What to do in case of a hit-and-run?
July 15, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Jessica Lange
Dear lawyer,
my name is Sandra Bergmann and I have a question regarding hit and run. Last week, my car was damaged in a parking lot while I was shopping. Unfortunately, the culprit did not contact me and simply drove away. I have already filed a report with the police, but so far they have not been able to locate the perpetrator.
Now I am worried about what to do next. My car is damaged and I have no way of getting the damage reimbursed by the culprit. I rely on my car and need it daily for work. What can I do now to settle the damage and hold the culprit accountable?
Are there legal options to cover the damage, even if the culprit is not found? Do I have to bear the repair costs myself or is there a way to handle the damage through my insurance? Can I take legal action to hold the culprit accountable?
I am truly concerned about the financial implications of this hit and run and I hope you can help me. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Sandra Bergmann
Dear Mrs. Bergmann,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding hit and run incidents. I am sorry to hear that you have been a victim of such an incident. Hit and run is a serious offense, and it is important that you take all necessary legal steps to be able to settle the damages and hold the perpetrator accountable.
In your case, you have already taken the right step by reporting the incident to the police. The police will try to identify the culprit, but this can sometimes be difficult, especially if there are no witnesses or clues to the perpetrator. In such cases, it is possible that the perpetrator is not found, but that does not mean you have to bear the damages yourself.
If the perpetrator is not found, you have the option to settle the damages through your insurance. Many car insurances offer comprehensive coverage that also includes damages from hit and run incidents. In this case, you can contact your insurance company and report the damages. The insurance company will usually cover the repair costs, minus any deductibles.
It is also possible to take legal action to hold the perpetrator accountable. Even if the culprit is not found, you can file a civil lawsuit against unknown parties and try to claim damages. It is advisable to seek advice from an experienced attorney in order to enforce your claims.
In any case, it is important to gather all documents and evidence related to the incident to support your claims. This includes photos of the damage, witness statements (if available), the police report, and all relevant insurance documents. The more information you have, the better you can present your case.
I hope this information is helpful to you and wish you success in settling the damages. If you have any further questions or need legal assistance, I am at your disposal.
Sincerely,
Jessica Lange
Attorney specializing in traffic law
