Hit and Run?

Question

Over the weekend my boyfriend was involved in a hit and run. He was hit by a car that ran a red light. Both of the drivers pulled over and exchanged info. At that time, the other driver told my boyfriend that he could just pay him cash for the damage, my boyfriend said no that he was going to call the PD. Well, the guy took off. We call the police and they said the driver's lisence number we were given isn't valid, but they were able to pull up the driver's info with the plate number and other info we did get. We have a police report showing the other driver at fault for the hit and run. We went to our insurance agent and were told that we were probably better off paying our deductable, getting the car fixed and letting the insurance companies battle it out and hope that we get it back. I'm basically wondering, what are the chances of getting the money back, the police going after the guy, and what to expect (ie: are we going to have to goto court?). Any help is appreciated.

Just a little more info based off 1 of the answers. The police marked it as a hit and run with over $500 in damage on our police report. Thank you!!

Answer 1

Well, to begin with it wasn't hit and run. He stopped and exchanged information with you. Leaving the scene of an accident, yes, but hit and run, no.

Count yourself lucky you have coverage that will take care of you with just a deductible. Many people gamble and don't take collision. Pay the deductible, get it fixed, and let your insurance try to get your money (and theirs) back from the deadbeat at fault. What are the chances? Well, to be honest, slim, but still better than you trying to do it yourself. The insurance will put their attorneys on it since they want their money back.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Several years ago I had some Hit and Run while my car was legally parked. Information on the driver was found because about four blocks down the street he hit a fire hydrant then a telephone pole. As we later found out his dad was in tight with the local city
politicians and the dude got a fifty dollar fine. He wrecked a total of four cars when he hit mine one of them being a classic 1964 Carmen Ghia. I went to my insurance with the information, I had full coverage, and they told me he was clearly responsible, and sent me to his insurance company. His insurance company totaled my car and cut me a check on the spot. If the dude that hit you you may want to try going to his insurance company with the police report and see what happens. It may be worth a try.

Answer 4

You should ALWAYS file the claim with your own insurance company! Let them fight it out, that's part of what you are paying for -- the full force of their staff attorneys. From what you say, you should be fine as far as recovering your deductible.

BTW, providing false information at the time of an accident IS hit-and-run. Some jurisdictions classify it as "hit-and-run by deception" which is sometimes a more serious crime than simple hit-and-run with PD. "Hit-and run" is a common term for leaving the scene of an accident without providing proper identification.

Answer 5

Lets just hope this other guy has insurance. That may be why he wanted to just pay cash for the damages.

Answer 6

if you pursue the case long enough eventually you will win seeing that the other driver was at fault. i hate pricks like that who'll take off once you dont agree to pay them for their mistake. if the other driver doesnt admit fault you'll likely have to go into court to straighten the issue