It’s dark, and you’re driving north on U.S. 1 when someone hits you from behind. Instead of doing the right thing, they leave before you even have a chance to get out of your car. Sadly, hit-and-run accidents in Fort Lauderdale are far too common, leaving many injured and confused as to what to do next.
In this article, our Fort Lauderdale hit-and-run attorneys explain how you can still recover compensation following an accident when the at-fault driver flees. We will explain the steps to take, the different options you may have available to you, and how a car accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can help.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident Under Florida Law?
Hit and runs are a serious issue in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and across the state. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were over 100,000 hit-and-run accidents reported in 2023. Any time a driver is in a collision, they are obligated by law to stop, render aid, and give their information. Depending on the degree of damage and injury, failure to do so could range from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree felony.
Fearing the repercussions of their actions, people often flee the accident scene because they either have no car insurance, are inebriated, or have a warrant out for their arrest.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Fort Lauderdale
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, you should take the following steps:
- Call 911 and report the accident to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.
- Note the time, location, direction the driver fled, and any information you can recall about the car; even a partial license plate can help.
- Gather evidence at the scene, such as photos and videos of the vehicle damage, your injuries, and the surroundings.
- Ask witnesses for their contact information.
- Scan the area to see if there are any traffic and surveillance cameras.
- Seek medical attention immediately after filing the police report.
Once you have received a diagnosis and treatment plan, contact a personal injury law firm before discussing fault with insurers.
The Basics of Your Florida Car Insurance
Florida car insurance operates under a no-fault system. Under this system, you have access to coverage regardless of fault. To register your car and legally drive on our roads, you must carry:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Your PIP insurance coverage pays for some of your medical bills and a portion of your lost income.
- Property Damage Liability (PDL): Your PDL insurance coverage pays for any damage you cause in a car accident.
Both policies, though, have limitations, namely the $10,000 minimum insurance coverage, which may be insufficient coverage in a serious injury crash.
How Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage Helps After a Hit-and-Run
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is an optional policy that could help following a hit-and-run accident. When a driver has no insurance or limited coverage, a UM/UIM claim in Fort Lauderdale can be used when your PIP is not enough. In the case of a hit and run, you could use this policy for:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses beyond PIP
- Future healthcare
- Lost earning capacity
Even if you have this coverage, you may find your insurance adjusters reluctant to honor your claim. They may question everything, from the severity of your injuries to the necessity of certain medical care. Our hit-and-run car accident lawyers know the tactics insurers use and can help you counter them and seek fair compensation for your losses.
Other Ways to Recover Compensation After a Hit-and-Run
UM/UIM is an optional policy, and you may have chosen not to carry it, but there may still be other options available to you. You could seek hit-and-run compensation in Florida through other parties, such as:
- An employer, if the at-fault driver was working
- The vehicle’s owner, if it is different from the driver
- A third party, due to dangerous road conditions or negligent security
Florida also has a Crime Victims Compensation Program, which may be available to you if you meet the criteria for the program. And, you could still have the option to file a civil lawsuit if the driver is later identified.
What Happens If the Hit-and-Run Driver Is Found Later?
If the driver is found, they could face criminal charges and a civil lawsuit. Each would be treated as a separate case. Your Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can investigate your accident, using police findings and evidence to pursue damages for you.
Whether the driver is located or not, you must get started on your case before the Florida statute of limitations for personal injury expires. Two years can go by fast, so reach out to us as soon as possible.
Benefits of Hiring a Fort Lauderdale Hit-and-Run Lawyer
When you work with a car accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale, they can manage your insurance claim while you recover. They will investigate your accident and gather such evidence as:
- Medical records
- Police report
- Surveillance footage
- Expert testimony
- Witness interviews
- Repair estimates
You can also count on them to handle all correspondence between you and the insurance companies. They will determine your full damages, not just medical bills. They will seek a fair settlement through negotiations, but be prepared to take your case to court if negotiations fail. Plus, we offer free consultations and work on contingency, so there are no upfront fees.
Learn More About Your Options After a Hit-and-Run in Fort Lauderdale
If you have been involved in a hit and run, call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato at (844) 643-7200. We provide free case consultations for accident victims. We can explain your legal options and help you get started.
Call today to learn more.