentucky State Police, 11,312 people reported hit-and-run accidents in 2021, with 10% of these crashes resulting in injuries.

Immediate steps to take in Bowling Green after a hit-and-run accident

Typically, when you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, two situations may occur:

1. You managed to record the license plate number of the other vehicle, allowing authorities to identify the driver before they fled the scene of the crime.
2. The accident happened so swiftly that you could not obtain information from the other vehicle before they fled the scene.

Both situations are incredibly timely and need to be taken care of immediately. This is where an attorney with Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers can help.

What to do at the scene of the accident

• Remain at the Scene: Staying at the crime scene will allow law enforcement to collect as much evidence as possible.
• Check for Injuries: First and foremost, check yourself and others involved in the accident for any injuries. If there are any serious injuries, call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
• Document the Scene: If it is safe, gather as much evidence as possible. Take photographs of the accident scene, including the damage to your vehicle and any other property. Note down the time and location of the incident and collect contact information from any witnesses present.

• Call Law Enforcement: Contact the local law enforcement authorities, such as the Kentucky State Police or the Bowling Green police department, to report the hit-and-run incident. Provide as many details as possible, including the location, time, and any information you have about the fleeing vehicle.
• File a Police Report: Filing a police report in Bowling Green is a crucial step in documenting an incident, such as a crime, accident, or any other event that requires official documentation. If you were injured on a Kentucky highway, and the police did not show up to the scene, you can submit your report through the Kentucky State Police. In Bowling Green, the Bowling Green Police Department can help you.
• Secure any witnesses: After a hit-and-run accident, finding a witness can significantly strengthen your case and help law enforcement authorities identify the responsible party.
• Consult with an Attorney: Seeking legal advice from an experienced attorney for an accident that wasn’t your fault can help you in a Kentucky personal injury and hit-and-run cases. A personal injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you understand the options for seeking compensation.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about the hit-and-run accident immediately. Provide them with all the details and documentation you have collected, including the police report and any photographs or witness statements. Stick to the facts and never admit fault, as doing so may hurt your personal injury claim. You can tell them where and when the accident happened, and also what type of accident it was, for example, if it was a rear-end car accident, or if it you were sideswiped in Bowling Green, or if you were T-boned in Bowling Green, these would be pieces of information to share.

Make sure to stay calm at the scene and when collecting evidence. If you have questions, consult a Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers attorney.

You can find the hit-and-run driver that caused the accident in Bowling Green, KY, with the help of an injury lawyer

While a car accident injury lawyer can undoubtedly assist in legal matters related to a hit-and-run accident in Bowling Green, it’s important to clarify that the lawyer’s primary role is to provide legal guidance, advocate for your rights, and help you navigate the legal process. However, a personal injury law firm like Hughes & Coleman can also aid in conducting investigations and gathering evidence. Although finding the hit-and-run driver typically involves the collaboration of law enforcement authorities and investigative procedures, a personal injury lawyer has extensive resources, and can increase the chance of finding the hit-and-run driver in comparison to searching for them alone or exclusively with authorities. When going about choosing the best car accident lawyer for you in Bowling Green after a hit-and-run, you should make sure that they have the resources to help you, especially when the identity of the other driver is unknown.

Understanding your insurance coverage following a hit-and-run

After a hit-and-run incident in Bowling Green, Kentucky, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of your insurance coverage. Being aware of the specifics of your policy can significantly impact the process of seeking compensation for any damages or injuries resulting from the accident. In Kentucky, there are three primary types of insurance policies.

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance: This coverage is mandatory in Kentucky unless you choose to reject it.
• Uninsured Motorist Insurance (UM): This type of auto insurance coverage protects insured individuals if they are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have liability insurance or whose insurance coverage is insufficient to cover the damages. UM coverage is required by Kentucky law.
• Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): This type of auto insurance protects policyholders in the event of an accident with a driver who has insurance, but the coverage limits are insufficient to cover the full extent of the damages. UIM coverage bridges the gap between the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage and the actual costs of injuries and property damage resulting from an accident.

Understanding the differences in your insurance policy is crucial to building a case against a hit-and-run accident.

Personal injury protection (PIP)

The state of Kentucky follows a “no-fault” auto insurance system, which requires drivers to carry PIP insurance. The minimum coverage limit is $10,000. To file a claim against another driver in a no-fault state, you must meet Kentucky’s injury threshold:

You must demonstrate at least one of the following:

• Medical bills over $1,000.
• You suffered a broken bone.
• You are suffering from permanent injury or disfigurement.

If a loved one dies due to accident-related injuries, you can also seek money for those injuries outside the no-fault system in Kentucky.

How does PIP insurance work with a hit-and-run accident in Kentucky?

If you are in Kentucky and have PIP insurance, the policy offers coverage for a hit-and-run accident. The PIP insurance will cover your injuries up to the policy limits, whether the driver is found responsible or not.

Uninsured motorist insurance

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) protects you from encountering an accident caused by a driver lacking insurance coverage. UM coverage is designed to compensate you for your injuries and damages.

Critical components of Uninsured Motorist coverage typically include:

• Bodily Injury Coverage
• Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Having UM coverage can provide peace of mind, especially when the other driver is not adequately insured. This coverage ensures you receive the necessary compensation for your injuries and damages, even if the at-fault driver doesn’t have sufficient insurance.

In Kentucky, the state imposes specific legal guidelines regarding the minimum liability coverage thresholds for insurance. These limits encompass:

• $25,000 for bodily injuries sustained by one individual.
• $50,000 for all bodily injuries sustained collectively by everyone injured in the accident.
• $10,000 for property damage.

Regarding “hit and run” scenarios, the Kentucky Uninsured Motorist Statute (KRS 304.20-020) does not explicitly address them. The inclusion of coverage for injuries caused by unknown motorists is an optional component of the policy, rather than a mandatory obligation. Furthermore, the statute does not designate a motor vehicle as uninsured solely because the driver left the scene and cannot be identified.

Ensure you fully understand your policy to ensure you are fully covered for a hit-and-run accident.

How can a car accident law firm assist with insurance coverage after a hit and run?

A personal injury law firm like Hughes & Coleman can provide valuable assistance in navigating insurance coverage issues after a hit-and-run incident.

1. Understanding Policy Coverage: A car accident law firm can review your insurance policy to ensure you understand the extent of your coverage, including any provisions related to hit-and-run accidents and uninsured motorist coverage.
2. Filing the Claim: The law firm can assist in filing the insurance claim, ensuring that all necessary documentation is provided promptly.
3. Negotiating with the Insurance Company: If there are challenges in obtaining a fair settlement from the insurance company, the law firm can intervene to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
4. Gathering Evidence: The firm can help gather evidence related to the hit-and-run incident, such as witness statements, photographs, and any other relevant documentation, to support your insurance claim.
5. Legal Representation: If the insurance company denies your claim or offers an inadequate settlement, the car accident law firm can provide legal representation.

Having Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers on your side can provide you with the necessary experience and support to navigate the complexities of insurance coverage after a hit-and-run accident, ensuring that you receive fair and just compensation for any damages or injuries incurred.

Kentucky’s hit-and-run law 

In Kentucky, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense. You are required to stay at the scene of the accident.

In Kentucky, is a hit-and-run a felony?

In Kentucky, a hit-and-run can result in either misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on factors like property damage, injuries, or fatalities.

What is a hit-and-run charge in Bowling Green?

Consequences for a hit-and-run vary based on the severity of injuries or property damage caused during the incident.

In Kentucky, fleeing the scene of an accident is considered a Class A misdemeanor in Bowling Green, with penalties ranging from $20 to $2,000 in fines and/or a potential jail term of up to one year.

If a hit-and-run involves injury or death, it becomes a Class D felony, carrying penalties of $1,000 to $10,000 in fines and/or a prison sentence ranging from one to five years.

Proving fault after a hit-and-run in Kentucky

If you’ve suffered injuries in a hit-and-run incident, our legal team in Bowling Green is here to provide a free, no-risk consultation. We will guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve from your insurance company.

Call us now

800-800-4600

Get it done.