Do you ever feel like you need a long break from working and paying the bills? Like many others in Vegas, you probably choose to blow off steam on The Strip.
Sadly, these fun nights out on the town can quickly become a nightmare because of another person’s negligence.
If you are in a hit-and-run accident in Vegas (which happens more often than you think), you might assume the other driver is insured. If they are not, you would want your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to kick in fast.
Unfortunately, UM claims are not paid automatically. You can submit all the right documents in time, but it does not mean you will avoid a drawn-out battle with your insurer.
If things go south like this after a hit-and-run, you must get a lawyer on your side. The more you understand how insurance rules and dodgy tactics work, the easier it will be for the UM insurance fight.
What to Know About Insurer Tactics
Even before you send in your claim, know that your insurer is not looking forward to paying it. Insurance companies are businesses first. They want to make money, not pay it. Their first concern is their bottom line, not to protect you.
It does not matter whether you have been paying your premiums without fail. Your insurer will try and find a way to deny your claim. They will try to pay you less if they can’t deny it.
They do this using several tactics. They may delay the process, hoping you will give up on your claim. The adjuster may also argue that your injuries or damages are not that severe.
If this doesn’t work, they may ask you for the same documents over and over again to delay the process some more. You may send emails that never get answered or be promised phone calls that never happen.
If they cannot get away with this, they will throw the ultimate tactic at you: a lowball offer. They will offer you a subpar settlement that will not cover all your expenses and damages. They will also try to pressure you into accepting the offer without thinking about it too much.
What to Do About Dodgy Insurance Tactics
You must have one up on the insurer if you want to overcome their tactics.
If an uninsured driver hits you and speeds away from the scene, you must call the police first. You need the official police report as part of your claim. While you wait for an officer to arrive, take photos of everything, including vehicle damage and injuries.
Calling the police will also alert emergency services. When the paramedics arrive on the scene, allow them to give you the medical treatment you need. You must also go to urgent care or the emergency room if they advise you to. If you don’t, your insurer can argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.
Speaking of insurers, you must let yours know about the accident as soon as possible. Whatever you do, do not make a recorded statement while speaking to them on the phone. Get a lawyer’s advice before telling them anything.
If you do not have a lawyer, get one fast.
Ignore Lowball Offers
You can do everything right and still get a lowball offer. Fortunately, if you have a lawyer on your side, they will advise you to ignore or decline it. Even if you are most tempted to accept it, don’t.
Your insurance is banking on you being frustrated and irritated enough to accept their first offer. Their offers are always too low to cover even your basic expenses and damages.
If your lawyer agrees, decline the offer in writing. Also, ask the insurance adjuster to send you the calculations. Compare these to your actual damages and let your lawyer send through a counterclaim.
Know What Your Insurance Covers
It is important to know what your insurance covers in case of an accident. Generally speaking, you should have coverage for medical treatment, car damage, and lost income. You may also get a payment for pain and suffering and ongoing medical care.
Why Hiring a Lawyer Is Not Optional
Do not try to win the claim fight without a lawyer. Insurance adjusters usually love dealing with claimants with no representation because they are easier to manipulate. Getting a lawyer puts some of the power back in your hands.
Ideally, you should hire your lawyer even before you submit the claim. But you can also hire one if your claim is denied or your insurer blames you for the accident.
If your insurer refuses to be fair about the claims process, you can take further steps, too. Your lawyer may advise you to file a complaint with the Nevada Division of Insurance.
Doing this might put pressure on your insurer to be fair with your settlement. If you do not want to file a complaint, you can try to resolve the issue through mediation or arbitration. If it still makes no difference, your lawyer will probably advise you to file an official lawsuit.
Sometimes, just the threat of legal action is enough to stop dodgy tactics and stalling.
Do Not Go Through It All Again
Being involved in a hit-and-run is a nightmare – there is no better way of describing it. But you don’t have to relive it if you are prepared.
You can protect yourself and your rights by knowing what your policy‘s fine print says. You should also update the limits so that you have enough money in case something happens again. Upgrade your coverage if you find gaps that may mean you have to pay if your funds run out.
If you are in another accident, do not wait to report it (it will count against you). Ideally, you want to have your lawyer on speed dial so you can get legal advice, too.
