Hit & Run Accident Lawyers Serving Jupiter
Hit-and-run accidents can have serious consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator. As a victim, you may be left with expensive medical bills, lost wages from time off work, and emotional trauma from the experience. On top of that, if the hit-and-run driver is never found or doesn't have insurance, you could be stuck paying for everything out of pocket.
But it's not just about financial compensation – holding hit-and-run drivers accountable can also help prevent future accidents. If they know there are consequences to fleeing the scene of an accident, they may think twice before doing so in the future.
Furthermore, filing a lawsuit can bring closure to what might otherwise feel like an unresolved issue. It allows victims to take action against those who caused them harm and gives them a sense of justice being served.
In addition to these personal reasons for caring about hit-and-run lawsuits, societal benefits exist. By bringing attention to this issue and advocating for stronger penalties against hit-and-run drivers, we can create safer roads for everyone.
What is a Hit-And-Run Accident? What Should I Do if I Am the Victim of a Hit-And-Run Accident?A hit-and-run accident is when a driver fails to stop at the scene of an accident and leaves without providing any information or assistance. This could involve hitting another vehicle, pedestrian, or property like a fence. Hit-and-run accidents are illegal in all states and can result in serious consequences for the driver.
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, it's important to take immediate action. First, call 911 and report the incident to law enforcement. Provide as much detail about the vehicle involved as possible such as make/model, license plate number if known, color etc.
Next, seek medical attention even if you don't feel injured right away because some injuries may not appear until later. Also, ensure that you document everything related to the incident, including photos of your injuries and damage to your car.
Reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney who can help guide you through this difficult time and ensure you receive compensation for any damages or injuries sustained in the hit-and-run accident. Remember that time is critical, so act quickly!
What if I Don't Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage and the Hit-And-Run Driver Can't Be Found?Not having uninsured motorist coverage can make things difficult if the hit-and-run driver cannot be found. Without this coverage, your insurance company may not cover any damages or injuries sustained in the accident.
However, there are still some options available to you. You could try filing a claim with your medical insurance provider to cover any medical bills resulting from the accident. Additionally, you could file a claim with your collision insurance for property damage.
It's also important to gather as much evidence as possible after the accident. This includes taking photos of any damage and recording witness statements if any bystanders were present at the accident scene.
If all else fails and you cannot recover compensation through insurance or legal action against the hit-and-run driver, it may be worth reaching out to an experienced personal injury attorney who can advise on other potential avenues for recovery.
What Evidence Should I Gather if I Am the Victim of a Hit-And-Run Accident?If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible. This will help your insurance claim and assist law enforcement in identifying and apprehending the driver responsible.
If possible, remember any details about the vehicle involved, such as the make, model, color, and license plate number. Take pictures of any damage to your car or personal injuries from the accident.
Secondly, collect witness statements from anyone who saw what happened. Their accounts can help corroborate your version of events and provide additional information that may be useful in finding the perpetrator.
Thirdly, document any physical evidence left behind at the scene, such as debris or skid marks. This can help investigators reconstruct how the crash occurred and potentially identify the type of vehicle involved.
Seek medical attention for any injuries sustained during the accident. Not only is this crucial for your health, but it can also serve as evidence when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action against the hit-and-run driver.
Gathering these types of evidence following a hit-and-run accident increases your chances of successfully holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
Can a Hit-And-Run Driver Be Criminally Charged?When a driver flees the scene of an accident, it is not only a civil matter but also a criminal offense. Law enforcement takes hit-and-run accidents very seriously, and if the driver is found, they can face criminal charges.
In most states, hit-and-run accidents are considered misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the accident's severity. If someone was injured or killed in the accident, it will be considered a felony with severe penalties such as imprisonment and hefty fines.
The police will investigate and collect evidence to identify and locate the hit-and-run driver. Witnesses' statements, surveillance footage from nearby buildings or businesses, and debris left behind at the crime scene can all help lead to an arrest.
If caught and charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries or fatalities that you caused directly or indirectly results in significant consequences for your future driving privileges. Moreover, having this type of conviction on your record may impact employment opportunities because employers often view traffic offenses as indicators of recklessness.
It's important to remember that fleeing after causing an accident is never worth it; instead, stay at fault scenes until authorities arrive. And if you witness any hit-and-run incident, report it immediately so justice can be served for victims involved in these accidents.
What if the Hit-And-Run Driver is Caught but Doesn't Have Insurance?If the hit-and-run driver is caught, but they don't have insurance, it can be challenging to recover damages for your injuries and property damage. In this case, you may need to consider filing a lawsuit against the driver directly. However, keep in mind that even if you win a judgment against them, collecting on that judgment can be difficult.
It's possible that the hit-and-run driver may have some assets or income that could be used to pay your damages. Your attorney can help you investigate whether this is an option.
Another potential recovery source could be any uninsured motorist coverage on your insurance policy. This type of coverage is designed to protect you when another driver doesn't have insurance or their identity is unknown.
However, not all insurance policies include uninsured motorist coverage. If yours does not, speaking with an experienced car accident attorney who can advise you on your legal options for recovering compensation after a hit-and-run accident with an uninsured driver is important.
What if the Hit-And-Run Driver Was Driving a Stolen Vehicle?If the hit-and-run driver was driving a stolen vehicle, it can add another complexity to your case. First and foremost, you should report the incident to law enforcement as soon as possible. They will likely investigate both the accident and the stolen vehicle.
It's important to note that even if the person who stole the vehicle is caught, they may not have insurance or assets to cover your damages. In this case, you may need to turn to your insurance policy for coverage through uninsured motorist coverage.
Additionally, other parties may be involved in a stolen vehicle situation, such as the owner of the stolen car or any individuals who assisted with stealing and/or hiding it after the accident occurred. Working closely with law enforcement and legal professionals in these complex cases is important.
What if I Was a Passenger in the Hit-And-Run Accident?If you were a passenger in a hit-and-run accident, you may be entitled to compensation for any injuries or damages you sustained. However, the process of filing a claim can be complicated and may require the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.
Firstly, it's important to gather as much information about the accident as possible. This includes taking pictures of the scene and gathering contact information from any witnesses. You should also seek medical attention immediately after the accident so that your injuries are properly documented.
After seeking medical attention, you should inform your insurance company about the accident and provide them with all relevant details. If the driver who fled cannot be identified, your uninsured motorist coverage may come into play.
In some cases, multiple parties may be involved in a hit-and-run accident. For example, if another vehicle caused the collision, which led to your injuries but left without stopping at the crash scene – this could make things more complex when pursuing compensation.
What if I Can't Remember the License Plate Number or Description of the Hit-And-Run Driver?Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be a traumatic experience. It's common for victims to forget important details about the driver, such as the license plate number or vehicle description. However, there are still steps you can take to increase your chances of finding the responsible party.
Firstly, try to remember any distinctive features of the vehicle that could help identify it. This could include bumper stickers, dents or scratches on the car, or even its color and make/model.
You should also speak to witnesses who may have seen what happened and ask if they noticed anything about the fleeing driver's car. They may have caught something you missed.
If possible, check for surveillance cameras that may have captured footage of the incident. This includes traffic cameras and security cameras from nearby buildings.
Report all relevant information to law enforcement. Even if you don't remember everything about the driver or their car, any small detail could help with their investigation.
Can I File a Hit-And-Run Lawsuit if I Was Injured While Riding Public Transportation?If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident while riding on public transportation, you may wonder if you have the right to file a lawsuit. The answer is it depends.
Firstly, it's important to note that when you use public transportation like buses or trains, the transit operator is responsible for your safety and other passengers. Therefore, if you are injured due to negligence or misconduct of another driver, and they flee the accident scene, there may be grounds to sue both parties.
In some cases, though, your ability to file a lawsuit against the hit-and-run driver will depend on whether or not their identity can be established. If they cannot be identified and located by authorities, it might become difficult for victims to pursue compensation from them directly.
However, this does not mean that all hope is lost. You may still have options available through your insurance provider or other legal avenues, such as filing suit against public transport companies, depending on who was at fault for causing your injuries during this type of incident.
Victims must consult with an experienced attorney who understands how these types of claims work to assess what options are available based on individual circumstances surrounding each case before making any decisions regarding pursuing legal action.
What if the Hit-And-Run Driver Was Driving a Stolen Motorcycle?If the hit-and-run driver was driving a stolen motorcycle, it can complicate matters when seeking compensation for damages or injuries. In such cases, the registered owner of the motorcycle may not be held liable for any harm caused by the thief who stole the bike.
However, if you have uninsured motorist coverage on your insurance policy, this could provide some financial relief. The insurance company will assess your claim and determine whether you are entitled to compensation.
It's essential to gather as much information about the accident as possible, including details about the make and model of the stolen motorcycle. This information can help authorities locate and apprehend whoever is responsible for causing the accident.
Moreover, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney will increase your chances of receiving adequate compensation. Your lawyer can investigate all aspects of your case and help identify all potential sources of insurance coverage that may apply to your situation.
Can I File a Hit-And-Run Lawsuit if the Driver Was a Foreign National?If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident and the driver who caused it is a foreign national, you may be wondering if you can still file a lawsuit against them. The answer is yes, but there are some things to consider.
Firstly, it's important to determine if the foreign national has any assets or property within the U.S. that could potentially be seized as part of a lawsuit settlement. If they do not have any assets in the country, it may be difficult to collect any damages awarded.
Additionally, there may be jurisdictional issues when suing a foreign national. It's important to consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can navigate these complex legal matters and ensure your case is handled properly.
Furthermore, language barriers could pose challenges during legal proceedings if the foreign national does not speak English fluently. An interpreter may need to be present throughout the litigation process.
While filing a hit-and-run lawsuit against a foreign national driver is possible, navigating potential obstacles requires careful consideration and proper legal guidance from an experienced attorney.
Can I File a Hit-And-Run Lawsuit Against a Minor With a Temporary License?Well, that is a complicated legal question with some nuance to it. On the one hand, a hit-and-run violation is illegal regardless of the driver's age or license status. The other driver has a legal obligation to stop and exchange information after an accident. However, suing a minor, especially one with limited driving experience and only a temporary license, does present some additional challenges.
Courts may be less likely to impose major financial penalties on a minor driver or their family. Any damages would likely be covered under the minimum requirements for auto insurance for new drivers in your state. You could win a lawsuit to recover medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and pain/suffering, but the amounts may be more modest.
The minor's age and inexperience could also be a mitigating factor for the court to consider. Their limited time driving independently may have contributed to the accident somehow. While that does not excuse the violation, it could influence the judgment. Some states also have additional laws protecting minors from excessive lawsuits or garnishment of assets.
So, while you have grounds to pursue legal action for a hit-and-run, both sides have reasonable arguments regarding suing a minor driver. The specifics of the accident, injuries, and damages would determine if a lawsuit is worthwhile and likely to result in fair compensation. It may be a case where negotiating directly with the driver's insurance company provides a simpler solution. But if the other party refuses responsibility, you can file a claim against them in court, minor or not.
Contact Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers - Hit & Run Accident Lawyers Serving JupiterIf you or someone you know has been involved in a hit-and-run accident, it can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, legal options are available to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, our experienced team is dedicated to helping victims of hit-and-run accidents receive fair compensation for their injuries and damages. We understand the complexities of these cases and will work tirelessly to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for your rights in court if necessary.
If you have any questions regarding hit-and-run accidents or need assistance with your case, please contact us at (561) 800-8000. Our knowledgeable attorneys are here for you every step of the way.