The aftermath of a car accident usually means dealing with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If the driver who hit your car fled the scene, you have the added burden of attempting to identify them. If law enforcement cannot locate the car or driver, you must navigate the claims process with your own insurance company. Either option can be stressful and frustrating.
After a hit-and-run accident, seeking justice in Fort Lauderdale can be a time-consuming process. If you hire a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer, they can handle all the details of your civil case and focus on your financial recovery while you focus on healing.
Types of Hit-and-Run Accidents
A hit-and-run accident occurs when the driver who caused the collision leaves the scene without accepting responsibility or exchanging contact and insurance information. Hit-and-run cases can include all the following types of collisions:
- Hitting another car
- Striking a pedestrian
- Sideswiping while passing
- T-bone accidents
- Fender-benders
- Multi-car collisions
No matter what kind of accident you were involved in or where it happened (a parking lot, intersection, or highway), it was a hit-and-run if the at-fault driver fled the scene. The driver could have caused the accident without hitting your car (for example, they may have hit another car that subsequently hit yours). This is still considered a hit-and-run.
Why Some Drivers Flee the Scene of a Hit-and-Run Accident
Fear and panic are often cited as reasons a driver might leave the accident scene. Other reasons may include:
- The driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- The driver was knowingly uninsured.
- The involved vehicle was stolen.
- The driver had outstanding traffic tickets.
- The driver had outstanding warrants for their arrest.
Regardless, none of these reasons are acceptable. If a driver hit your car or otherwise caused your accident, they are legally obligated to remain at the scene.
Common Challenges Faced by Hit-and-Run Accident Victims
In Fort Lauderdale, leaving the scene of a car accident is a criminal offense, per Florida Statutes § 316.061. You likely want the driver to face the legal and financial consequences of their actions. A car accident attorney can help you overcome many of the potential setbacks of a hit-and-run accident, which can include:
- Identifying the at-fault car, driver, or both
- Filing a claim with your insurer
- Facing increased insurance rates after filing a claim
Ideally, both drivers would file a police report after a collision, as Florida Statutes § 316.066 requires. Even if the other driver fled, you should still file a police report. It can capture critical information that might lead to the other involved driver’s identity and can protect you from unfair allegations later.
The First Step in Seeking Hit-and-Run Accident Justice Is Identifying the Driver
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), nearly 25 percent of all car accidents in the state involve a hit-and-run. Steps you can take to identify the responsible party include:
- Call police to the accident scene immediately. Their investigation techniques can capture beneficial evidence.
- If your injuries permit, gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene, including witnesses’ contact details.
- Photo forensic techniques can greatly benefit hit-and-run victims. Canvass the scene for residential, commercial, smartphone, traffic, and dashcam footage.
Most hit-and-run drivers are never caught or identified, leaving the injured party to find another way to deal with the auto accident’s expenses and losses.
You Can Still Seek Financial Justice if the Driver Who Fled Cannot Be Found
Uninsured motorist insurance coverage is optional for vehicle owners in Florida. If your policy includes it, you can file a claim to recover economic and non-economic damages related to the accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. Your family can also request wrongful death damages, if applicable.
Personal injury protection insurance (PIP), which is mandatory in Florida, will cover many of your immediate post-accident medical expenses without regard to fault. Your insurance company may also aid in your investigation since they have a vested interest in finding the responsible driver. Via a process called subrogation, they could recoup the costs they incurred when processing your personal injury claim.
Call Now to Seek Justice for a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you or someone you love was injured in a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident, the pursuit of justice is your right. You do not have to bear the financial burden of another driver’s negligence and irresponsibility. Our personal injury lawyers will fight hard to identify the negligent driver who fled the scene or seek fair compensation from your car insurance policy.
Find out how a personal injury attorney can help you pursue financial compensation by contacting our legal team at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato. Call (954) 633-8270 today for a free initial consultation with our personal injury law firm. We’ll handle the entire legal process on your behalf and fight to hold the at-fault party accountable.
