What to Do When a Driver Flees the Scene of an Accident
On Behalf of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa | May 15, 2023 | Car Accidents
Being involved in a car crash is never easy. However, certain factors, such as a driver hitting your vehicle and then fleeing the scene of the accident, can make it even more complicated. Florida law requires drivers to exchange insurance and contact details after an accident. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are common in Florida. In 2022, 105,314 hit-and-run crashes resulted in 22,990 injuries and 268 deaths in the Sunshine State.
If a driver flees the scene of an accident after hitting your vehicle, here are some simple steps to take to try and remedy the situation.
Ensure Everyone’s Safety First
Move your vehicle to a safe spot and check if you or any of your passengers are injured. Call 911 right away if anyone is injured. If you don’t think you’re injured, you must still get a medical checkup as soon as you can to confirm whether or not you have any injuries. Do not pursue the hit-and-run driver. The dangers of chasing after the driver (who might be hostile or running from law enforcement) just to identify them are not worth it.
Contact The Police
When you get hit by a hit-and-run driver, you will need to involve the police to increase your chances of locating the driver and collecting evidence of the crash. You will also need the police report the responding officer will file to support your insurance claim.
Collect Evidence
Take note of all the details about the crash, including:
- The direction the hit-and-run driver headed
- The vehicle’s license plate number, color, model, and make (if applicable)
- Any identifying or unique marks on the vehicle, such as dents or stickers
- The appearance of the hit-and-run driver
- The circumstances of the accident
You should also look around the scene to check for remnants of the other vehicle, like a piece of bumper or mirror that broke off in the crash. If there are witnesses, get their statements and contact details. It’s also a good idea to ask nearby properties if they have surveillance cameras that may have recorded the incident.
Report The Accident to Your Insurer and Talk to a Florida Hit and Run Lawyer
You’ll need to report the hit-and-run crash to your insurer because you’ll need to file a claim against your PIP coverage or other insurance coverages that may cover the damages you suffered in the crash. When reporting the crash, do not go into detail. Just inform your insurer that you got into a hit-and-run crash, you called the police, and the accident resulted in injuries and property damage.
Remember that insurers will always look out for their interests, so discussing your case with a Florida hit-and-run lawyer is recommended. Having your lawyer deal with subsequent discussions and negotiations with your insurer can help make certain that you receive proper compensation, whether or not the hit-and-run is identified.
Speak to a Skilled Florida Hit and Run Lawyer Today
Injured in a hit-and-run crash? Get in touch with a Florida hit-and-run lawyer today to learn more about your legal options. Contact Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa online or at 772-878-3880 to arrange your free case evaluation with our Florida hit-and-run lawyer.