In Tampa, Florida, and virtually everywhere else in the U.S., it is unlawful to flee the scene of an accident you were involved in. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), if someone hits your vehicle, they must leave their information and file a police report; otherwise, they are committing a hit and run crime. Unfortunately, motorists still try to escape from the collisions they cause here in Tampa, Florida — even though they risk criminal charges with hefty penalties.
A hit and run can be exceptionally stressful for its victims. Aside from suffering auto damage and possible injuries, you likely do not know who hit you. However, victims still have a chance to find restitution even when the liable party runs away.
If you need help getting justice, you can call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (844) 730-0233. We have a team of Tampa hit and run accident lawyers eager to give you legal counsel and representation.
Get Help from a Tampa Hit and Run Attorney
While you could handle your hit and run claim by yourself, it may only pose more problems, especially if you are still dealing with your injuries, your car’s damage, or the death of a loved one. To take some of your stress away, an attorney can work with you to get your case requirements and negotiate with other parties.
Deal with Insurance Providers
In any Florida hit and run or other types of car accidents, your insurance coverage will be your first option for getting your expenses covered. It may even be your only choice if the liable driver is still at large. But even if you have already found the motorist, you can only file a claim against them if your expenses went over $10,000, you suffered permanent injuries, or if the accident resulted in death.
A Tampa hit and run accident lawyer can help you gather the documents proving the expenses resulting from the crash. These can include medical bills, medication receipts, and car repair invoices. Moreover, the attorney can also speak to the insurers on your behalf to get you covered appropriately.
Develop Your Lawsuit
If you do find the at-fault motorist and are eligible for filing a civil lawsuit against them, the auto accident lawyer can also assist in forming your case. They can search for evidence that the defendant did cause the accident and fled the scene as well. It may involve interviewing witnesses or collecting security camera footage from establishments with a view of the collision.
Using all the evidence gathered, the Tampa hit and run accident attorney can present your argument to the court to best persuade them to make a ruling in your favor. It will help you receive compensatory damages such as your hospital and car repair expenses, the income you lost, disfigurations or disabilities, and your emotional anguish. Should the accident kill a loved one, you can also recover the funeral and burial costs.
The office of Ben Crump Law, PLLC, is here to accommodate other questions you may have on our hit and run attorney services. You can call us at (844) 730-0233 or inquire via this website.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accidents lawyer serving Tampa, call (844) 730-0233
Laws to Consider When Filing Your Case
Some laws can affect your case’s outcome, such as how much compensation you can receive or how much time you have for filing. Since studying the local statutes is part of their work, a Tampa hit and run accident lawyer can explain the state, county, or city regulations related to your situation.
Tampa Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Comparative Negligence Rules Can Still Apply
Having as much evidence as possible of the other party’s liability is vital for getting a significant amount in receivable damages in your Tampa hit and run case. This is because Florida uses a comparative fault system if you bring your accident lawsuit to court. Even if the defendant is wrong for fleeing the scene, the jury may still find you partially responsible for the crash.
The damages that you can obtain will then get deducted based on how liable you are. Say, for instance, that the court deems you 20% liable for not evading the car when you could have. You will now only get 80% of the initial total compensatory amount. But unlike other comparative fault states where you cannot recover anything if you are more than 50% at fault, you are still allowed to get reimbursed.
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Follow the Filing Deadline
As it is with all lawsuits, your Tampa hit and run case follows the 2019 Florida Statute § 95.11 or submission deadlines. You must strictly comply with this, as the civil court does not entertain lawsuits that exceed their time allowances. Typically, if the accident resulted in injuries and property damage, you will get a four-year limit. But if the collision resulted in death, you have two years.
Computing your deadline may have some complications since the at-fault driver did not make themselves known immediately. The statute clock may pause its countdown if the defendant hides themselves to try and escape criminal or civil cases. Fortunately, you can consult with a Tampa hit and run accident lawyer on calculating your case’s time allowance.
Although hit and runs are crimes, do keep in mind that you do not have to wait for the defendant to receive criminal charges before filing your civil suit. State courts hold these two types of cases separately.
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Protect Your Rights in Tampa
Although hit and run car accidents can cause you additional distress, having a Tampa hit and run accident lawyer can help take the burden off your shoulders. They can guide you on taking legal action and finding proof to strengthen your claim. The attorney can also represent you in front of insurance companies or at court.
The office of Ben Crump Law, PLLC can handle your case. Besides auto accidents, our practice areas include class action, medical malpractice, and wrongful incarceration lawsuits. For more questions on our law firm, you may call (844) 730-0233 anytime.
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