Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be incredibly stressful. You face potential injuries, the need for vehicle repairs, and the financial burdens from lost wages and insurance disputes, which can also add significant strain.
Amidst these challenges, the situation becomes even more taxing if the other driver involved chooses to flee the scene.
In Florida, as any expert car accident attorney would emphasize, it’s crucial to remain at the scene after a collision. Leaving violates legal statutes and substantially complicates the legal and insurance processes.
When a driver departs from an accident scene, law enforcement, and insurance companies might presume their guilt, complicating claims and legal defenses. Therefore, staying put is essential, regardless of the circumstances, ensuring your rights and the details of the incident are properly documented and defended.
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers’ primary objective is to secure just compensation for our clients. We strive to be the advocate you require during your recovery from injuries.
Our team of car accident lawyers in Florida has a wealth of experience managing cases similar to yours.
Get Expert Assistance From Our Florida Hit and Run Accident Attorneys
To support your claim effectively, we will gather comprehensive evidence that demonstrates you were a victim of a hit-and-run accident, proving both your injuries and the other driver’s failure to comply with Florida’s laws on stopping and information exchange.
Here’s how we can assist:
- Medical Documentation: We’ll compile detailed medical records that illustrate the type and extent of your injuries sustained from the accident.
- Hospitalization Expenses: If the accident led to a hospital stay, we’ll collect all related bills to claim these costs.
- Police Reports: An official police report can provide authoritative proof of the accident’s occurrence and details.
- Eyewitness Accounts: Testimonies from people who witnessed the event can effectively substantiate your claim.
- Video Evidence: We will seek out traffic and surveillance video footage from nearby traffic cameras or businesses to capture the accident as it happened.
- Repair Invoices: Receipts for car repairs help quantify the financial impact of the damage to your vehicle.
- Funeral Costs: In tragic circumstances involving a fatality, we will also gather funeral and burial invoices to claim these additional expenses.
Our goal is to compile a substantial body of evidence that confirms the occurrence of a hit-and-run and links it directly to your losses, ensuring a just resolution to your claim.
How Our Florida Hit and Run Accident Law Firm Advocate for You After an Accident?
Hit-and-run accidents are not just traumatic—they introduce a slew of legal challenges, especially in the bustling cities of Florida. We specialize in guiding victims through these difficult times.
Under Florida law, all drivers involved in accidents must stop and exchange information. Those who don’t face criminal repercussions, yet catching these offenders can often be an arduous process.
To mitigate the impact, victims can utilize their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to claim damages.
In Florida’s no-fault system, your insurance should cover certain losses regardless of fault, with a standard PIP policy providing a minimum of $10,000 coverage—covering 80% of medical costs and 60% of lost wages. If the offending driver remains unidentified or uninsured, UM/UIM coverage becomes invaluable, matching your liability limits and maintaining your financial safety net.
Yet, navigating these claims requires detailed documentation and expert negotiation, areas where our team excels.
Our Florida personal injury attorneys are adept at collecting essential evidence such as medical documentation, police records, and any available surveillance footage to solidify your claim. If the responsible party is found, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit for further damages is also an option.
It’s critical to act promptly as Florida’s statute of limitations generally allows four years from the accident date to initiate legal action. Consulting with an expert legal professional at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm ensures you take the right steps toward securing the compensation you deserve after a hit-and-run incident in Florida.
Caught in a Hit and Run? Here’s How to Handle the Situation Legally and Safely
Your immediate concern after a hit-and-run should be to ensure your safety and that of anyone else involved. If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the way of traffic.
If there are any injuries, prioritize getting medical attention by calling for an ambulance. It’s essential to contact the police to report the incident, as this official documentation can prove vital later on.
Chasing after the fleeing driver is not advisable; it’s risky and unlikely to resolve the situation effectively. Instead, try to recall and note down any details about the hit-and-run vehicle that could aid in its identification.
This includes:
- The license plate number, if visible
- The make and model
- Distinctive features like dents or unique bumper stickers
- A brief description of the driver
Also, check if any nearby establishments have security footage capturing the incident. This evidence can be instrumental in locating the responsible party.
Managing the complexities of an insurance claim after a hit-and-run accident can be challenging, but you’re not alone. Filing a claim is your right, yet securing compensation from your insurance company typically requires substantial proof of the incident and its impact on you.
How to Secure Compensation Following a Hit-and-Run Accident in Florida?
Suffering injuries due to another’s negligence in a hit-and-run accident can be traumatic. Still, various types of compensation are available to help relieve the financial and emotional burdens.
Here’s a breakdown of the potential damages you might recover:
- Economic Damages: These are intended to cover all financial losses from the accident. This includes reimbursement for property damage, immediate and future medical expenses, lost wages, future loss of earning potential, costs for domestic services, and other quantifiable financial impacts.
- Non-Economic Damages: These damages aim to compensate you for the accident’s more subjective, non-monetary consequences. This might encompass compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, reduced quality of life, loss of enjoyment of activities, and impairment of physical abilities.
- Punitive Damages: Punitive damages may be sought when the defendant acted carelessly or deliberately. These are designed to punish the offending party and discourage future instances of the same behavior, not to compensate for the lost wages. Depending on the specifics of your case, you might be entitled to punitive damages if the hit-and-run motorist is caught.
Legal Consequences of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Florida
In Florida, leaving the scene of an accident without providing aid or information is a criminal offense with severe legal repercussions. The nature of these penalties varies depending on the extent of the damage and injuries caused:
- Property Damage Incidents: When an accident results in only property damage, the fleeing driver may be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. If convicted, the individual could face up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
- Accidents Causing Injury: If the accident results in injuries to others, the driver could face more severe charges, ranging from a third to a second-degree felony. Penalties for such felonies include up to 5 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of 3 years of driver’s license revocation, and fines up to $5,000.
- Fatal Accidents: In cases where the accident leads to death, the offense escalates to a first-degree felony. The penalties are significantly stiffer, with prison terms ranging from 4 to 30 years and fines reaching up to $10,000.
- Influence of Substances: If the driver involved in the hit-and-run was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the minimum prison sentence starts at two years, accompanied by potential driver’s license revocation.
Penalties for Hit-and-Run Accidents in Florida
When a driver is involved in an accident and fails to stay at the scene or call emergency services, it can have serious consequences, particularly for the injured parties. A delay in providing medical help could worsen injuries and, in tragic cases, lead to fatalities.
Under Florida law, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense with varying penalties depending on the severity of the incident.
Here’s a breakdown of the penalties based on the nature of the accident:
- Property Damage Only: If the hit-and-run incident involves only property damage, the driver can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. This is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
- Personal Injury: When the accident causes injury, the charge escalates to a felony, either third-degree or second-degree, depending on the circumstances. A conviction can lead to up to 5 years in prison, a minimum 3-year driver’s license suspension, and fines up to $5,000.
- Fatalities: If the accident results in death, the hit-and-run driver may face a first-degree felony charge. Penalties for this offense range from 4 to 30 years in prison, with fines reaching $10,000.
If the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the hit-and-run, the law imposes a minimum prison sentence of 2 years. License revocation is also a likely outcome in these cases.
Even if the hit-and-run driver is not found, victims may be able to seek compensation through their auto insurance policy for injuries or property damage.
Typical Injuries Sustained in Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents can result in a range of injuries, varying in severity based on the circumstances of the collision.
Here are some typical injuries that victims might experience:
- Fractures: Often, victims of car accidents, including pedestrians involved in hit-and-runs, suffer from broken bones. These injuries can range from simple fractures that may heal with minimal medical intervention to complex breaks requiring surgery.
- Head Trauma: Injuries to the head are particularly severe. Trauma can range from mild concussions to serious brain injuries, potentially resulting in long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Contusions: Commonly referred to as bruises, these injuries are frequently caused by the force exerted by seat belts or the impact of airbags. While generally less severe, they can be painful and indicative of more serious underlying injuries.
- Whiplash: This neck injury results from the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, typical in car collisions. Symptoms can be delayed, and while many cases resolve independently, severe instances may require medical devices or surgery to heal.
- Lacerations: Shattered windows and torn metal can cause cuts, which may be superficial or deep. Deep lacerations can lead to significant blood loss and may require stitches or other medical attention to prevent infection and promote healing.
Reach Out to Schedule a No-Risk Consultation!
Analyzing the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be stressful, especially when dealing with injuries. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we understand the complexities involved and are dedicated to providing personalized legal support to help you through this challenging time.
Our approach is client-centered, recognizing the unique circumstances of each case.
Our law firm brings extensive experience in advocating for the rights of Florida residents, ensuring you receive the skilled representation you deserve. We offer bilingual legal services in English and Spanish, ensuring you can communicate comfortably and effectively about your case.
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm offers a no-cost initial consultation to ease some of your stress and help you understand your legal options. For a confidential and free consultation, contact us at (813) 492-2958 or fill out our form, and one of our representatives will contact you shortly.
FAQ
I Didn’t Feel Injured Right After the Hit-And-Run, but Now I’m Experiencing Pain. Can I Still See a Doctor, and Will It Affect My Case?
Yes, you should seek medical attention immediately if you begin to experience pain after an accident, even if it’s days later. Injuries from car accidents can sometimes take time to manifest. Seeing a doctor ensures your health is not at risk and provides a medical record that can be crucial for your case.
Delays in medical consultation can be used against you by insurance companies to undermine the severity of your injuries.
The Driver Who Hit Me Fled the Scene, and I Don’t Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage. What Are My Options for Covering Medical Costs and Damages?
In Florida, if the hit-and-run driver is not found, you can still possibly claim compensation under the personal injury protection (PIP) coverage of your insurance policy, which can cover medical bills and lost wages. If your expenses exceed your PIP limits, you may need to explore other avenues, such as filing a lawsuit against the driver if they are later identified or exploring other insurance policies you may have that could cover additional damages.
How Long Must I File a Claim for a Hit-And-Run Accident in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally four years from the accident date. However, beginning the legal process as soon as possible is important.
Quick action ensures that evidence is preserved and that your legal team can begin investigating and building your case promptly.
