Hit and run driver fled, their company won't respond to anyone — what do I even do now?
I'm honestly at a loss and could use some perspective from people who've dealt with something similar.
About six weeks ago I was driving home on the highway when a van drifted into my lane and clipped the entire passenger side of my car. No warning, no brake lights — they just kept going. I managed to pull over safely, called 911, and an officer came out and took a full report. I also had a dashcam running the whole time, so I have clear footage of the plate and the impact.
Here's where it gets complicated: the van is registered to some kind of small logistics company. The police have already tracked down the driver and there are charges pending, but nobody — not me, not my insurance company — has been able to get the business to provide their liability insurance info. Calls go unanswered. Emails bounce. My insurer has been trying for over a month.
My own insurer says I can file under my collision coverage and pay my deductible while they "pursue subrogation," but honestly that feels wrong. I did nothing wrong here. There's video proof. Why should I be fronting money because some company is stonewalling?
The damage is significant — not totaled, but not cheap either. And I've had some neck stiffness that I've been getting checked out, so this isn't just a property thing.
Has anyone actually navigated something like this? Do I need a lawyer at this point? Is there another way to force the company to produce their insurance info — like through the ongoing criminal case or some state database?
Any advice appreciated. I'm not looking for someone to tell me everything will be fine — I want to know what actually works.