This is covered under your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, if you have it — and most states either require or strongly recommend it. File a claim with your own insurer. You can also sue the uninsured driver personally in civil court, though collecting can be difficult if they have limited assets.

Most states use comparative negligence — you can still recover compensation reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're 20% at fault and damages total $100,000, you can recover $80,000. A few states use contributory negligence, which can bar any recovery if you're even 1% at fault. Check your state's specific rules.

No. You have the right to negotiate. First offers are typically well below fair value. Counter with documentation: medical bills, lost wage proof, repair estimates, and a pain and suffering narrative. Only sign a release after you're confident the settlement covers all your losses — including future medical costs.

Bodily injury (BI) liability covers injuries to other people caused by your driving. Property damage (PD) liability covers damage to other people's property — their car, fence, mailbox, etc. Both are required in nearly every state. Your own medical bills are covered by Med-Pay or PIP (Personal Injury Protection) if you have them, or by the at-fault driver's BI coverage.

Call 911 immediately. Note the vehicle description, plate number (even partial), direction of travel, and any witnesses. Check for nearby security cameras. File a police report — without it, your uninsured motorist (UM) claim will likely be denied. Your UM coverage is typically your primary resource in hit-and-run cases.

Simple property damage claims with clear liability can settle in 2–4 weeks. Injury claims involving ongoing treatment typically take 3–6 months after you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). Disputed cases or those going to litigation can take 1–3 years or longer. It's generally better to wait until you fully understand your medical prognosis before settling.