Drivers who flee the scene after a crash are subject to serious criminal penalties, especially if the accident causes severe injuries to another motorist or pedestrian. If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Florida, lawyers recommend following a few key tips to recover damages for your injuries. Discover the ideal way to approach this difficult scenario.
The Four Immediate Steps Every Accident Victim Must Take
According to recent data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, hit-and-runs account for 11.7% of all motor vehicle crashes in the United States. You might not know what to do after a driver flees the scene. Lawyers advise victims to complete the following steps to strengthen their claim.
1. Contact Emergency Personnel
Say someone rear-ends your car and immediately drives off. The damage to your vehicle may seem minimal, and you don’t appear to have serious injuries. Still, always call 911 to report the accident.
Police will respond and file a report that comes in handy for hit-and-run crash claims in Florida. It’s also wise to receive immediate medical treatment so you can seek compensation for crash-related injuries.
2. Gather Important Evidence
After an accident with an unknown driver, the extent of legal help depends on the details you’re able to provide to the police. Try to remember as much as you can about the vehicle that hit you, including:
● Its color
● The make and model
● How many passengers were inside
● The license plate
Even seemingly minor details like bumper stickers can help law enforcement officers identify the at-fault driver.
3. Find Nearby Witnesses
After a hit-and-run accident in Florida, lawyers recommend contacting valid witnesses. Perhaps the accident happened in a residential area, and a property owner came to help you after the collision. Get their name and contact information so they can recount the incident to officials.
What if your vehicle was hit near a convenience store? A security camera might very well have captured the incident. Take note of your surroundings to find possible witnesses.
4. Document the Damage
Motorist and pedestrian hit-and-run attorneys rely on quantifiable losses when negotiating for fair settlements. Take photos of damage to your vehicle at the scene of the crash as well as visible injuries, such as cuts or bruises.
After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Florida, Lawyer Representation Is Essential
Once the other vehicle has fled the scene, legal support might not seem possible. How can you hold someone accountable for their actions if you can’t identify them? Thankfully, experienced attorneys know how to navigate the complexities of these cases.
Your lawyer will review your options for pursuing an insurance payout, including:
● Claiming personal injury protection coverage
● Inquiring about uninsured motorist coverage
● Proving comparative negligence of less than 50%
Unless you can identify the at-fault driver, you’ll have to make a claim with your auto insurance company. Trust your lawyer to negotiate with them and advocate for you to receive a fair payout.
If local police track down the liable driver before you accept a settlement, you can file a personal injury suit against them. This means that their insurance company would be responsible for compensating you for your medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Contact a Trusted Florida Hit-and-Run Injury Attorney Today
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident in Florida, lawyers at our firm will seek to maximize your compensation. Reach out to Hancock Injury Lawyers to discuss your options. We’re standing by and ready to help.
Contact our Tampa office at (813)328-5943 or submit our online request form to schedule a free consultation.