Florida Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
Hit and run accidents have, unfortunately, become a common occurrence in Florida. In 2012 alone, there was 67,968 total reported hit and run accidents. 17,000 resulted in injuries and 166 were fatal.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, South Florida accounts for 1/3 of all hit and run accidents in the state in 2012. Miami-Dade saw 12,813 hit and runs, Broward 7,857, and Palm Beach 3,381. There are many reasons why people responsible for causing an accident may leave the scene. They may not have realized they hit something. They may have been intoxicated. They may be afraid of the legal ramifications of their actions, particularly if the accident caused injury or property damage.
Whatever the reason, it is tremendously unfair to the victims, who may feel like they have no options if the other driver is never identified. However, damages can be available to victims of hit-and-run accidents, even if the other driver is never found.
What is Florida Hit and Run Law?
Any individual involved in an accident resulting in damage to a vehicle or property must stop their vehicle immediately and remain at the scene until they have provided certain identifying information (Fla. Stat. § 316.06).
Anyone who has been involved in a crash that resulted in death or injury must stop their vehicle immediately and remain at the scene until they have provided certain identifying information (Fla. Stat. § 316.027). In addition to the exchange of information, a person is required to give reasonable assistance to anyone who has been injured due to the accident.
Personal identifying information must be provided to anyone else involved in an accident that resulted in injury, death or property damage; or to a law enforcement officer (Fla. Stat. § 316.062):
- Name
- Address
- Vehicle registration number
- Driver’s license information
What are the Types of Hit and Run Accidents?
Hit and run accidents aren’t limited to collisions between a pedestrian and a car. If a driver hits a car that is parked and unattended and fails to leave a note with contact information, that driver has committed a hit and run.
If there is a collision between two cars and one leaves, the driver that leaves is guilty of hit and run, regardless of whether he or she caused the accident. Additionally, collisions involving bicycles, motorcycles or any type of vehicle on the road can be a hit and run if one of the parties leaves the scene.
What Are My Options After a Hit and Run in Florida?
Even if the other driver is never found, you may be able to collect damages from your own insurance company. You should review your auto insurance policy to see if you purchased uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This provision protects individuals who are involved in an accident with a driver that does not have enough coverage to pay for damages, or if the motorist was uninsured.
UM/UIM coverage will also provide damages in the event of a hit and run. Working with your insurance company, however, can be complicated. Even though you bought your policy and pay your premiums, they still don’t want to have to pay you money. For help in dealing with an insurance company after a hit-and-run accident.
Involved In A Hit And Run Accident In Florida
If you were involved in a hit and run accident in Florida, you should call 911 and get the medical attention that you need and create a police report for the incident.
Next, you may want to call a hit-and-run accident lawyer. Hit and run accidents are serious, and you should be able to bring the liable party to justice for your losses. You may want to retain a Florida hit-and-run accident attorney to help you.
Determining Liability in Hit And Run Accidents
When somebody leaves the scene of an accident, many would assume that the aforementioned individual did something wrong. Why else would a person leave the scene before exchanging information with the other driver?
A person could have any number of reasons for leaving the scene of an accident they caused. You cannot know the motives of drivers until you analyze all available evidence pertaining to the accident. It is possible that a person left the scene of an accident because they were acting negligently in some way when the accident occurred. This includes the following scenarios:
- They did not have the proper driving documents—namely license, registration, and insurance
- They were drunk or under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident
- They believe that they can avoid financial punishment by leaving the scene, yet in doing so put themselves in even greater trouble
- They have engaged in some dangerous behavior that caused the accident, such as speeding or crossing into or out of lanes illegally
The fact that the liable driver involved in a car accident left the scene precedes their excuse for leaving. You may be entitled to compensation if you were injured or suffered losses due to another driver who left after hitting your vehicle.
Call a Lawyer Today to Discuss Insurance Cover in Hit & Run Accident
A lawyer can help you identify the next steps in pursuing compensation. Whether the defendant in your case was charged with leaving the scene or not, you may be able to bring a case in civil court.
Our Attorneys Help in a hit and run investigations:
A hit and run accident attorney can help you pursue awards by:
- Filing your case in court as soon as possible
- Collecting evidence of wrongdoing by the defendant, including police reports that cite hit and run
- Formulating a case for compensation
- Handling every step required to complete your case
- Defending your rights throughout the legal process
Hit & Run Accident Compensation Covers:
If your claim is successful, you could collect compensation covering:
- Damage to your vehicle
- Any medical problems that arose from the accident
The above include just some of the forms of compensation that you may be eligible to receive.
Contact Our Lawyer Today to Learn More About Your Compensation
A hit-and-run accident lawyer will listen to the details of your case. Our legal team will help you move forward in your case for compensation. Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today at (954) 633-8270 for a free consultation.
We want to help your family in any way we can. Reach out to us as soon as you can, because the statute of limitations after an injury may affect your case.
Call The Florida Hit & Run Accident Attorney For More Help:
For more information regarding your rights after an accident regardless of the cause of the car wreck, contact the experienced Personal Injury Lawyers in Florida from Wolf & Pravato – 1-954-633-8270.
We help the victims of other practice areas:
- Taxi Accident lawyer Florida
- Truck Accident lawyer Florida
- Uber Accident lawyer Florida
- Workers Comp lawyer Florida
- Wrongful Death lawyer Florida
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