What To Do If You’re the Victim of a Hit and Run Car Accident
Are you worried about what might happen if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run car accident? As experienced car accident attorneys in Gainesville, FL, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of steps to take immediately after the incident and in the following days and weeks. A hit-and-run accident can be defined in a couple of ways. Most people are familiar with the concept that if a car hits you and then speeds off, you’re the victim of a hit-and-run car accident. But even if your car is hit when parked and unattended and the driver doesn’t leave a note, that also counts as a hit and run car accident for legal purposes.
Remain Calm and Gather Information
Given the circumstances, it may be difficult to acquire the information you need as you’re still shaken up and the other driver is speeding off into the distance. But if you remain calm and act quickly, you can gather the information necessary for prosecuting the other driver. Obviously, it’d be great to get the other car’s license plate number, but that’s probably the most difficult to obtain and memorize, though a dashcam can help. If you can at least obtain the make and model of the car that hit you, that will help immensely when the police begin their search. It’s also important to try and capture what the person driving the car looks like, in case they claim their car was stolen or borrowed by a friend at the time.
Call the Police
Once you’ve gathered as much information as you can, call the police. You’ll be able to file a police report so they can begin searching for the other driver. The police report will also be useful when talking to your insurance company so they have a documented report of what happened for reference. While you’re waiting for the police to show up, see if you can find any witnesses to the hit and run car accident, but don’t leave the scene of the crime. If you can, get witness statements and contact information to provide to the police when they get there and to your insurance company later on.
Review Your Insurance and File a Claim
While Florida is a no-fault state (which means your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance will provide for some basic medical treatment following your accident regardless of who is at fault), it is important to carry an insurance policy with uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, as well. PIP coverage is minimal, so if you are the victim of a hit and run accident and sustain serious injuries, you will need to rely on your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. It is always good practice to understand what type of coverage you have and to occasionally review your policy to make sure you have coverage that protects you and your loved ones.
Contact the State Attorney’s Office
If you and the police are able to locate the person that hit you, you have a number of options. First, know that the person that hit you is criminally liable for fleeing the scene of the accident. That means the state may prosecute that person and order them to compensate you. If the driver is uninsured, which may likely be the cause of their flight, then many states have access to a victim’s compensation fund to cover expenses not covered by your own insurance. Be sure to stay in touch with your state attorney’s office in either case.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Now, let’s say you were injured during the hit-and-run. In addition to a criminal case, you now have a civil case against the person that hit you. If the person driving the car is a different person than the owner, you have a case against the owner as well. This is where things get complicated and you’re advised to contact a car accident attorney about your hit and run accident. They will begin to build your case based on your account, witness accounts, the police report, and the other driver’s account. If the other driver refuses to cooperate, they can subpoena them for a formal deposition. Depending on the severity of the incident, the statute of limitations can vary, so it’s important to reach out to a car accident attorney as soon as possible when you know you’ll be launching a civil case.
If you’ve been involved in a hit and run car accident that resulted in personal injury, look no further than Avera & Smith for your car accident attorney needs. Our team of experienced trial attorneys will stop at nothing to get you the settlement you deserve. We stand up for you, your family, and your rights. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.