How to Handle a Hit and Run Accident?

Road Accident Scenarios

Road accidents statistics show how roads have become disastrous for the public. Major contributors to these accidents include rash driving, violation of traffic rules, and lack of concentration. Also, these statistics show how important it is to have the right two-wheeler insurance policy to protect your bike.

Furthermore, it is essential to have proper knowledge of how to handle a hit-and-run case. To assist you with this, here are two case scenarios-

1. Case Scenario 1

   A vehicle accidentally hits your bike and flees from the accident spot without providing his/her contact details. This is referred to be a hit-and-run case.

   Here it becomes difficult to find the faulty driver and pay the damages caused to your bike. In case you manage to find the offender, you can easily ask him/her to pay for the damages caused to your bike under a third-party bike insurance claim. However, if you are unable to find that person, you are liable to pay for your bike damages on your own.

2. Case Scenario 2

   When your insured bike accidentally hits a third party in a road mishap. This indicates that you are the faulty driver and you are liable to cooperate with the third party.

   As third-party liability cover is mandatory for all vehicle owners, so you have to compensate for the damages caused to the third party. It is highly advised not to escape from the accident spot and pay for the damages caused to the third party.

What to Do if Someone Hits Your Bike?

If a vehicle hits your bike in an accident, ideally, that third party should pay for the damages caused to your bike. But unfortunately, he/she left the accident spot without acknowledging the instance. In such a case, you might be wondering what to do next.

Take a look at the below guide if your bike is damaged in the run-and-hit incident-

1. Find the Offender's Details

   If your bike is damaged in a hit-and-run accident, the first thing to do is to remain alert and calm simultaneously. Avoid following the offender. As you might lose access to significant witnesses at the accident spot and might not catch the offender.

   Always try to note down or take picture of the fleeing vehicle's number plate. With the help of a vehicle registration number, you can easily find the vehicle owner details on the VAHAN web portal. Also, this information will help the police to gather other crucial details related to the accident.

2. Find Witness to the Accident

   The next to-do-thing is to find the witness and talk to him/her. Try to find the people who witnessed the whole accident scene. Ask them if they are willing to testify for you and take their contact details. This will strengthen your hit-and-run insurance compensation.

3. Call the Police and Register an FIR

   Park your damaged bike aside and call the police to report the incident. In case of a hit-and-run accident, you must file an FIR with the police. The police will begin the investigation after the case is filed and might find the fleeing driver.

   Moreover, many insurers ask their policyholder to submit a copy of the Police FIR to raise a third-party bike insurance claim. Therefore, you might have to submit the FIR copy to the offender's insurer.

4. Look for Any Security Cameras

   It would be a great aid if you find any security cameras that might have captured the whole accident. Generally, highways have security cameras installed. If you find any recording of the accident, take a copy of the footage as it will act as evidence for you.

5. Take Photographs of Accident Spot

   Take pictures of the accident spot and your damaged bike. After all, it will act as evidence for the police investigation. Also, these will help in getting your claims approved by the insurer.

6. Inform Your Motor Insurance Provider

   It is your foremost duty to notify your insurer about the incident at the earliest. It will help you in raising claims for your the own-damages under your comprehensive bike insurance policy. Send the pictures and CCTV footage from the accident spot to your insurer.

   Do not move your insured vehicle from the accident spot until the surveyor arrives, inspects the situation, and sends your bike for repairs.

Hit and Run Compensation in India

As per Section 161 of the Motor Vehicle Act, for the death of the victim during the hit-and-run case, the compensation is Rs 2,00,000. However, if it is a bodily injury of the victim, the compensation amount is Rs 50,000.

Along with this, you might get involved in the legal consequences that include the cancellation of your driving license along with hefty fines and detention. That is why it is highly advised not to flee from the place of an incident if you are ever involved in a road accident.

How to Claim Insurance After Accident?

To raise a claim for own damages in a road accident under your comprehensive bike insurance, you will first inform your insurance provider about the accident.

Intimate your insurer as early as possible because they will send the surveyor to inspect the situation and evaluate the damages. After which, they will send your insured bike to the network garage or non-network garage as per your preferences.

You must submit all the required documents, including photographs and CCTV footage to the motor insurance company to get your claim approved.

Final Words

If you are involved in a hit-and-run case and have killed someone accidentally, your insurance company will pay the monetary compensation to the deceased's family. However, if you are the victim of a hit-and-run case, you must have the right bike insurance policy to raise claims for your own damages.

Moreover, it is compulsory to have personal accident cover with your two-wheeler insurance policy. For pillion riders, you can buy an add-on cover with your comprehensive bike insurance policy.