When you or a loved one sustains injuries in a car accident caused by another driver, you expect the at-fault driver and their insurance company to take reasonable and responsible actions after the accident. When the at-fault driver leaves the accident scene before you can collect their information, you may be unsure of how to pay your medical bills, property damage, and other losses.
What to do When another driver causes a car accident and flees the scene in Fort Myers, Florida?
When another driver causes a car accident and flees the scene, an attorney can help you take legal steps to pursue the hit and run driver. While you seek vital emergency and follow-up medical attention, a Fort Myers hit and run accident lawyer can begin gathering evidence to prove your claim. Your hit and run accident attorney in Fort Myers may even be able to start the process of filing an insurance claim to recoup your accident-related financial damages.
If you were involved in a hit and run car accident, our Fort Myers hit and run accident lawyer, can fight for the financial compensation you deserve in an accident. Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato at (954) 633-8270 for a free, no-obligation case review.
How to File a Police Report as Soon as Possible After a Hit and Run Car Accident In Fort Myers?
When you are involved in a car accident in the state of Florida, you should file a police report for your own protection. If another party involved in the accident leaves the scene, this accident report becomes even more important.
Typically, a law enforcement officer will appear at the scene, document details, and file a police report. If a police officer does not show up at the scene of your accident, you will need to file the report yourself, either online or at the local police station.
The state requires you to file a written report of crashes within 10 days of the car accident in any of the following situations:
- Anyone in either car was injured
- Anyone in either car was fatally injured
- At least one of the drivers was under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Either vehicle was damaged or destroyed
- Either car was a commercial vehicle
A Fort Myers hit and run accident attorney can get your case started on strong footing by obtaining a copy of the police report, along with other pieces of evidence to support your claim. Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato at (954) 633-8270 today for your free consultation.
What Evidence Should Collect After Your Hit & Run Accident In Fort Myers, Florida?
Identifying and locating a hit and run driver can prove to be both challenging and time-consuming. It can be helpful to collect the following types of information in the aftermath of a hit and run accident:
- Name and contact information of any passengers
- Name and contact information of any witnesses
- Name and badge number of police officers at the accident scene
- Name and contact information of your insurance company
- Videos of the accident scene
If your injuries do not prevent you from doing so, you should also take pictures of your car from every angle. Take pictures of the scene of the accident, as well and pictures that clearly depict road conditions. These visual items go a long way toward substantiating your claim, and our Fort Myers personal injury lawyer team can use these images, along with the accident report, medical records, and other documents to fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Penalties for Hit and Run Drivers in Florida?
More than 400,000 car accidents took place in the state of Florida in 2017, with nearly 25% of Florida crashes involving a hit and run.
When caught, these hit and run drivers face serious penalties including:
- Being charged with a first-, second-, or third-degree felony
- Minimum four-year jail or prison sentence
- Loss of driving privileges for a minimum of three years
- Mandatory community service in a hospital or trauma center
- Mandatory attendance in driver training courses
In addition to other possible penalties, a hit and run driver may also be ordered to pay financial restitution to the victims of the accident. A Fort Myers hit and run accident lawyer may be able to help you locate and identify the at-fault driver, as well as establish their role in your accident and liability for your damages.
Contact a Fort Myers Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
When you or a member of your family are blindsided by a hit and run accident, you should not have to struggle to receive the compensation you deserve. The support of a lawyer can ease the process of locating the at-fault driver and/or turning to the insurance company for coverage.
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato at (954) 633-8270 right away so we can review the details of your case and discuss your legal options for moving forward to recovery.
We also help the victims of other practice areas:
