Hit & Run Accident Lawyers Serving Florida
Hit-and-run accidents may seem like distant, unlikely events that happen to others. But the truth is, anyone can become a hit-and-run accident victim. And that's why it's crucial to understand why you should care about hit-and-run accident claims.
First and foremost, hit-and-run accidents can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. If you're involved in such an incident, seeking immediate medical attention should be your top priority. However, caring about hit-and-run accident claims goes beyond just physical well-being.
When someone flees the scene after causing an accident, they essentially evade responsibility for their actions. By pursuing a hit-and-run accident claim, you seek justice and send a strong message that this behavior will not be tolerated in our communities.
What Should I Do if I Am Involved in a Hit-And-Run Accident in Florida?If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident in Florida, taking immediate action is crucial. Here are some steps you should follow:
First and foremost, remain calm and assess your surroundings. Check for any injuries and call 911 if necessary. It's important to prioritize your safety. Next, gather as much information as possible about the incident. Try to remember details such as the make and model of the vehicle that hit you, its license plate number, or any distinguishing features.
If there were witnesses present at the scene, ask them for their contact information. Their statements may prove valuable when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action. Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to your vehicle and any relevant road signs or landmarks. These visual records can provide important evidence later on.
What is the Statue of Limitations of a Hit-and-Run Accident in Florida?In Florida, the statute of limitations for hit-and-run accidents, like other personal injury cases, generally follows a timeline of two years from the date of the accident. This means that individuals who have been injured or have suffered damages in a hit-and-run incident have up to two years from the date of the accident to file a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries and losses.
However, it's important to note that the statute of limitations can vary based on specific circumstances, and exceptions may apply. For instance, if the hit-and-run accident resulted in a wrongful death, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida is typically two years from the date of the individual's death, regardless of when the accident occurred.
Furthermore, if the identity of the hit-and-run driver is unknown or if they cannot be located, it may complicate the legal process. In such cases, it's essential to work with law enforcement agencies and legal professionals to explore all available options for identifying the responsible party and pursuing compensation.
Can I Still File a Claim if the Driver Who Hit Me Fled the Scene in Florida?If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Florida, it can be incredibly frustrating and overwhelming. One of the most pressing questions you may have is whether or not you can still file a claim if the driver who hit you fled the scene.
The good news is that even if the responsible driver cannot be identified or found, you may still be able to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. In such cases, uninsured motorist coverage can come into play. If you have this type of coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, it can provide financial protection in hit-and-run situations.
To maximize your chances of receiving compensation, it's essential to gather as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident. This includes taking photos or videos of any damage to your vehicle and documenting any injuries sustained.
Is There a Time Limit for Reporting a Hit-And-Run Accident in Florida?In the state of Florida, there is a time limit for reporting a hit-and-run accident. It's crucial to act quickly in these situations to protect your rights and ensure you have the best chance of receiving compensation for your damages.
Florida law requires that any hit-and-run accident resulting in injury or death must be reported immediately to law enforcement authorities. Failure to report the incident within ten days can result in penalties such as fines or even suspension of your driver's license.
When reporting a hit-and-run accident, it's important to provide as much information as possible about the incident and any details you remember about the fleeing vehicle. This includes things like license plate numbers, the make and model of the car, color, and any distinguishing features.
How Can I Track Down the Driver Who Fled the Scene of a Hit-And-Run in Florida?One of the most frustrating aspects of being involved in a hit-and-run accident is not knowing who caused the collision. However, there are steps you can take to try and track down the driver who fled the scene in Florida.
Gather as much information about the incident as you're physically able. Take note of vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers, or distinguishing features that could help identify the culprit. If witnesses were present at the scene, be sure to obtain their contact information as well.
Next, file a police report immediately after the incident. Provide them with all pertinent details and evidence you have gathered. Law enforcement officials may be able to use this information to launch an investigation and potentially locate the responsible party.
It's also worth checking nearby surveillance cameras for footage that may have captured the accident. This includes traffic cameras or security cameras from surrounding businesses or residences.
Can I Pursue Compensation if the Hit-And-Run Driver is Never Found in Florida?Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be incredibly frustrating and disheartening. The fact that the responsible driver fled the scene only adds insult to injury. So, what happens when the driver is never found? Can you still pursue compensation for your injuries and damages?
In Florida, there are options available for victims of hit-and-run accidents even if the at-fault driver remains unidentified. One option is to file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage, assuming you have this type of coverage on your insurance policy. Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you when the other party does not have insurance or cannot be identified.
Another option may be pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against an unknown defendant. This can be a complex process, and it's important to consult with an attorney with specific experience in hit-and-run accidents.
What if I Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida? Can I Still File a Claim?If you have uninsured motorist coverage in Florida, you may still be able to file a claim after a hit-and-run accident. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you when the other driver involved in an accident does not have insurance or cannot be identified. This can be incredibly valuable in the case of a hit-and-run, where the responsible party flees the scene.
When you have uninsured motorist coverage, your own insurance company steps in to provide compensation for your injuries and damages. This means that even if the at-fault driver is never found, you may still receive financial support for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
It's important to note that filing an uninsured motorist claim can still involve challenges. Insurance companies will require evidence of the hit-and-run incident and proof of your injuries and damages. Gathering as much information as possible from witnesses at the scene or any surveillance footage available is crucial.
Are There Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Florida?Leaving the scene of an accident, especially a hit-and-run, is a serious offense in Florida. The state has implemented strict penalties to deter individuals from fleeing after causing an accident. If you are involved in an accident and leave without providing your information or rendering aid if necessary, you could face severe consequences.
In Florida, leaving the scene of an accident involving only property damage is considered a second-degree misdemeanor. This offense can result in up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. However, if there are injuries or fatalities involved, it becomes even more serious.
If someone is injured due to your actions and you leave the scene without assistance or reporting the incident promptly, it becomes a third-degree felony. Penalties for this include up to five years in prison and fines reaching $5,000.
Can I Sue for Damages if I Was Injured in a Hit-And-Run Accident in Florida?If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident in Florida, you may be wondering if you have any legal recourse to recover damages. The answer is yes. It is possible to sue for damages even if the driver who caused the accident fled the scene.
In these types of cases, it's important to gather as much information as possible about the incident. This includes obtaining witness statements, taking photos of the scene and any damage to your vehicle or injuries sustained, and filing a police report. It's crucial to report the hit-and-run accident promptly so authorities can investigate.
One option for seeking compensation is through your insurance policy. If you have uninsured motorist coverage (UM), this can help cover medical expenses and other damages resulting from the hit-and-run accident. UM coverage typically applies when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or carries insufficient insurance.
What Evidence is Needed to Support a Hit-And-Run Accident Claim in Florida?What evidence is needed to support a hit-and-run accident claim in Florida? When it comes to filing a claim for a hit-and-run accident, gathering evidence is crucial. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. Here are some key pieces of evidence that can help support your claim.
First and foremost, try to gather any witness statements. If there were people who saw the accident or could provide information about the fleeing driver, their testimonies could be invaluable. Make sure to collect their contact information so that they can be reached later on if needed.
Next, document the scene of the accident as thoroughly as possible. Take photos or videos of any damage to your vehicle and any other vehicles involved. Capture images from different angles and distances to provide a comprehensive view.
Can I Seek Compensation for Property Damage in a Hit-And-Run Accident in Florida?In a hit-and-run accident in Florida, seeking compensation for property damage can be challenging. However, there are options available to help you recover your losses.
First and foremost, it is crucial to report the incident to the police as soon as possible. This will create an official record of the accident and increase your chances of receiving compensation. Additionally, contact your insurance company and inform them about the hit-and-run. They may have specific procedures in place for handling such claims.
If you have uninsured motorist coverage (UM), this could potentially cover property damage caused by a hit-and-run driver. UM coverage is designed to protect policyholders when they are involved in accidents with drivers who do not have insurance or cannot be identified.
How Does Fault Get Determined in a Hit-And-Run Accident in Florida?Determining fault can be more challenging in a hit-and-run accident than in other types of accidents where both drivers are present. However, it is still possible to establish fault even when the driver who fled the scene is unidentified.
One way to determine fault is through eyewitness accounts. If witnesses were present at the time of the accident, their statements could provide valuable information about what happened and potentially identify the responsible party.
Another important factor in determining fault is physical evidence. Skid marks, damage patterns on vehicles, and debris left at the scene can all help reconstruct the events leading up to the accident. Experts can analyze this evidence to piece together what occurred and possibly identify who was at fault.
Can I File a Claim if I Am a Pedestrian or Cyclist Involved in a Hit-And-Run Accident in Florida?If you are a pedestrian or cyclist involved in a hit-and-run accident in Florida, you may still be able to file a claim for compensation. Being the victim of such an incident can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming, but knowing your rights and options is important.
The first step is to seek medical attention immediately after the accident, even if your injuries seem minor. This will ensure your well-being and create documentation of any injuries sustained during the incident.
Next, try to gather as much information as possible about the incident. If any witnesses were present at the scene, make sure to obtain their contact information. Take photos of any visible damage or injuries, including pictures of the location where the accident occurred.
What if the Hit-And-Run Driver is Later Identified but Claims They Didn't Realize They Were Involved in an Accident in Florida?In some cases, the hit-and-run driver may be identified after fleeing the scene of the accident. However, they might claim they didn't realize they were involved in a collision. This can make pursuing compensation more complex.
When a driver claims ignorance of their involvement, gathering as much evidence as possible to prove otherwise is crucial. Eyewitness testimonies, surveillance footage, and any physical evidence at the scene can help establish that the driver was aware of their actions.
It's important to consult with an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney who can guide you through this process. They will know how to navigate such situations and build a strong case against the negligent driver.
Are There Specific Laws or Regulations in Florida Addressing Hit-And-Run Accidents?When it comes to hit-and-run accidents, the state of Florida takes these incidents seriously and has implemented specific laws and regulations to address them. These measures aim to hold accountable those who flee the scene of an accident without taking responsibility for their actions.
Under Florida law, leaving the scene of an accident is considered a criminal offense. It is required by law that any driver involved in a crash must stop at the scene, provide their contact information, and render aid if necessary. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties such as fines, license suspension, or even imprisonment.
In addition to criminal consequences, hit-and-run victims also have legal options available to them. They can pursue compensation by filing a personal injury claim or seeking coverage from their uninsured motorist policy.
It's important to note that time is of the essence when it comes to reporting a hit-and-run accident in Florida. State law requires that these incidents be reported within ten days unless extenuating circumstances, such as injuries, prevent immediate reporting.
Reach Out to Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers Serving FloridaIf you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Florida, it is important to remember that you are not alone. The experienced hit-and-run accident lawyers at Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
With their knowledge and expertise, they can guide you through filing a claim, gathering evidence, tracking down the responsible party, and seeking compensation for your injuries or property damage. They understand how stressful and overwhelming these situations can be, so they are dedicated to supporting and advocating for your rights.
Don't wait any longer. If you have been a victim of a hit-and-run accident in Florida, reach out to us today by calling (561) 800-8000. Your initial consultation is free, so don't hesitate to seek the legal representation you need. Remember: we are here for you every step of the way.