Road Rage leads to a hit and run accident in Manatee County Monday night.  According to the Bradenton Herald, a hit and run driver slammed into a 56 year old man on Chevy Chase Drive.  The victim was airlifted to a trauma center in St. Pete.  Witnesses told the newspaper they heard tires squealing and saw a dark colored car driving away from the victim, who was lying in the middle of the road.  The Sarasota Herald Tribune reports that the driver was angry because his car was blocked in by the victim's truck.  Sheriff's Deputies haven't made any arrests yet but they're asking for help or tips about the incident. 

It's tough to call this a hit and run "accident."   We know that someone ran over this man after a road rage incident, and then left him for dead in the road.  That's a crime, not an accident.  But now it gets complicated.  There are questions the victim's family needs to ask right away to make sure they get the insurance coverage they're entitled to, especially since the victim's injuries appear to be severe.

1. Will the victim's own insurance company cover the costs of this hit and run road rage accident?

2.  Does the victim have uninsured motorist coverage?  What happens if he doesn't have this coverage?

3.  If the suspected driver is caught, arrested, and found guilty at trial, will his/her insurance compensate the victim?

4.  Will the victim have to wait  for compensation until after the suspected driver is convicted at a trial?

We never know when a tragic car accident will happen and change everything. The only thing we can do as drivers is make sure to get the highest levels of insurance coverage possible.  But that's not even enough.  After an accident, it's important to hold the insurance company accountable.  A personal injury lawyer who handles accident cases like cases like this one can help the family navigate through the maze of red tape. For more information contact the attorneys at  Buckman and Buckman, P.A.