Hit & Run Accident Lawyers Serving Palm Beach Gardens
No one likes to think about getting involved in a car accident, but they do happen—including hit-and-run accidents where the responsible driver takes off without exchanging details or taking responsibility for the collision. But did you know that residents of Palm Beach Gardens are five times more likely than the national average to get into a hit-and-run accident? That's why it's important to know how to file a claim if you're ever involved in a hit-and-run in Palm Beach Gardens.
Even if you don't have any witnesses or don't know who was at fault, it could still be possible to obtain compensation by filing an uninsured motorist claim. It all depends on your case, so understand your rights before filing a claim.
What Is The Process For Filing A Hit-and-run Accident Claim In Florida?Filing a hit-and-run accident claim in Florida can be daunting, so it's important to ensure you understand the steps involved.
Contact the Local AuthorityFirst and foremost, you'll need to contact the local police or sheriff's department to report the accident. They may investigate the circumstances of your case and take statements from any witnesses that may have seen the incident occur. Even if you don't know who was driving, contacting the local authorities is important, as they may uncover evidence to help you file a claim.
File an Uninsured Motorist Claim FormOnce you have reported your case to the police, you'll need to complete an uninsured motorist claim form with your insurance company. This form will provide details on yourself, your policy, and the incident that occurred. Make sure all of this information is accurate, as your insurance company will use it during their investigation of your case.
Gather All Relevant DocumentsYou'll then need to gather all relevant documents related to your accident, such as medical reports from any injuries you may have sustained, photos or videos if available, and any witness statements or evidence of property damage caused by the other driver. These documents will help prove that an accident occurred and can be submitted with your insurance claim form.
Submit Your Claim Form & Supporting DocumentationFinally, submit both the claim form and supporting documentation for review by your insurance company. They will then investigate your case and let you know their decision on how much compensation they will pay for damages related to your hit-and-run accident in Florida.
What is a police report, and how can it help my hit-and-run accident claim?When you're the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Florida, the police report is one of your most important pieces of evidence. It's essential for filing a hit-and-run claim, as it officially verifies that an occurrence happened. This document also helps insurance companies determine who is at fault for an accident and the damages incurred from the collision.
If a driver doesn't stop after hitting your car—or if they swap license plates or otherwise flee the scene—your first order of business should be to call the police. Once they've arrived, your statements and contact information will be noted in the police report. You'll also have to provide them with any available description of the other party's vehicle, including the make and model.
Additionally, any witnesses at the scene should report their contact information to the police to be contacted if needed during an investigation. Witnesses provide valuable testimony in hit-and-run claims—especially when there isn't enough evidence on either side to prove who is responsible for causing the accident.
Finally, take photos at the scene if you can, and make sure to get a copy of your police report from law enforcement officers. This will serve an important purpose later when it comes time to negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit against another driver for damages caused during a hit-and-run accident.
How Long Does A Hit-and-run Accident Claim Take To Settle?So you've been in a hit-and-run accident in Florida and want to know how long it'll take for your claim to be settled? Well, it's a complicated process, and there's no one clear-cut answer. Different hit-and-run claims are handled differently depending on the severity of the injury, the amount of damage, who was at fault, etc.
Generally speaking, though, it can take anywhere from three weeks to several months for your claim to be resolved. Here are some things that could affect the timeframe:
Factors Affecting Settlement Timeframe- Who was at fault: If the other driver is found to be at fault, they'll need to accept responsibility before your claim can proceed. This can cause delays if they deny responsibility or fail to cooperate with investigating authorities.
- The severity of injury/damage: In cases with serious injuries or extensive property damage, it could take longer for a settlement agreement to be reached due to higher figures being involved in compensation negotiations.
- Witnesses: Witnesses can provide valuable evidence on who was at fault and are important in helping prove liability. If witnesses cannot be found or contacted, this could add further delays in resolving an accident claim.
Overall, it will usually take some time for a hit-and-run accident claim in Florida to settle—but by working with an experienced attorney who understands all the ins and outs of the process, you increase your chances of getting a favorable outcome sooner than later.
What Factors Can Affect The Outcome Of A Hit-and-run Accident Claim?A few key factors can affect the outcome when filing a hit-and-run accident claim in Florida. Knowing these factors before you start the process can help you better understand the situation and prepare for a successful claim.
Law RequirementsHit-and-run accidents are considered very serious in Florida and are subject to specific laws. For example, the vehicle involved must be reported to the police within a certain time. Otherwise, the claim cannot be filed. Additionally, if the police arrive on the scene and find evidence linking you to the accident, such as alcohol or drugs, it may be more difficult to prove your case.
Fault DeterminationIt's important to remember that even if it is a hit-and-run accident, both parties can still be liable for damages depending on the evidence provided.
Several other factors can affect a hit-and-run accident claim in Florida, such as:
- Damage caused by uninsured drivers
- Amount of coverage under your policy
- Type of insurance policy carried by each involved party
- The legal representation provided by each party
- Documentation available from all involved parties
Knowing how these variables affect your case is key to filing an effective hit-and-run accident claim in Florida and getting the best outcomes possible.
What Should I Do If The Other Driver Is Uninsured In A Hit-and-run Accident?Unfortunately, not every driver on the road is insured. If you are in a hit-and-run accident and the other driver has no insurance, or if their insurance limits don't meet the value of your damages, options are still available.
Uninsured Motorist CoverageFirst, check your auto insurance policy for uninsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage can help to pay for any damages if an uninsured driver causes an accident. This coverage also protects if you are a hit-and-run accident victim, so it's important to review your policy to ensure it is sufficiently covered.
Florida Personal Injury Protection (PIP) InsuranceFlorida is one of the few no-fault states in the U.S., meaning that each driver's auto insurance pays for their medical expenses regardless of fault in an auto accident. If you have PIP coverage on your policy, it will help to cover some or all of your medical expenses following a hit-and-run accident.
You should contact your insurer as soon as possible after an accident for more information about PIP coverage and how it can help you recover from a hit-and-run incident.
While these two options won't cover any property damage resulting from a hit-and-run accident, they can still provide some financial assistance until you can recoup costs through other means, such as filing a claim with the other driver's insurer or with a small claims court in Florida.
Can I File A Hit-and-run Accident Claim If I Am A Pedestrian Or Bicyclist?Yes, even if you're a pedestrian or bicyclist, you can file a hit-and-run accident claim in Florida. The same rules apply to all other motorists involved in a hit-and-run accident: if the driver is identified, you can bring a claim against their insurance company; if the driver is not identified, you may be able to claim your insurance policy.
When it comes to filing an insurance claim as a pedestrian or bicyclist in Florida, here are some key points to be aware of:
- If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage through your insurance policy, you may be able to recover compensation for damages such as medical bills and lost income.
- If the hit-and-run driver is never identified (which is sometimes the case), you can still bring an uninsured motorist claim against your insurer for certain damages.
- In cases where someone else was driving the vehicle that hit you—usually a rented car or an owned vehicle being driven by an unauthorized individual—the owner may also be liable for causing your damages.
- Even if the hit-and-run driver is never identified or caught, victims have rights in terms of filing claims and seeking compensation for their losses.
Before filing a claim in Florida for a hit-and-run accident, you should consider enlisting the help of an experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer. A hit-and-run lawyer can help you explore your legal options and ensure you are fairly compensated for injuries or property damages. Here are just a few ways a hit-and-run lawyer can help:
Reduce Burden Of ProofThe burden of proof lies on the claimant when it comes to a hit-and-run accident in Florida. Hiring a lawyer to represent your case can reduce that burden of proof by helping to collect evidence in your favor, such as eyewitness testimony, video surveillance or photographs from the scene, police reports, medical reports, and other types of documentation.
Give Insight Into Florida LawsAn experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer is familiar with laws in Florida governing car accidents involving uninsured motorist claims and can provide invaluable insight into the intricacies of what's involved in filing a successful claim. Your lawyer will be able to explain the steps you need to take to protect yourself financially associated with a hit-and-run claim in Florida.
Find Solutions If Insurance FailsIf your insurance company is being uncooperative or denying coverage, an experienced attorney can advise you on how to proceed with filing an uninsured motorist claim with the Department of Financial Services. A good attorney will also utilize negotiation tactics such as mediation or arbitration if needed so that you receive justice for your circumstances.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Hit-and-run Accident Lawyer?When it comes to choosing an attorney for filing a hit-and-run accident claim in Florida, there are a few key points that you should consider.
ExperienceFirst, look for an experienced attorney with a successful track record of handling hit-and-run cases in Florida. An experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer will be familiar with the laws and regulations of the state and will know how to build your case best.
ResourcesAlso, ensure they have the resources necessary to litigate your case successfully. Things like access to experts and investigators can go a long way in helping your claim succeed.
Strong ReputationFinally, check out reviews and ask for referrals from family or friends for an attorney with a strong reputation for handling hit-and-run cases. You want someone respected in the legal community and will fight hard for your rights as an injured victim.
How Can I Communicate With My Hit-and-run Accident Lawyer?There are a variety of ways to communicate with your hit-and-run accident lawyer. Most lawyers offer initial consultations over the phone or in person, where they can explain the process and answer any questions you may have. After that, you can communicate through email, text, or phone calls.
It's also important to remember that during the filing of a hit-and-run claim in Florida, time is of the essence! So, make sure you contact your lawyer as often as possible so they can get all the facts necessary for your case.
Here are some tips on how to best communicate with your lawyer:
- Always be honest and provide as much detail about the incident as possible
- Be proactive in keeping your lawyer informed about any developments related to your case
- Document everything - it can help jog your memory and be useful later on if your case goes to court
- Stay organized: keep track of all documents related to your case in one place
- Respond promptly - letting emails or messages linger without responding could hamper progress on your case
There are a few important reasons why hiring a lawyer is essential when dealing with a hit-and-run accident in Florida. Lawyers experienced in these types of cases can help you navigate the complicated legal system and ensure your claim is handled appropriately.
Here are some of the main reasons to enlist the help of an experienced lawyer:
Knowledge of State LawsMany states have specific laws regarding hit-and-run accidents, and it's important to understand exactly what applies in your case. An experienced lawyer will be up-to-date on all applicable laws so that they can confidently guide you through the process.
Access to Witnesses & EvidenceOften, a hit-and-run requires gathering evidence from witnesses or video footage—which can be difficult for the average person. A lawyer is equipped with the resources to find this crucial information, which can significantly strengthen your case.
Advocate for Fair CompensationAccidents involving uninsured drivers can be complex because it's often challenging to determine who's liable for damages or medical expenses incurred. A lawyer advocates for you throughout the process and fights for fair compensation for any injuries or property damage incurred in the accident.
Contact Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers - Hit & Run Accident Lawyers Serving Palm Beach GardensIf you're serious about filing a hit-and-run accident claim in Florida, you'll want to speak with an experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer. The Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers - Hit & Run Accident Lawyers have years of experience handling these cases. They can provide invaluable guidance and advice to ensure your claim succeeds.
The Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers - Hit & Run Accident Lawyers understand the nuances of Florida's laws surrounding motor vehicle accidents, and they will fight for you to get the best possible outcome for your claim. They understand that filing a hit-and-run accident claim can be complex and stressful, so they are here to make it as simple as possible.
This can make filing a hit-and-run accident claim much easier for you. So if you need assistance, don't hesitate to contact the Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers - Hit & Run Accident Lawyers Serving Palm Beach Gardens at (561) 800-8000. We are here for you!