I was in a hit and run accident. What are my next steps?

In today’s world, it is very easy for someone to hit someone else. It has become very common especially on major highways and parking lots. This has led to an increase in the number of hit and run cases across the country. Hit and runs that occur on busy highways or residential streets with a lot of cars, cyclists, or pedestrians often result in serious or fatal injuries.

Hit and runs usually take place because of driver negligence, including the failure to stop at a stoplight, failure to yield, failure to obey a traffic officer, driving under the influence, driving uninsured, or another violation they fear they will get in trouble for. If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident, then you may be entitled to financial compensation from the other driver, but tracking them down may take some serious effort. In order to recover damages for your injuries and damages caused by the hit and run accident, you must first be able to prove liability, which includes negligence. In order to establish negligence, you need to hire an attorney experienced in hit-and-run cases.

When Should I Report a Hit and Run Accident?

Unfortunately, not all hit and run accidents are reported. Even when they are, many drivers involved in such crashes are never properly identified or victims are not given the proper medical treatment. If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Florida, it is imperative that you report the accident as soon as possible. Contact 911 immediately to report your accident and any injuries resulting from a hit-and-run accident.

I was Injured in a Hit and Run Accident, What Should I do?

The first step is always to seek medical treatment immediately. If you’re able to, give as many details about the incident you can recall to the police or medical personnel. The next step is to contact an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney. Once you have contacted us, we will start compiling a comprehensive report detailing all of the injuries and damages to which you may be entitled. This report will include names, addresses, phone numbers, medical details, and more. From there, our team will determine what type of accident claim you should file. We focus on the details so you can focus on recovering.

What Types of Damages can I Seek After a Hit and Run Accident?

In Florida, there are specific laws and statutes that govern these types of cases. These laws will determine who is liable for damages and who is entitled to compensation for pain and suffering. In most instances, drivers who hit other vehicles are considered liable. However, in some cases, you may be found to be partially at fault since Florida uses the “pure comparative negligence” rule. 

For instance, if you cut off another driver and that car strikes your car, then leaves the scene of the accident, you may be deemed partially liable. In this case, the amount of the damages you can seek would be reduced by the percentage of liability you are responsible for. 

Hit and Run accidents are usually very catastrophic for victims and their families. Because of this, the insurance company will often settle the case with the help of a lawyer. The driver will hire an attorney to represent him or her when it comes time to negotiate a settlement. The lawyer will try to get the insurance company to pay as much money as possible based on the kind of accident and the extent of the damage.

Some damages you may be able to recover in your hit and run accident case include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of income in a wrongful death case
• Property damages

Can the Hit and Run Driver Defend Themselves Against a Lawsuit?

In a hit-and-run case, there are several details that must be examined to determine if the incident constitutes a valid defense. For instance, what is the victim’s perception of the events leading up to the accident? Did the weather affect the driver’s visibility on the day of the accident? Did the driver do anything illegal or improper?

Some drivers may claim they didn’t realize they had hit something. In some instances, this may be a valid defense, but it often is not. The driver’s ability to defend themselves may depend on the statements you provided just after the accident. So, it is important to be very careful of the things you say to an insurance company before you are able to consult with an attorney.

How Soon Should I Hire an Attorney for a Hit and Run Accident?

The best time to have your accident examined by a competent attorney is within the first twenty-four hours after the accident has occurred. During this period, you will be able to answer questions, present evidence, and collect witness information. It is very possible that other motorists will come forward with information about the events of the accident and it is imperative that the defense investigate these statements. Your attorney will know when such evidence becomes relevant and will be ready with a strong case against the driver at the earliest opportunity.

Of all the different types of personal injury cases, hit and run accident cases can be one of the most difficult to successfully recover damages from. The reason is that oftentimes the hit-and-run driver is not brought to justice. When this happens, you’re going to need a strong hit-and-run accident attorney on your side to negotiate with your insurance company to get you the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.

You never want to try to negotiate a hit-and-run accident case by yourself. Contact the hit and run accident attorneys at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd to privately discuss your case right over the phone by calling (866) 460-1990. We can also schedule a video conference call from the comfort of your home or hospital room. We’ll help guide you through the process and handle the tough details so you can focus on what matters most.