When a victim dies in a car accident, the surviving loved ones feel the lasting devastation. When the other driver flees the scene, the grieving process is prolonged due to the lack of understanding and justice.
In 2019, there were 12,436 hit-and-run collisions in Kentucky with 1,121 people injured and 17 fatalities according to a report from the Kentucky Transportation Center. Unfortunately, these statistics underscore the impact hit-and-run wrongful death accidents have on the state.
Man Dies in Hit-and-Run Accident in Washington County
The Washington County Sheriffs’ office reported that two vehicles were in an accident Tuesday morning, April 7, 2020. A Dodge Ram Truck and a Honda Civic collided on Route 160 near Bunker Hill Church. Police say that evidence at the scene suggests that the Ram crossed the centerline and hit the Civic.
When the deputies arrived, they found that the driver of the Ram had fled the scene. Police later arrested the driver who is being charged with felony fleeing the scene of an accident where a death occurred.
Hit-and-Run and Wrongful Death
When a driver flees the scene, it affects just about every aspect of the accident. Initially, the and victim is in danger of further injury unless there are others around that can call authorities. If the driver is never found, then it’s impossible to make a claim against the insurance company.
This is significant because it may mean that the victim doesn’t get compensated for his or her injuries. It also adds to the mental anguish of the survivors in a wrongful death case who wonder why the person just left their loved one there to die.
Compensation in a Hit-and-Run Wrongful Death
If the driver flees the scene but is later found, then the driver’s insurance will cover the damages for a wrongful death claim. However, if the driver is never found, it may mean that those financially dependent on the deceased won’t get compensation for their loss. The insurance company won’t pay for damages.
Personal Injury Protection:(PIP) Kentuck is one of a few states that allow their driver to purchase a PIP insurance plan. Then if they get into an accident, the PIP will pay up to $10,000 for injuries, lost time from work and even death benefits. For any expenses above $10,000, the victim can sue the at-fault driver.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist’s Coverage: (UM/UIM) Another option is for the victim’s family to use the victim’s insurance policy so long as they have UM/UIM coverage. If they do, this works the same as if the other driver’s insurance company was identified and paying compensation.
Medpay: Medpay is an add-on policy provision that a driver in Kentucky can add to their coverage. If they do, then they can seek compensation for bodily injury (medical bills) up to cap, which is usually $5,000 or $10,000 in Kentucky.
If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident where the driver fled, then contact an attorney right away. Don’t talk to anyone from the other party’s insurance (if known) of your own insurance company until you’ve spoken to an attorney.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today
Accident victims often wonder if they need an attorney, and the answer is almost always yes. The insurance company agents have years of experience and are good at their job, which is to pay you as little as possible or nothing at all. You need someone just as experienced to help you level the field. Talk to someone you can trust to be on your side and get you what is yours under the law.
The attorneys at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, have that knowledge and a combined 100 years’ experience in helping clients get the results they deserve. To discuss your case, call Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC today, at (800) 937-8443 or click here to contact them online.
