Hit and Run Accident Lawyers Serving Pompano Beach

Hit and runs may be one of the most frustrating types of accidents. If the driver is never found, you may be stuck covering a lot of damages that are unfair to you. Not to mention the annoying fact that this avoidable accident happened in the first place.

Car accidents of all kinds are headaches to deal with, but when you’re left playing detective to find the responsible party that fled the scene, it can bring a whole new set of challenges with it.

If you’ve been in a car accident recently, you should consider having a Pompano Beach Hit and Run Accident Lawyer helping fight for justice and seek the compensation you may rightfully deserve.

What Is Hit and Run?

A hit and run car accident is when you or your vehicle is struck by another driver who flees the scene. Many times, these drivers are in the wrong already and don’t want to face the music of their repercussions. Because of this, you’re left covering the damages on your own.

Hit and runs are considered a misdemeanor or felony in the state of Florida. If the driver is ever caught, they could face jail time and a hefty fine on top of the damages they owe you. These cases are tricky because a lot of times, the driver can hide so well, or no one was there to take a good look at who caused the accident.

If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident, it’s imperative that you hire an attorney and work with the police to find the responsible person.

How Do Hit and Runs Happen?

There are a lot of variables that play into hit and runs. Most of the time, it’s due to reckless driving or not paying attention, but other times it can be completely accidental.

Here’s a list of potential reasons as to how hit and runs occur:

  • Texting while driving
  • Distractions
  • Driving under the influence
  • Speeding
  • Losing control
  • Road hazards
  • More

Anytime there’s an accident, each driver is responsible for staying at the scene and exchanging information. It’s also their duty to make sure everyone involved is okay and, if not, to call EMS. Failure to do these things and fleeing the scene is incriminating.

How Will a Hit and Run Lawyer Help Me?

A hit and run lawyer can help you in several ways. They can help you seek a fair insurance settlement and take your case to court, if needed.

Lawyers do more than you may realize. They will be your advocate, gather all necessary evidence, work with police, and build you a favorable case for trial. There are several people that may oppose you in these cases. Who better to do the fighting for you than an esteemed lawyer?

Can I File A Lawsuit for A Hit and Run Case?

Florida has tricky rules when it comes to filing a lawsuit over car accidents. Since it’s a no-fault state, you’re responsible for filing a claim with your insurance company, but there are stipulations to stepping out of the no-fault system.

If your case meets one of the following, you could be eligible to sue by:

  • Suffering from severe injury
  • Having medical bills that exceed a certain limit

The severe injury must meet specific qualifications as well. They generally include dismemberment, cause of ongoing medical treatment, or a severe impact on your quality of life.

Your lawyer can review your injuries and advise you if you meet the requirements.

Steps To Take After a Hit and Run Accident

If you are ever involved in a hit and run accident, here are the steps you need to complete.

Never Pursue

Do not ever try to track down the responsible party, even if you see them fleeing. If you’re able to see the license plate, write it down or take a photo. Try to notice the color, make, and model of the car as this can help the police. If you can see the driver, jot down their physical descriptions as well.

Call 911

Call law enforcement to come out to the scene if you can. They will record your statement and file a police report of the accident. This is something that can also be used in your case by your attorney later on.

Seek Medical Attention

It’s always a good idea to visit the doctor immediately for a record of your injuries and proof they were obtained from the accident. Even if all you have is a cut, you should be examined. If other symptoms start to develop after your first visit, return and have them monitored too. They will be added to your record.

Find an Attorney

It’s now time to begin filing a claim with your insurance and start prepping a case. Having a lawyer on your side from the get-go can help you have a better outcome in your case.

Finding the Responsible Driver

You should know that finding the responsible driver in a hit and run case can be a difficult task. Luckily, nowadays, there are many cameras around at traffic lights, homes, and commercial buildings, but there are some instances where those items aren’t around or did not capture the accident.

It can be difficult to find the responsible driver for several reasons:

  • No one saw the driver or got the license plate
  • The driver flees and hides
  • The driver conceals his or her identity
  • No video proof is to be found

This can be a major reason as to why your case may be delayed or the driver is never found. If your driver somehow is able to escape this crime, you can still seek compensation through your insurance. Your attorney can help you with this.

Don’t Skip the Hospital

One important aspect of your hit and run case that can make a significant impact is your medical records. This is why it’s important to not avoid being medically examined.

If you suffer from extreme or severe injuries as a result of the accident, you should seek medical attention to have this documented. Your attorney can use these medical records to prove the severe extent of the accident and potentially help you seek more compensation.

Even if you believe you are not suffering from any injuries, it’s still important to be checked out for the sake of your case and overall health.

How Long Do Hit and Run Cases Take?

Hit and run cases can be very complex. There is no timeline you can expect for your case because it all depends on the main variable: finding the responsible driver.

Other variables that can affect the length of your case include:

  • Healing from your injuries
  • Your court dates
  • The length of trial
  • Other unforeseen occurrences

It could take a few months or a few years to finally settle your case.

How Much Can I Expect to Get Out of My Settlement?

There is no exact figure that you can expect to receive in a settlement. It all depends on the severity of your injuries and the accident itself. Everything falls under a case-by-case basis.

To best know how much you can review in your settlement, ask your lawyer. They can give you a more accurate ballpark figure after reviewing your evidence, taking into consideration the statute of limitations, and what you can expect with your unique circumstances.

During your case, there’s the possibility of you receiving two settlements: one being from your insurance company and the other from the defendant or court. Your lawyer can help you negotiate a higher settlement with your insurance company if necessary.

Let Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers Help

Instead of tackling this confusing accident on your own, let our Lawyers Assist you with the legal side.

While law enforcement works on tracking down the responsible party, we can help you seek compensation in the meantime with your insurance company as well as start preparing your lawsuit, should you choose to file one.

Our firm has been around for more than 40 years, helping the residents of Pompano Beach, Florida, and we want to help you (by appointment only).

Call our firm today at (561) 800-8000 or leave your contact in our online form so we can start working on your hit and run case today.

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