The Aftermath of a Hit and Run: How Do You Address Property Damage?
Written by Attorney Alan Aronson | November 8, 2023 | Car Accidents
Getting into a car crash can be an immensely frustrating and stressful experience for anyone. But what’s more frustrating is when the driver that hit your car flees without any thought to the damages you suffered. While Florida has strict laws and harsh penalties for hit and run drivers, hit and run crashes still occur regularly.
After your car is totaled in a hit and run crash, you’re probably wondering how you can pay for it. We at Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa have helped many clients secure the compensation they need to have their cars replaced after a hit and run crash. If you’ve yet to discuss your case with our Port St. Lucie hit and run attorney, here’s what you need to know about addressing property damage after a hit and run crash.
Who Will Pay for The Damage to My Car?
Because Florida follows the no-fault auto insurance rules, the hit and run driver should cover the damage to your car. However, you would turn to your PIP insurance to cover your injuries if you got injured in the crash. Specifically, the hit and run driver’s property damage liability (PDL) coverage should cover the damage costs. That is if the driver can be located. Also, the minimum required amount for PDL insurance is only $10,000, and if your vehicle is totaled, this might not be enough to cover your vehicle damage.
Another option is collision coverage or uninsured motorist insurance. However, these options will only apply if you have these coverages. Most drivers or vehicle owners don’t have these because they are not required in Florida. But both insurance policies should cover the damage to your car.
It’s crucial to note that you will need to pay a deductible if you use any of these policies if the at-fault driver can’t be found. If the hit and run driver is found and their PDL isn’t enough to cover your losses, you can also file a personal injury claim against them.
Reach Out to an Experienced Port St. Lucie Hit and Run Attorney Now
When you get into a hit and run crash, and your car gets totaled, it can be difficult to navigate the situation, regardless of whether you locate the at-fault driver. It doesn’t matter if you are filing a claim for compensation from your own insurer or the hit and run driver’s insurer; they all will be looking out for their own interests and not yours. In addition, if your car is totaled, chances are you were also injured during the crash.
Whether you are dealing with a totaled vehicle, serious injuries, or both because of a negligent hit and run driver and need help securing compensation for all your accident-related losses, the Port St. Lucie hit and run attorneys at Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa are ready to help. They can help you locate the hit and run driver and review all the available insurance policies that you can pursue compensation from.
To schedule your free case review with our Port St. Lucie hit and run attorney, please call our office at 772-878-3880 or send us an online message.
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