Hit-and-run accidents are a problem throughout Florida. In 2023, there were 104,273 accidents throughout the state involving a party that fled the scene. If you’ve been in one of these car crashes, you may not know whether you have a way of recuperating losses. You do have options. At Schrier Law Group, our car accident lawyers can help.
Hit-And-Run Laws in Florida for Car Accidents
Florida Statute Section 316.062 defines what a hit-and-run is. Someone who causes injuries, fatalities, or property damage and leaves the scene of the accident without exchanging information with the other party or who doesn’t attempt to help those injured (including calling 911) has committed a hit-and-run.
Despite the steep penalties associated with these kinds of collisions, including a spike in insurance coverage for the at-fault party, they occur in great numbers throughout Florida. They can complicate the claims process for the plaintiff if the injuries are serious enough that personal injury protection (PIP) insurance can’t cover all of the losses.
Can You Recover Losses After a Pompano Beach Hit-And-Run?
If you’re not severely injured, your PIP insurance will take care of the losses you sustained in the crash. Because Florida follows no-fault laws, this insurance is mandatory, so you’ll always have it available to help you with limited medical expenses and lost wages. However, it won’t cover more extensive medical care or emotional suffering.
Another option you have is to turn to your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. UM coverage is not mandatory in Florida, but many drivers choose to have it anyway because of the high rate of hit-and-run accidents in the state.
Finally, in instances when you suffer serious injuries, you can pursue an at-fault claim against others who may have been responsible for the accident. Because Florida has comparative negligence laws, multiple parties can be held liable for a collision.
In some cases, the party that fled the accident is caught, allowing you to file a lawsuit against them. Keep in mind, however, that they have committed a crime by fleeing, so the state will want to prosecute them for that first. By hiring a car accident lawyer, you will know what the right options are for your case.
How to Handle a Hit-And-Run
The moments after a hit-and-run accident can be crucial. Knowing how to handle it at the accident scene can help your future claim.
Don’t Chase After the Other Vehicle
It’s a common impulse to go chasing after the fleeing party, but this can be dangerous and you may get into another accident. The best thing you can do is to get yourself out of harm’s way.
Write Down Any Details You Recall
Instead of pursuing the other vehicle, take that time to make a voice recording or write a note on your phone with any details that you remember about the at-fault driver. What color and make was the vehicle? Did you see the responsible driver? Were there any specific details like window decals or bumper stickers?
Even one or two letters and numbers on the license plate can help law enforcement. It’s important to quickly leave a record of what you recall while it’s all fresh in your head and before you start second-guessing what you saw.
Don’t Wait to Report the Crash
Reporting the accident as soon as possible could help law enforcement find the other driver, especially if you have a good number of details about the vehicle that hit you. Call 911 and let them know that you were in a hit-and-run accident.
The responder will ask you lots of questions, so provide all of the information you have. They’ll communicate what you say to law enforcement.
Ask Witnesses to Stay
It’s likely that other people will have stopped to ask how you are and offer help. They are people who could offer witness statements that you may have missed. Ask them to stay on-site while you wait for the police. The more information officers receive, the greater the chances that the at-fault party will be caught.
Let EMTs Assess You
Once emergency services arrive, let them assess your injury, if any. If they suggest that you go to the hospital, allow them to take you. This hospital visit is important not only for your health but also for your claim since it will demonstrate the severity of your injuries.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer for Legal Action
Hit-and-run accidents are highly complex. Even if you’re not able to hold the other party liable by filing legal action against them, it can still be challenging to deal with your insurers. They will look for any reason to minimize your claim, so contacting an experienced attorney can make a difference in how much you recover.
Damages Available After a Hit and Run Accident in Florida
The damages you’ll be able to claim will depend in great part on the insurance you have. Your PIP insurance will cover medical expenses, such as hospital bills and medication costs, up to the policy limit. This insurance will also cover some of your lost wages.
If you have UM insurance and you have suffered serious injuries, you can file a fault-based claim against it. UM insurance will cover economic and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, up to the policy’s maximum. If the other driver is not found or doesn’t have insurance, this might be your only option in the event of serious injuries.
Trust Our Experienced Pompano Beach Personal Injury Attorney
The aftermath of a Pompano Beach hit-and-run accident can be devastating. You may be left with severe injuries that require extensive medical care and result in lost wages, adding financial strain to an already traumatic experience.
At Schrier Law Group, our auto accident lawyers can help you make sense of your options and guide you through the claims process. We have decades of experience in personal injury law and a fierce dedication to all of our clients. You don’t have to manage all of this on your own when there’s help available.
Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney.
