Experiencing a car accident in Florida can be an extremely serious and frightening ordeal, but the situation becomes even more alarming when the person responsible for the accident decides to flee the scene. Whether you’re a pedestrian, driver, passenger, or even a bicyclist, the impact of a negligent driver can completely disrupt your world.
After every accident, it is crucial for the responsible party to stop, exchange information, and ensure that everyone involved receives the necessary medical attention. However, doing the right thing does not always come naturally, and some individuals opt to leave the scene instead. Regrettably, this is not an uncommon occurrence, as negligent drivers often compound their poor decisions by choosing to flee. As a result, the victims are left without anyone to hold accountable for their suffering, while simultaneously burdened with medical expenses, loss of income, and the emotional distress inflicted by the accident. The consequences of such actions are not only unjust but can also exacerbate the already harrowing aftermath of an accident.
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run car accident in Florida, seeking the assistance of a Florida hit-and-run car accident lawyer at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk Car Accident and Injury Lawyers is crucial in your pursuit for justice. In instances where the negligent driver remains unidentified, it can feel like there is no recourse for the victims. However, the dedicated hit-and-run car accident lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk will stand firmly by your side throughout the entire process. Our primary objective is to alleviate the burden on victims, allowing them to focus on their recovery. With our expertise, we will handle all aspects of your hit-and-run case, including insurance negotiations, ensuring access to the best possible medical treatment, and collecting vital evidence on your behalf. By entrusting Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, you can be confident that you will be properly represented and provided with the necessary support to heal without the added stress of dealing with every aspect of your case.
Hit And Run Laws In Florida
Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense in Florida, but that doesn’t mean that it never happens. Florida has one of the highest rates of fatal hit and run crashes in the country. A driver who causes an accident is required to stop their vehicle and remain at the scene. They also must provide reasonable assistance to anyone who has been injured. However, for several different reasons, including lack of insurance or drunk driving, a negligent driver may leave the scene. If you’ve been injured by a hit and run driver, you may wonder what your options are.
In the state of Florida, there are specific obligations imposed by the hit-and-run law for individuals involved in accidents resulting in vehicle damage, injury, or death. As outlined in Florida Statute § 316.06, if someone is involved in an accident that causes damage to a vehicle or property, they are legally obligated to immediately stop their vehicle at the scene. It is crucial that they remain at the scene until they have provided certain identifying information.
Moreover, in cases where an accident leads to injury or death, Florida Statute § 316.027 stipulates that the responsible party must promptly halt their vehicle and stay at the scene. In addition to providing identifying information, they also have a duty to offer reasonable assistance to any individuals injured as a result of the accident.
Under Florida Statute § 316.062, there is a requirement to exchange personal identifying information with all other parties involved in an accident that caused injury, death, or property damage. This includes sharing details such as name, address, vehicle registration number, and driver’s license information. It is crucial that this information is also provided to law enforcement officers.
Non-compliance with these hit-and-run laws carries severe legal consequences. It is vital for all individuals involved in an accident to have a clear understanding of and adhere to these regulations. By doing so, we can ensure that justice is served, victims receive proper care, and the integrity of the legal process is upheld.
What to do After a Hit and Run Accident
If you are the victim of a hit and run, your first priority should be your safety and the safety of those around you. Make sure everyone is safe, pull your car out of traffic if possible, and call an ambulance if necessary. You should also call the police after a hit and run accident so that you can make a report. Seek medical treatment after the accident, even if you don’t feel that you’ve been seriously injured.
Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to chase the driver. The dangers of the chase will outweigh the benefits of catching up to them. However, you can make a note of anything you remember about the vehicle that hit you, including:
- License plate number
- Make and model of the vehicle
- Any identifying features on the vehicle such as dents or bumper stickers
- Description of the driver
Ask any nearby businesses if they have surveillance video of the accident which can be helpful in identifying the driver.
What Happens If The Hit-And-Run Driver Is Never Found?
While it may initially appear that there are limited options for pursuing damages in hit-and-run collisions, it is important to note that there are several avenues that can be explored. In such complex cases where injured victims require full compensation, but the hit-and-run driver was not found, having the assistance of an experienced Florida hit-and-run car accident lawyer at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk is crucial to navigating the legal process effectively.
Uninsured & Underinsured Insurance Protection
In Florida, victims of hit-and-run accidents can turn to their own underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage for financial recourse. Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance is also designed to provide coverage for injured drivers in accidents involving uninsured or hit-and-run drivers. However, it is crucial for Florida drivers to consider adding uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to their policy for added protection in such situations. Without this additional coverage, victims may have to rely solely on their limited PIP coverage, unless they have personal health insurance that can be utilized.
No-Fault Injury Claim
Florida provides a potential avenue for victims of hit-and-run accidents to seek compensation through the state’s no-fault insurance law. This legislation mandates that all registered vehicle owners in Florida must maintain personal injury protection (PIP) coverage on their auto insurance policy. Although PIP coverage offers limited benefits for medical expenses and lost wages, it is important to be aware that the state minimum coverage of $10,000 can be quickly depleted. However, individuals visiting from out of state who lack personal injury protection coverage may encounter challenges in obtaining financial compensation, as their insurance may not meet Florida’s requirements. In cases where the hit-and-run driver cannot be identified or located, pursuing additional damages may necessitate a court ruling, with PIP benefits serving as the primary means of seeking compensation.
Hit and Run Case Settlement Example
$250,000/Hit and Run Accident/Citrus County, FL
Our client was walking across U.S. 19 in Citrus County, FL at around midnight. At that time, a driver, who was headed southbound on U.S. 19, negligently operated his or her vehicle so that it collided with our client. The vehicle then continued down the road without stopping, rendering aid, or notifying law enforcement of the accident. Unfortunately, the hit and run driver could not be identified.
Our client suffered significant injuries including a serious broken arm, a concussion and acute respiratory failure. He required extensive surgery to his arm as a direct result of the accident.
Although the hit and run driver could not be identified, our client was not without recourse since he had purchased uninsured motorist insurance to protect him from uninsured as well as hit and run drivers. Through aggressive negotiation we were ultimately able to convince our client’s insurance company to pay $250,000.00, the limit of our client’s insurance coverage. Our client was very happy with the outcome and with our representation.
Contact A Florida Hit And Run Car Accident Attorney Near You
If you have sustained injuries in a hit-and-run accident in Florida, contact us to speak to an experienced Florida hit-and-run car accident lawyer at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk Car Accident and Injury Lawyers to enhance your chances of securing the rightful compensation you deserve, even if the negligent driver remains unidentified. With our comprehensive understanding of Florida’s legal landscape in handling hit-and-run cases, we adeptly navigate the intricacies of your situation to pursue every available avenue for compensation. From skillfully leveraging uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to exploring legal strategies and representing your interests in court, Abrahamson & Uiterwyk is dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for you. By entrusting your case to us, you can have peace of mind knowing that a committed team is fiercely advocating for your justice and rightful compensation.
At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we have over 30 years of experience helping car accident victims. Contact us online to speak with a Florida car accident lawyer today to set up your no-obligation free consultation today.