Plymouth MA Hit and Run Emphasizes Importance of Good Auto Ins Coverage

A hit and run accident occured in Plymouth, MA this past Monday, June 28, 2010 when a driver passed another person standing outside of her car in the breakdown lane of Route 44 West.  According to news reports, the driver then went on to crash into someone’s house in Plymouth.  The driver passed out when he hit the house.  Both the driver and the hit-and-run victim were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

The breakdown lane of a highway is a terribly dangerous place for a pedestrian. Oncoming traffic is traveling at a high rate of speed, drivers may be distracted, and reaction times can be a bit slower.  

Dangers loom for pedestrians, though, in the busy traffic areas around Fall River and New Bedford.   The most recent report from a Transportation for America study, identified that one of the most dangerous areas for pedestrians in Massachusetts is the Providence Fall River and New Bedford area.  

Fortunately, pedestrians who are hurt in New Bedford and Fall River hit-and-run accidents are able to assert claims against the person who hit them, even if the driver is not found immediately. Chapter 260 of the Massachusetts General Laws allows a victim to file a claim against the driver up to 6 months after learning the driver’s identity – IF the time, place, and facts of the accident were submitted in writing to the RMV within 30 days of the accident.  So it is important to file an RMV accident report.  (Remember, though, the accident had to have occurred within the previous 3 years of bringing the claim.)

If you cannot find the driver of a hit and run, though, your Massachusetts auto insurance policy provides you with coverage.  The coverage is known as "Uninsured Motorist Coverage" and it requires your insurance company to pay for bodily injury or death from a hit-and-run  accident.  Even if you don't have auto insurance of your own, you may still be eligible for coverage if a household member has insurance coverage.  

For more information about auto insurance coverage, check out our book about The 5 Biggest Mistakes Consumers Make When Buying Car Insurance.  It's absolutely FREE to Massachusetts residents.  Or, if you've been in a New Bedford or Fall River hit-and-run accident and would like to speak with a lawyer, just contact us - we'll be happy to answer your questions.