Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers in Plantation, FL
If you were injured by a driver who fled the crash scene, know your options
Following a car accident, all drivers who were involved are required by Florida law to stay at the scene. This is so drivers can get help if they are injured and exchange information. But what happens if you’re in a crash and the other driver leaves? Hit-and-run accidents can be complicated. That’s why it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible.
The experienced accident attorneys at Feingold Posner Draizin know that the aftermath of a crash can be complicated enough, even when you know who the other driver is. We can guide you through the legal process every step of the way and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
What to do after a hit-and-run accident
First, something you should not do is not try to chase the other vehicle. That can put you and others at risk. But if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident in Florida, there are steps you can take to protect your safety, gather evidence, and improve your chances of recovering compensation. Here’s what you should do:
- Call the police – Give them as much information as possible about the other vehicle, such as the make, model, color, and any part of the license plate number, as well as the direction the vehicle was heading when it fled.
- Document the scene – If it is safe to do so, take photos and videos of the accident scene, your vehicle’s damage, any debris or skid marks, and the surrounding area. This visual evidence can be useful later. Record any details you remember about the accident, including the time, location, and any observations about the other driver or vehicle.
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time. In Florida, you must seek treatment within 14 days to file a PIP claim.
- Notify your insurance company – Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the hit-and-run. Just stick to the facts about what happened. Don’t discuss fault.
- Talk to a car accident lawyer – An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and help you navigate the claims process.
Who pays for damages after a hit-and-run accident in Florida?
Determining who pays for damages after a hit-and-run accident depends on several factors, including the type of insurance coverage you have and whether the hit-and-run driver is identified. Some options include:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage – Florida is a no-fault insurance state, meaning that your own insurance policy’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will pay for your medical expenses and lost wages up to the policy limits, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. PIP coverage typically pays 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, depending on the severity of your injuries and whether they qualify as an “emergency medical condition” (EMC).
- Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage – If the hit-and-run driver is not identified or is uninsured, this coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages not covered by PIP.
- Collision coverage – If your vehicle is damaged in a hit-and-run, your collision coverage (if you have it) can pay for the repairs to your vehicle. Collision coverage typically requires you to pay a deductible, after which your insurance will cover the remaining repair costs.
- Medical Payments coverage (MedPay) – If you have this on your policy, it can help cover medical expenses that exceed your PIP limits or that PIP doesn’t cover.
What if the hit-and-run driver is identified?
If the hit-and-run driver is identified later, and the driver has insurance, they can be held liable for your damages. This includes medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
If the hit-and-run driver does not have insurance – or has insufficient insurance to cover your damages – you can file a claim with your own insurance company under your Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
Let our law firm help you navigate the process of recovering compensation
Whether you are filing a claim for compensation with your own insurance company or an identified driver’s insurer, you can expect some pushback. Insurance companies are mainly interested in trying to limit compensation so they can pay you as little as possible. There are many different tactics and strategies they use.
Our attorneys know them all. That’s because we used to represent insurance companies in personal injury claims. We know how they approach these cases and what it takes to build a strong case that they have to take seriously. Our firm is committed to helping you get the best possible outcome.
If you were injured in a crash with a hit-and-run driver in Plantation or anywhere in Broward County, there is no time to waste. Contact us to schedule a free consultation, and let’s talk about what happened. We can discuss your legal options for recovering compensation and answer any questions you have.