A hit-and-run accident is one of the most frustrating and frightening experiences a person can face. You are left injured, often with no idea who hit you, and the person responsible disappears. In these situations, gathering evidence quickly and properly is critical to protecting your legal rights.
This article outlines the evidence needed to prove a hit and run, discusses how you can prove a hit and run even without knowing who the driver is, and explains how a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer can help you build a strong case.
Why Hit and Run Cases Are So Challenging
When someone causes an accident and flees the scene, they leave you without a key piece of the puzzle: their identity. In Fort Myers and across Florida, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. But proving who was responsible can be difficult, especially if there are no witnesses or surveillance footage.
Insurance companies may also delay or deny your claim, especially if you do not have enough documentation to support it. That is why taking immediate action is essential.
Key Evidence Needed to Prove a Hit and Run
A well-documented case can support a successful insurance claim under your uninsured motorist (UM) policy even if the at-fault driver is never identified. The following evidence is crucial:
- Police report: This is one of the first documents insurers will ask for. It contains the officer’s account, witness information, and scene details.
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage: Many intersections and businesses have cameras that might capture the vehicle’s make, model, direction of travel, or license plate.
- Dashcam recordings: If your vehicle or another vehicle nearby had a dashcam, it could provide real-time proof of the crash.
- Eyewitness statements: Independent accounts from bystanders or passengers add credibility and can help track down the vehicle.
- Debris and vehicle damage: Paint transfer, tire marks, or shattered parts at the scene can help identify the type of vehicle involved.
- Medical records: Your injuries may provide insight into how the crash occurred and support your claim of being struck.
- 911 call logs and dispatch recordings: These offer real-time evidence that you acted promptly and may contain observations from first responders.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit and Run
Taking the proper steps after a hit and run is critical. Here is what you should do:
- Call 911 to report the accident immediately
- Take photos of the scene, damage, and surroundings
- Look for nearby cameras on buildings or intersections
- Collect contact information from any witnesses
- Seek immediate medical care to document your injuries
- Notify your insurance provider and inquire about UM coverage
- Contact a Fort Myers car accident lawyer to begin investigating
How a Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
A Fort Myers personal injury lawyer plays a vital role in hit-and-run cases. When the other driver is unknown, your lawyer can:
- Subpoena surveillance footage or 911 recordings
- Work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the scene
- Help file a UM claim if the at-fault party cannot be located
- Present a complete, well-documented claim to your insurance company
- Fight to ensure your injuries and damages are fully accounted for
With legal representation, you can pursue justice even when someone who hit you refuses to take responsibility.
Don’t Let a Hit and Run Go Unpunished | Let Us Help You Pursue Justice
Being injured in a hit-and-run is not only traumatic but also legally complex. At Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we help victims recover compensation even when the at-fault driver flees the scene. Our team has secured substantial verdicts and settlements, including a $3.85 million recovery for a seriously injured client. Call (844) 643-7200 for a free consultation if you or someone you love was hurt in a hit-and-run. You do not pay unless we win.
FAQs
- What is the first thing I should do after a hit-and-run accident?
Call 911 immediately to report the incident and request emergency assistance. - Can I still recover damages if the driver is never found?
Yes, through uninsured motorist coverage or other legal options, you may still be compensated. - How can you prove a hit and run happened if no one saw it?
Surveillance footage, vehicle debris, and your medical records can support your version of events. - What injuries are most common in pedestrian hit-and-run accidents?
Traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal injuries, and internal bleeding are commonly reported. - Is there a deadline for filing a hit-and-run injury claim in Florida?
Yes, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash date.
