You’re in a bad situation already, and it only gets more terrifying and random if you get injured by the person who did it. You’re in a car accident, the fault of another driver who has made a run for it, and now you’re left to cope with your injuries and damage to your vehicle without any idea who is responsible. Being aware of what to do during such crucial times can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your health, your rights, and your financial stability.
In this blog, we offer a step-by-step guide on what to do after a hit-and-run accident in Florida — from how to report the crash and gather evidence, getting a handle on your insurance coverage, and when it’s in your best interests to seek advice from an experienced personal injury car accident lawyer at Kearney Law. Taking the time to talk to an attorney from Kearney Law can help you pursue the compensation you deserve and move forward with peace of mind.
Key Takeaways:
- A hit-and-run accident happens when a driver leaves the scene without sharing information or helping victims.
- Always stay safe, call the police, and never chase the fleeing driver.
- Gather evidence: note vehicle details, take photos, and collect witness contacts. personal injury car accident lawyer
- Florida’s “no-fault” law covers initial medical bills, but you may need further compensation.
- A personal injury car accident lawyer can help you file claims and recover full damages.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident
All car accidents are upsetting, but a hit-and-run can make you feel especially helpless. Knowing how to protect yourself, your rights, and your money in its aftermath can be a game-changer. By doing the proper things, you can increase your chances of receiving a full recovery that you are owed and prevent serious financial damage from the accident over the long run.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run is a type of motor vehicle accident in which the driver responsible flees the scene intentionally, without offering their information to others and helping victims if there are any. A hit-and-run is generally a misdemeanor offense, but when there are injuries or death as a result of the crime, it can take on very serious connotations in terms of potential punishments and sentencing.
If your car insurance includes collision coverage, it could help pay for damages to your vehicle. Uninsured motorist coverage, known as U.M., also can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage if the person who caused an accident can’t be found or is uninsured.
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What to Do (and Not to Do) After a Hit-and-Run
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, take the following steps immediately:
- Call the police to report the accident.
- Do not chase the fleeing driver. This could put you and others in further danger.
- Document everything you can about the incident:
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- The direction the other driver fled
- License plate number (if visible)
- Make, model, and color of the vehicle
- Type and extent of the damage
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Gather witness information. Ask anyone nearby if they saw the accident and are willing to make a statement. Collect their contact details.
Take photos of your vehicle, the scene, and any debris.
Once you’ve reported the accident and gathered evidence, contact an auto accident attorney. If you were injured, a personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your medical bills and other damages.
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Call us at (727) 592-8606
Medical Expense Compensation After a Hit-and-Run
(Florida is a “no-fault” state, meaning drivers must first notify their own insurance company of medical bills.) This way, you can get immediate payment for your injuries regardless of who was responsible for the accident. But what your insurance pays out may fall short of actually making you whole. That’s where a personal injury lawyer from Kearney Law can step in to help you pursue further damages.
Each case is unique, and your car accident lawyer will calculate these damages based on your specific circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What to do after a hit and run :
First, get yourself to a safe location and call the police to report the assault. Avoid chasing the fleeing driver. Instead, record as much information as you can, from the make and model of the vehicle to any description of color to a license plate number (if one was visible), and where they headed. Photograph the scene and gather witness contact information.
2. Will my insurance pay for hit-and-run damage?
Yes, depending on your coverage. Collision coverage could cover repair to your car, while uninsured motorist coverage can help with medical bills, lost income, and more if someone who is at fault is not identified or insured.
3. What if the hit-and-run driver is later found?
If the driver is identified, you can file a claim through their insurance or pursue legal action for damages. Inform your personal injury attorney right away to protect your rights.
4. What impact does Florida’s “no-fault” insurance law have on the victims of hit-and-run drivers?
Florida’s no-fault system requires each driver to first file a claim with their own insurance for medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault. However, you can still seek more in compensation by filing a personal injury claim if your damages are greater than what your policy covers.
5. How soon should I call an attorney after a hit and run?
You will want to speak with a personal injury or car accident lawyer immediately following the incident (if not before you have already reported). A lawyer can guide you through the process of making insurance claims, collecting evidence, and seeking the compensation to which you are entitled.
