One out of every 5 pedestrians killed in an auto accident was a hit and run victim according to a receipt study by the Department of Transportation.
Even though you may not be able to identify the driver or owner of the vehicle that injured you in a hit-and-run accident, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries. Although it is not mandatory, many automobile insurance policies provide Uninsured Motorist Benefits (“UM”). If you have UM coverage, then you are entitled to make a claim against your own insurance company to compensate you for your loss. Your insurance company essentially steps in the shoes of the “unidentified” driver.
What happens when if you have no insurance?
In the event that you are injured in a hit-and-run, but you do not have any auto insurance coverage, you may be able to make a claim against the New Jersey Property Liability Insurance Guaranty Association as statutory administrator for the Unsatisfied Claim and Judgment Fund. The purpose of this fund “is to provide a measure of relief to persons who sustain losses inflicted by financially irresponsible or unknown owners and operators of motor vehicles, where such persons would otherwise be remediless.” N.J.S. 39:6-61. Accordingly, a victim of a hit-and-run who is a New Jersey resident with no auto insurance can obtain some degree of medical benefits, as well as recover compensation for their noneconomic loss and property damage.
The catch is that you must make a claim within 180 days of the accident. According to N.J.S. 39:6-65, a claimant must give notice within 180 days of the accident of their intention to make a claim for their accident-related damages. Therefore, it is imperative you seek legal representation right away in order to help get your medical bills paid and to compensation you for your injuries.