Hit & Run Accident Lawyers Serving Margate
Hit-and-run accidents can be extremely frustrating and devastating for victims. When a driver flees the scene of an accident, they leave the victim with no one to hold accountable for their damages and injuries. This is why hit-and-run accident lawsuits are so important.
By filing a hit-and-run lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses you have suffered as a result of the accident.
Additionally, holding the at-fault party accountable through legal action sends a message that reckless behavior on the roads will not be tolerated. It also helps prevent similar accidents from happening in the future by making drivers more aware of their responsibilities on the road.
Pursuing legal action after a hit-and-run accident can help provide victims closure while promoting safer driving practices in our communities.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Reporting a Hit-And-Run Accident in Florida?If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is crucial to report the incident to law enforcement as soon as possible. In Florida, there are specific legal requirements for reporting a hit-and-run accident.
Under Florida law, you must immediately report the crash to law enforcement if you are involved in an accident that results in injury or death or causes property damage exceeding $500. The easiest way to do this is by calling 911 and providing details about the incident.
When reporting a hit-and-run accident, providing as much information as possible about the other vehicle involved in the crash is important. This includes any details about the make and model of the car, its license plate number (if visible), and any distinguishing features such as bumper stickers or decals.
You should also provide information about your location at the time of the crash and whether any witnesses were present who may have seen what happened. If you were able to obtain contact information from any witnesses at the scene of the collision, be sure to share that with law enforcement.
Following these legal requirements for reporting a hit-and-run accident in Florida promptly and accurately can help ensure that police will take appropriate action against those responsible for causing harm or damages through their reckless behavior on our roads.
How Soon After the Accident Should I Report the Hit-And-Run to the Police?If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is important to report it to the police immediately. In Florida, the law requires that you report any car accident involving injury or death within ten days, but reporting a hit-and-run promptly can help increase your chances of finding the responsible driver.
It is best to contact the police immediately after an accident occurs. If you can do so safely, try to take note of any details about the other vehicle and driver before they flee the scene. This information can be crucial in helping authorities track down and prosecute them.
Even if you don't have much information, notifying law enforcement immediately will create an official record of the incident. This documentation could prove invaluable when filing a claim with your insurance company or seeking compensation from other sources.
Remember that failing to report a hit-and-run could result in penalties such as fines and even criminal charges. So don't hesitate – contact local law enforcement as soon as possible after being involved in this type of accident.
What Information Should I Gather at the Scene of the Hit-And-Run Accident?Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be stressful and overwhelming, so knowing what information you should gather at the accident scene is essential. The more details you can collect, the better your chance of identifying the driver responsible for fleeing the scene.
The first thing to do is to call 911 or local law enforcement immediately following the incident. Take photos of your vehicle and any damages sustained from different angles, if possible. Note if any witnesses nearby may have seen what happened as well.
It's also important to write down as much information about the other vehicle(s) involved in the hit-and-run, including their make and model, license plate number (if visible), color, and distinguishing features. If there were passengers in either car or pedestrians near where it occurred, ask them if they saw anything that could help identify who was driving at fault.
Should I Seek Medical Attention Even if I Don't Appear to Be Injured?You may not feel any pain or discomfort after a hit-and-run accident, but it is still important to seek medical attention. Even if you don't appear to be injured, there could still be underlying injuries that are not immediately apparent.
Some common injuries after an accident include whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding. These injuries can take hours or even days to show symptoms. This is why seeking medical attention right away is crucial.
Additionally, getting medical treatment will provide documentation of your injuries for insurance purposes and potential legal action. It's always better to have this evidence on hand rather than trying to gather it later on.
Remember that your health should be the top priority after a hit-and-run accident. Don't hesitate to see a doctor or get checked out at the hospital, even if you feel fine now. Your body may still need time to heal from the crash's impact, and it's best not to take any chances with your well-being.
How Can I Track Down Witnesses Who May Have Seen the Hit-And-Run?After a hit-and-run accident, gathering as much evidence as possible is crucial. One of the most valuable pieces of evidence can come from eyewitnesses who may have seen the accident. But how do you track down these witnesses?
Firstly, check with nearby businesses or homes for any security cameras that could have recorded footage of the accident. If there are no cameras in the immediate area, consider posting flyers in the surrounding neighborhoods asking if anyone witnessed the incident.
Additionally, reach out to local news outlets and social media platforms to see if they can share your plea for information.
If you were able to get contact information from a witness at the scene of the accident, be sure to follow up with them promptly and ask for their account of what happened.
Remember that time is critical when locating witnesses, so act fast before memories fade and people move on. Being proactive in finding witnesses may significantly strengthen your case and increase your chances for compensation after a hit-and-run accident.
What Evidence Do I Need to Support My Hit-And-Run Claim?To build a strong hit-and-run claim, you will need to gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.
Firstly, take pictures of any damage caused by the hit-and-run driver. This includes photos of your vehicle and any other property damaged in the collision.
If witnesses at the scene saw what happened, try to get their contact information so they can provide statements later on. Witness testimony can be invaluable in proving fault in a hit-and-run accident.
Additionally, check for CCTV cameras or dashcam footage that may have captured images of the other vehicle involved in the collision. This could help identify license plate numbers or even make and model details.
Keep all medical records related to injuries sustained during or after the accident. These records will prove valuable when seeking compensation for any medical expenses incurred due to injuries suffered during this incident.
What Should I Do if I Have Limited Information About the Other Vehicle Involved in the Hit-And-Run?It can be frustrating and overwhelming if you're involved in a hit-and-run accident and have limited information about the other vehicle. However, there are still steps you can take to increase your chances of identifying the other driver.
Firstly, try to recall details that could help identify the vehicle, such as color, make and model, or any unique features like bumper stickers or damage. Ask for witnesses who may have seen the incident or surveillance footage from nearby businesses if possible.
It's also important to report the incident immediately to law enforcement and provide them with all available information. They may use their resources, such as traffic cameras or license plate readers, to track down the offending driver.
Consider contacting an experienced hit-and-run lawyer who can assist with investigating the incident further and maximizing your chances of recovering compensation for your damages. Remember that every detail counts when solving a hit-and-run case, so don't hesitate to reach out for help if needed.
Are There Any Deadlines or Time Limits for Filing a Hit-And-Run Claim in Florida?If you've been involved in a hit-and-run accident, one of the most pressing questions may be whether there are any time limits for filing a claim. The answer is yes – there are deadlines for filing a hit-and-run claim in Florida.
Under Florida law, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This means that if you were injured or suffered property damage as a result of someone else's negligence in leaving the scene of an accident, you must take legal action within this timeframe.
It's important to note that while two years may seem like plenty of time to file a claim, it's always best to act quickly after an accident. Waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence and find witnesses who can support your case.
Additionally, depending on your insurance policy and coverage options, there may be specific deadlines for notifying your insurance company about the hit-and-run incident. Reviewing your policy carefully and speaking with an experienced attorney who can advise you on these requirements is crucial.
If you're considering pursuing legal action after being involved in a hit-and-run accident in Florida, don't delay – reach out to an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options and ensure all necessary steps are taken within applicable time limits.
What Types of Damages Can I Seek Compensation for in a Hit-And-Run Claim?If you've been involved in a hit-and-run accident, you may be entitled to compensation for damages. Damages are the losses or harm resulting from an accident, including economic and non-economic losses.
Economic damages refer to tangible losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other out-of-pocket costs related to the accident. Non-economic damages refer to intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other subjective losses.
When seeking compensation for your hit-and-run claim, it's important to provide evidence of all the damages you have suffered. This can include medical bills, receipts for vehicle repairs, or replacement costs if your car was totaled in the accident.
You should also keep track of any missed work due to injuries sustained during the crash. If you had planned on going on a vacation but were unable because of your injuries sustained in the crash, this is another example where compensation could be claimed.
Pain and suffering can often be difficult to quantify, but one way is by using multipliers based on your injuries' severity. For instance, if someone broke their leg, they would receive a higher multiplier than someone sprained their ankle, depending on severity levels.
How Will My Insurance Company Handle My Hit-And-Run Claim?After reporting a hit-and-run accident to the police, you may wonder how your insurance company will handle your claim. In Florida, all drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability coverage. PIP covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers, while property damage liability covers repairs or vehicle replacement.
If you have uninsured motorist coverage, it can also provide additional protection if the other driver is never found or doesn't have insurance. Your insurance company may require documentation of the accident and any damages incurred before processing your claim.
It's important to note that filing a hit-and-run claim could potentially raise your insurance rates. However, it shouldn't drastically affect your premiums if you were not at fault for the accident.
In some cases, if the other driver is eventually identified or caught by law enforcement after fleeing from an accident scene, their insurance company may be responsible for covering damages instead of yours. Ultimately, each hit-and-run situation is unique and should be handled case-by-case with guidance from legal professionals and experienced attorneys specializing in these cases.
What Should I Do if My Insurance Company Denies My Hit-And-Run Claim?It can be frustrating and overwhelming if your insurance company denies your hit-and-run claim. However, there are steps you can take to appeal the decision.
Firstly, review your insurance policy and make sure that the denial was not due to a technicality or mistake on your part. If everything seems right, contact your insurance company and ask for an explanation of why they denied the claim.
If you still disagree with their decision, gather any evidence or additional information that may help support your case. This could include witness statements, police reports, or medical records.
Consider consulting with a personal injury attorney with experience handling hit-and-run claims in Florida. They can review your case and provide legal advice on how to proceed.
If all else fails, you may need to file a complaint against your insurance company with the state's Department of Insurance Regulation. This should only be done as a last resort but is an option available to policyholders who feel that their insurer acted unfairly.
Remember that being denied by one insurance company doesn't necessarily mean that another insurer won't cover you - so keep exploring different options until you find coverage that suits both parties!
Can I Recover Compensation if the Hit-And-Run Driver Is Never Found?If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident and the driver responsible is never found, you may wonder if there is any way to recover compensation for your damages. Fortunately, you still have options.
Firstly, it's important to note that Florida law requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage can provide financial protection in hit-and-run cases where the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
If available, your insurance company will investigate the accident and gather relevant information from witnesses or surveillance footage. They will then determine the value of your claim based on the evidence collected.
It's worth noting that uninsured motorist coverage typically limits how much compensation can be awarded. Therefore, working with an experienced attorney who can negotiate with your insurance company and ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages is important.
In some cases, other sources of compensation may also be available such as victim's crime compensation funds or personal injury protection (PIP) benefits.
Contact Frankl Kominsky Hit & Run Accident Lawyers Serving MargateIf you or a loved one has been involved in a hit-and-run accident, it can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. However, with the right guidance and legal support, you can recover compensation for your damages and move forward from this difficult situation.
At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, we understand the complexities of hit-and-run cases and will work tirelessly to ensure your rights are protected every step. Our skilled attorneys have years of experience representing clients who have suffered injuries or property damage due to a hit-and-run accident.
Contact us today at (561) 800-8000 for a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. We are here for you during this challenging time and will fight tirelessly to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.