A Hit and Run Accident Lawyer can help you when you’ve been involved in an accident where the other driver fled the scene without providing the necessary information to help you with an insurance claim.
Hit and Run incidents are painfully unfair to the victims who were likely involved in an accident through little to no fault of their own. Oftentimes, victims struggle while pursuing their insurance claims and face a difficult task attempting to locate the other driver. However, damages can still be claimed even if the other is never found and identified
A Hit and Run Accident Attorney will be able to help you navigate insurance companies and Florida Law to help bring you justice and compensation, even if the other driver is potentially never found. St. Petersburg Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas are familiar with these accident claims; in 2017 there was a shocking 98,000 hit and run crashes.
Top Tier Hit and Run Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been involved in a Hit and Run accident, then Personal Injury Attorneys, Sean McQuaid and Jonathon Douglas can help you recover for the damages you have suffered.
McQuaid & Douglas are both partners at Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., and are recognized by their peers, courts and the community as premier lawyers in Personal Injury Law. The Law Firm, Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., has been providing exceptional legal assistance to the Tampa Bay area for over 60 years and is ranked by US News and World Reports as a Tier 1 Law Firm.
Make use of our free consultation service to get started today.
Hit and Run Law in Florida
Under Florida law, leaving the scene of an accident (better known as “hit and run”), is the failure to remain at the site of a crash and fulfill statutory duties when the accident involves death, bodily injury or property damage. The duties vary depending on the type of incident, but in all cases, the driver must provide the following to victims and/or law enforcement after stopping the vehicle immediately:
- Name
- Address
- Vehicle registration number
- Driver’s license information
Types of Hit and Run
Bodily Injury or Death
Hit and Run cases can include injuries or fatalities. It typically happens when a car hits another car or pedestrian, drivers then panic and attempt to avoid responsibility. The law states a driver should:
- Stop their vehicle as soon as possible
- Provide the necessary information
- Provide law enforcement the details requested
- Provide ‘reasonable assistance’ to anyone who requires medical treatment
Property Damage
Property Damage Hit and Runs are when a driver makes contact with another vehicle or object, causing damage to property. It’s often parked cars, bicycles or property barriers. The driver is obligated to leave a note with their information. Failing to do so, could later result in an arrest.. A driver must:
- Stop their vehicle as soon as possible
- Provide their necessary information
- Provide law enforcement the details requested
- Provide ‘reasonable assistance’ to anyone who requires medical treatment
- Locate the property owner and carry out the above steps, or leave an easy to find, clearly written note with driver’s name and address and the registration number of their vehicle
What Compensation can you claim in a Hit and Run Car Accident Case?
As with any personal injury claim, the compensation and damages you may be able to recover vary depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. Typically a Hit and Run Attorney can help you recover:
- Past and Future Medical bills and expenses (Since the time of the accident and onward)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Permanent injury or disability
- Missed wages and loss of earning capacity
- Property Damage Costs
A Hit and Run Lawyer will be able to thoroughly analyze your situation and determine your costs for the past, present and future. They will recognize sometimes overlooked damages, to make sure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
What happens if The Hit and Run Driver is Never Found?
It can be incredibly frustrating to have been a victim in an accident and not be able to pursue damages against the liable person. An attorney will always strive to help locate the hit and run driver as they obtain all the necessary evidence. But sometimes, the culprit can be just too hard to track down.
If this is the case, you may be able to gain compensation from your own insurance company. If your insurance coverage includes uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, then you may be covered in a Hit and Run case. If you were a pedestrian, you may have to work with multiple companies including health insurers and homeowner’s policies to find insurance coverage.
Insurance companies are tough to deal with and have no intention of easily handing over money. A high-quality Personal Injury Lawyer can successfully handle these insurance companies and get you the compensation you deserve.
What happens if the Hit and Run Driver is Criminally Prosecuted? If the hit and run driver is later found and then criminally prosecuted, then you will most likely be able to file a claim with their insurance company. Timing is critical in these situations and a Hit and Run Attorney will know exactly when to act for the optimal outcome.
What is the deadline to make a claim?
All injury claims in Florida are subject to the ‘Statute of Limitations’ deadline. This deadline requires that all negligence lawsuits are filed four years after the accident which caused your injuries, and two years after the time of a fatality.
While recovering from their injuries, victims often push aside claims and legal matters. Time can easily pass and drag out, which may cause cases to run into problems involving the applicable Statute of Limitations. A Hit and Run Attorney will avoid this scenario by acting quickly and efficiently, removing the pressure placed on you that may cause time to be wasted.
What to do if you’re in a hit and run accident?
After an accident where the other driver has left the scene, it’s important to stay calm despite your anger so you can gather any evidence to help you with your claim. After receiving any necessary medical attention, remember to do the following:
- Contact Law Enforcement
If you are able, contact law enforcement immediately and make an accident report. - Record Information
Write down anything you remember about the driver and their car; such as the driver’s appearance, car model, plate number, color and direction of movement. Also note the time, date and location. - Take Pictures
Take pictures of your car, the accident and any injuries you may have received. - Speak to Witnesses
If there are people around who saw the incident, speak to them if possible. Ask for their name and contact detail, and a description of what they saw. Any details they remember could prove pivotal in your case.
