Leaving the scene of an accident—also known as a “hit and run” —is a criminal offense in the state of Florida. According to Florida Statute §316.061, a driver must remain at the scene of a crash until they have fulfilled certain requirements, such as providing contact information to the other party and/or law enforcement. If anyone was injured, drivers are required to help them obtain medical care and attention.
Suffering injuries and property damage in a hit and run accident can leave you feeling frustrated and powerless because there is nobody you can hold liable for your damages. However, in certain instances, you may still be able to recover compensation. A Daytona Beach hit and run accident lawyer can help.
To learn more, contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation.
Your Next Steps After a Hit and Run Accident
Unfortunately, hit and run accidents are not a rarity in Florida. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were more than 507,000 hit and run accidents between 2015-2019, with over 1,000 fatalities.
Thankfully, you may still be able to get justice if and when police eventually locate your hit and run driver. Just as with an accident where the at-fault driver is present, you should call the police and file an accident report. There are many reasons why filing a police report is a good idea.
Police May Be Able to Locate a Negligent Driver
There may be witnesses of your accident who took a photograph of the hit and run driver’s car or jotted down a license plate number. In any case, if police are able to locate the hit and run driver, you may be able to hold that driver liable for your damages.
A Police Report Is Important Evidence
A police report will document the details of your accident and can also serve as evidence that the hit and run driver fled the scene. The report should also include your statement and any statements from eyewitnesses. A police report can function as crucial evidence for your claim.
Your Insurance Company May Request a Police Report
In a hit and run accident, you may have nowhere else to turn but your own insurance company to help with your damages. Because a police report is evidence of your damages, your insurance company may insist on seeing a copy of the police report before settling a claim.
You should also seek medical assistance as soon as possible after a hit and run accident, even if your injuries are only minor. A medical report that lists any injuries from the hit and run accident may be crucial for receiving an insurance settlement. This can also serve as evidence in a court case, should police locate the hit and run driver.
With a police report and medical report in hand, you can potentially hold the driver accountable for your medical bills and other expenses at a later date. A Daytona Beach hit and run accident lawyer can review any reports you have and help gather other crucial evidence. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today to learn more.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accidents lawyer serving Daytona Beach, call (844) 730-0233
How Your Insurance Company Can Help
If the police are unable to locate the hit and run driver who caused your accident, you are not completely out of options for receiving financial help. Because Florida is a no-fault state, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance will most likely cover your first $10,000 worth of damages. You may also be able to file a claim under your underinsured or uninsured motorist provision if this is part of your car insurance policy.
If your injuries and financial damages are considerable, your own insurance coverage may be insufficient. Moreover, insurance companies are notoriously reluctant to pay and will likely make a lowball offer in hopes that you accept it. Involving a Daytona Beach hit and run accident lawyer can help you negotiate a fair settlement that adequately covers your medical expenses and other costs.
Daytona Beach Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Contact a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
If your life has been turned upside down due to the reckless actions of a hit and run driver, a Daytona Beach hit and run accident lawyer can help. If police are able to apprehend the driver, your lawyer can help you file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You can also hold the at-fault driver accountable by filing a personal injury lawsuit for compensation that may include:
- Medical care
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced life quality
If police are unable to locate the driver within a reasonable timeframe, a lawyer can still help you file suit against the unknown driver—potentially giving you legal recourse if the driver turns up after the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim has run out. According to Florida Statute §VIII, Chapter 95, the statute of limitations is four years.
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Ben Crump Law, PLLC Is Here for You
Hit and run accidents are tragic for the families of those who die and for the many victims who suffer injuries and have no immediate recourse. If you were injured or your loved one died in an accident with a hit and run driver, you may feel defeated and powerless. However, there is hope for getting justice and compensation even in a hit and run accident.
We understand the frustration of hit and run accident victims and we are here to help. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 to speak with a member of our team.
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