As a car accident victim, you have the right to recover compensation for your losses. But what if the other driver flees the scene and law enforcement can’t locate them? Recovering compensation may be more challenging, but you can still file a claim for damages with your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage or another insurance policy, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or MedPay.
A Fort Lauderdale hit-and-run accident attorney from our personal injury law firm can guide you through the legal and insurance processes and help you explore options for recovering compensation when a Fort Lauderdale hit-and-run driver isn’t found.
What Are a Fort Lauderdale Hit-and-Run Victim’s Rights?
A hit-and-run accident can impact you for life, but you do have rights. First, you have the right to file a claim with your insurance provider to recover damages. If the other driver can be found, you have the right to file a claim with their insurer for any damages your policy won’t cover. You may also file a personal injury lawsuit against them.
Additionally, you have the right to obtain legal representation. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can protect your rights and handle your personal injury claim so you can focus on healing.
Can You Still Claim Compensation in Fort Lauderdale if a Hit-and-Run Driver Can’t Be Found?
It’s frustrating to not be able to sue for a hit-and-run accident in Fort Lauderdale and hold a negligent driver accountable for their actions and your damages. But all is not lost. Even if law enforcement can’t find the hit-and-run driver, you may still recover compensation by filing a claim through an insurance policy you hold, such as PIP.
What Does PIP Insurance Cover?
Florida has a no-fault insurance system, so all drivers must have PIP coverage, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. You will usually file a claim with your PIP after any auto accident, regardless of who is at fault. According to Florida Statutes § 627.736, PIP generally covers 80 percent of your medical bills up to $10,000.
PIP can also cover up to 60 percent of your lost wages (up to policy limits) if the accident results in a disability that temporarily or permanently prevents you from working. If you lose someone you love in an accident, PIP provides death benefits up to $5,000.
In addition to these damages, PIP also covers replacement services such as household cleaning and child care. Our legal team can walk you through the Fort Lauderdale hit-and-run accident claim process.
What Other Options Do I Have for Recovering Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
If you have MedPay and/or UM/UIM coverage, these policies may also provide compensation after a hit-and-run crash.
- MedPay is an optional addition to car insurance that you may have purchased when you bought your policy. It can help pay for medical costs that PIP doesn’t cover.
- UM/UIM coverage is also optional in Florida, but your insurance company must offer it when you buy a policy (per Florida Statutes § 627.727). UM/UIM provides coverage for accidents with drivers who have no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your losses, and it can also pay for expenses associated with a hit-and-run accident.
A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help you explore all possible avenues of compensation if the at-fault driver cannot be found.
What Is the Hit-and-Run Settlement Process in Fort Lauderdale?
After a hit-and-run accident in Fort Lauderdale, we recommend taking the following steps:
- Find safety: Leaving the scene of a hit-and-run accident is a crime, but you should find a safe place nearby to assess your wellbeing.
- Report the accident: Call 911 to report the accident. The dispatcher will alert law enforcement and emergency medical responders. The police will investigate the accident, search for the responsible party, and write a report.
- Seek medical care: Delaying medical treatment can be detrimental to your health and your hit-and-run case. We encourage you to seek treatment immediately so your doctor can tend to your injuries and document them.
- Inform your insurance provider: Contact your PIP, UM/UIM, or MedPay insurance provider and begin the process of filing a claim.
- Consult a personal injury attorney: A lawyer can help you file one or more claims, investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate for a fair settlement with the insurance company.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney From the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato Help You After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
If you choose our law firm to represent you, we will:
- Investigate your hit-and-run accident
- Gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and photographic evidence
- Demand fair compensation from your insurance provider
Learn More About Recovering Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Accident Today
While you may not be able to hold the negligent party accountable for the hit-and-run accident because they can’t be found, you still have options available to avoid a large financial burden, including your PIP, MedPay, or UM/UIM insurance coverage. We can walk you through the process. Please contact the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato for a free initial consultation today.
