In a place like Florida where motor vehicle accidents are a daily occurrence, the reality of being involved in one is still a frightening and overwhelming experience. This is especially true when you’re the victim of a hit and run accident.
While in traditional crashes, you would normally exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, hit and run accidents leave you with more questions than answers. Why would someone do this? Can you still file an insurance claim? Are you still able to recover compensation for your injuries? What should you do next? These are all common questions to have following a hit and run accident in Florida.
In today’s blog, our personal injury attorneys are answering these commonly asked questions and offering insight into what you should do to get the money you need while on the road to recovery.
Understanding the Psychological Impact of Hit and Run Accidents
Though they’re often devastating, it’s also easy to understand the reasons behind a motor vehicle accident. Maybe the other driver was looking down at their phone when they blew the red light or maybe they made the irresponsible decision to get behind the wheel after a night at the bar. Though there is no justification for breaking the duty of care people owe to other drivers on the road, these cases have a cause and effect.
Knowing the kinds of serious injuries someone can sustain in a motor vehicle accident, including fractures, spinal cord injuries, amputation, and brain damage, victims of hit and runs are often left puzzled as to why the driver wouldn’t pull over and ensure their safety. On top of injuries, these types of cases often leave victims with intense psychological trauma, which can later lead to increased anxiety, depression, mistrust, and driving phobias, such as dystychiphobia.
While drivers who flee the scene of an accident may be doing so for fear of legal consequences or financial worry, the bottom line is that these types of crashes leave immense distress in their wake. Knowing what to do after a hit and run accident in Florida (and how to get the help you need) is the first step to taking control back.
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Critical Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident
The steps you take following a hit and run accident in Florida are critical to ensuring your ability to pursue a claim and getting the compensation you need. After all, depending on the details of your injury, you could be facing tens of thousands of dollars for medical treatment, if not millions, over the course of your lifetime. If you are injured by a hit and run driver in Tallahassee and beyond, here’s what you need to do to protect your rights:
Pull Over and Call the Police
If you can, pull over to the side of the road. If you’re unable to pull off, turn your hazards on until police arrive. When law enforcement arrives, they will help you safely get out of your vehicle, call a tow truck, speak with witnesses, and get details to generate a police report. The police report is a crucial piece of evidence as it can help corroborate your story and serve as insight into how the accident occurred.
Do not attempt to follow the fleeing driver. Not only is doing so unsafe, but it could lead to criminal charges if a confrontation escalates into an altercation. Instead, provide vehicle details, including make, model, color, license plate number, or distinctive marks (including scratches, dents, and bumper stickers), to the police officer. These details, along with witness accounts and nearby surveillance footage, can help police locate the vehicle.
Take Pictures of the Accident Scene
If you’re able to, take photos and videos of your injuries, the damage to your vehicle and any other relevant details, such as leftover debris and skid marks. If possible, try and capture photos of the other vehicle as it leaves, even if it’s just the back of it.
The more physical documentation you have for your personal injury claim, the better.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
While some motor vehicle accidents may result in only a few bumps and bruises, many (especially in Tallahassee and beyond) lead to catastrophic injuries. Unfortunately, because the adrenaline following a car accident usually masks the severity of symptoms, some victims may not seek medical attention right away.
This is problematic for a few reasons. First and foremost, it could lead to worsening symptoms and potentially let other issues, such as internal bleeding, go undiagnosed and untreated.Second, it could jeopardize your ability to collect compensation.
Though insurance companies say they’re on your side, they’re only concerned with protecting their bottom line. To maximize their profits, they'll use any reason to delay or deny your claim, including any lags in obtaining medical care. Going to the hospital and adhering to your treatment plan isn’t just vital for your health; it’s critical for protecting your personal injury claim, as well.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Hit and run accident claims are complex, so the most important step to take following one is to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the details of your case to try and identify the fleeing driver, negotiate with the insurance company, analyze relevant surveillance footage, speak with witnesses, and help you understand your rights. If the driver is unable to be found, your attorney will help you understand your insurance options, including personal injury protection (PIP) and underinsured motorist coverage (UM), as well as when they apply.
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FAQ
Can I file an insurance claim following a hit and run accident in Tallahassee and beyond?
Yes, you can still file an insurance claim following a hit and run accident with your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. In Florida, PIP covers up to 80% of your medical bills. Keep in mind that PIP generally only offers a $10,000 payout, as long as your injuries are deemed an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC). If not, the payout is significantly reduced.
Can I file a personal injury claim in Florida if the hit and run driver is never caught?
Yes, you can file a claim or lawsuit with a hit and run driver who is never located if you have uninsured motorist coverage on your own auto policy. Contact your insurance agent if you are not sure if you have uninsured motorist coverage on your policy, or your lawyer could easily find out for you.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Florida?
Florida residents have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury claim. When this window closes, so does your ability to pursue compensation.
Let Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs Help You Recover Compensation After a Hit and Run Accident in Tallahassee and Beyond
If you have been injured in a hit and run accident, you don’t have to face the road ahead alone. Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs has years of experience navigating these complex claims. We will stand by you and help you understand your rights so you can get the compensation you need to move forward.
Serving Tallahassee and beyond, our firm is here for Florida residents suddenly facing a new normal. Call us today at 850-605-3555 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. At Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs, our approach is simple: provide you with the best legal representation when you need it most. Let’s talk today.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.