What If The Person Who Hit Me Flees The Scene?
On Behalf of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa | May 18, 2022 | Car Accidents
Anyone that operates a motor vehicle in Florida and gets into an accident is legally obligated to stop at the accident scene and give specific details to the other motorist or anyone involved in the crash. This means that you must give the following details whether the other individual involved in the crash is another driver, pedestrian, motorcyclist, or bicyclist:
- Name
- Address
- Driver’s permit or license
- Vehicle registration number (VIN)
Motorists involved in an accident must likewise show the responding officer their license and provide necessary help if necessary. This can include calling 911, bringing an injured person to the nearest hospital, or removing an injured person away from a potentially dangerous condition in the accident scene. This means that a person has committed the criminal offense of hit-and-run if they fail to meet the legal requirements above after an accident.
Seeking compensation for a hit-and-run accident may be difficult, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Damages in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Different types of auto insurance coverage can help you cover the damages you suffered in a hit-and-run crash. However, which one you can recover from will be dependent on the specific circumstances of the hit-and-run crash and any optional insurance plans you may have when you purchased your auto insurance policy.
If you have collision coverage, this will cover damage to your vehicle, even if you failed to identify the at-fault driver. Underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage, if you have it, can likewise cover your injuries and vehicle damage if you found the driver, but they don’t have insurance or have insufficient coverage. Likewise, your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance will cover your medical bills and disability payments (if needed).
If you were able to find the driver, whether through the police or the investigation of your lawyer, you can bring a claim against their liability coverage if they have insurance. If the driver doesn’t have insurance, other options you can consider include going after their assets or wage garnishment.
Never Chase The Hit-and-Run Driver or Look for Them On Your Own
You don’t know why the driver is fleeing, and they may be dangerous. You’re likewise risking getting into another crash. You have other options for protecting your claim, which will not put you in any danger. You can call the police or 911. You can also write down anything you see or remember from the crash, including the vehicle’s plate number and its physical appearance.
Consult with an Experienced West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer Now
If your or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run crash or any other kind of motor vehicle crash, reach out to our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers right away. We will investigate the hit-and-run accident, determine which insurance policies can cover your losses, and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
You can set up your free case review by calling Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa at 866-640-7117 or sending us an online message.