Passenger in hit-and-run accident, insurance claim denied. How to proceed?

Question

On the last day of June 2024, I was a passenger in a car involved in a hit-and-run accident in Los Angeles. The hit-and-run driver was later caught. I suffered a severe concussion and was not aware of my surroundings, including the hospital where I was treated overnight. The driver of the car I was in threatened me not to make a claim and blocked any contact with him and his family. I've never received hospital or ambulance bills, leading me to suspect they might have been paid by someone else. On April 8, 2025, I received a letter from State Farm, denying a claim I never made against the driver's insurance. Despite my attempts, I haven't been able to obtain a police report from the LAPD, even though an officer asked for my name at the scene. How can I address this situation, investigate the denied claim, and ensure that proper action is taken concerning the accident?

James Otto Heiting · Answer

You should consult a lawyer to see if you want to hire one.  If you can, and if the lawyer will take the case, all your questions should be answered, and the lawyer will get things done for you.

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

You’ve been through something traumatic, and it’s completely valid to want answers and accountability. Since you received a denial letter from State Farm for a claim you never filed, start by contacting them directly. Request a copy of the denied claim and all documents they have on file related to you and the accident. This will help you understand who submitted the claim and what information was used. 
 
Next, you should try again to obtain the police report. Visit the LAPD in person if possible and provide the date, location, and details of the accident. Since you gave your name to the officer at the scene, your presence should be in the report, even if you weren’t fully aware at the time. You can also submit a written request and follow up persistently. 
 
If you suspect the hospital and ambulance bills were paid by someone else, request an itemized billing history directly from the hospital and EMS provider. Ask if your treatment was billed to any insurance or third party. Since the other driver threatened you, it may also be worth documenting that threat and bringing it to the attention of legal counsel or law enforcement. You have the right to seek injury compensation, and no one has the right to silence you.

Q: Passenger in hit-and-run accident, insurance claim denied. How to proceed?