Handling Hit-and-Run Accidents in Florida

Florida has one of the highest hit-and-run accident rates in the country. It’s estimated that one in four car crashes in Florida are hit-and-run accidents, where a driver leaves the scene without accepting fault or contacting emergency personnel. Florida also has one of the highest rates of uninsured or underinsured motorists, which makes filing claims after a hit-and-run accident stressful and complicated. Below, our Florida hit-and-run accident attorney discusses how to handle these types of accidents.

Penalties for Causing a Hit-and-Run Crash

There are harsh penalties for drivers who intentionally leave an accident scene in Florida. If a driver runs another driver off the road and causes an accident, the driver could be charged with reckless driving or aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. If the hit-and-run accident causes bodily injuries, the at-fault driver could be charged with a second or third-degree felony, resulting in a prison sentence of up to five years and a $5,000 fine. If a driver dies in a hit-and-run crash, the offending driver could face up to 30 years in jail.  If the collision only causes property damage, the driver could be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, with a prison sentence of up to 60 days and a $500 fine. Drivers found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash face increased penalties for hit-and-run accidents.

Who’s Responsible for Damages After a Hit-and-Run?

If the at-fault driver is never tracked down, you may become responsible for the damages and repairs to your car. When a hit-and-run accident occurs, you’ll need to file a claim with your insurance to get compensated for property damage, medical bills, and other expenses related to the accident. Insurance plans only cover damages for hit-and-run accidents if you choose a plan with uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, which isn’t required by Florida law. If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage with your car insurance plan, you could be responsible for paying for your damages out of pocket. We highly recommend getting a car insurance plan with uninsured motorist coverage. However, you may still be able to recover damages in some cases. Contact our Florida hit-and-run accident attorney to discuss your options.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Getting into a car accident is stressful and traumatizing. Suffering injuries after a hit-and-run accident can increase your stress and anxiety. The first thing you should do after getting into a hit-and-run accident is call 911. Seek medical treatment immediately (even if you don’t feel hurt right after the accident) and ensure a police report is filed. Give the police any details about the accident you can remember. Any information you can provide is valuable for law enforcement to help track down the driver.

Once you seek medical attention, contact your insurance company to notify them about the accident and begin the claim process. Avoid making official statements or participating in recorded interviews with your insurance company before contacting a hit-and-run accident attorney in Florida first. Your attorney will help you navigate these interviews so you don’t inadvertently say something that may impact your case. Your attorney will also help you gather information and evidence about the case, such as eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage that may have caught the accident on camera.

Keep adequate records of your medical diagnoses, treatment plans, and medical-related paperwork. Also, follow your physicians’ guidelines and recommendations regarding your care and prioritize making all your appointments.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Hit-and-Run Accident?

While legal representation isn’t required after an accident in Florida, working with a Florida hit-and-run accident attorney has many benefits. Your attorney can help you navigate claims with your insurance company, so you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Even with years of timely payments, insurance companies will use many tactics to deny, delay, or decrease your claim amount. They will try to find loopholes in your case to prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve for your repairs and injuries. Your attorney will work with you to represent your interests to your own insurance company. Your attorney will also work hard to help determine the cause of the accident and locate the driver to file a claim against them for their negligence.

Badgley Law Group: Hit And Run Accident Attorneys in Florida

Our team has represented injured victims of many types of car accidents in Florida, including hit-and-runs. We understand the complexities of these cases and will help you get the compensation you deserve. Call the Badgley Law Group at 407-781-0420 for a free consultation.