In Florida, drivers are required to stop when involved in an accident. If someone drives away, they are guilty of leaving an accident scene or “hit-and-run.” After a devastating crash, you or your family member may face life-altering injuries, a growing stack of medical bills, and possibly lost income.
An Orlando hit-and-run lawyer from our law firm could look into getting some of your bills paid right away. They could also work with you to build a case against the guilty party.
Contact our Orlando car accident lawyers for a free consultation, or keep reading to learn more.
Florida Law Regarding Hit and Run Accidents
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles states that drivers involved in a collision must stay at the scene or face penalties. Therefore, hit-and-run drivers may suffer severe consequences, depending on the outcome of the accident.
While every case is unique, most hit-and-runs fall into one of the following categories:
Accidents Involving Property Damage
- Classified as a second-degree misdemeanor
- Prison sentence of up to 60 days
- Fine of up to $500
Accident Involving Injury
- Classified as a second or third-degree felony
- License revocation for three years or more
- Prison sentence of up to five years
- Fine of up to $5,000
Accident Involving Fatality
- Classified as a first-degree felony
- License revocation for three years or more
- Prison sentence of four to 30 years
- Fine of up to $10,000
Our primary goal is to defend your rights and help you get compensation for your losses. In addition, our experienced Orlando personal injury lawyers can help you hold the offending driver accountable for leaving the scene.
What Should I Do If the Other Driver Leaves the Accident Scene?
After being involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to take certain steps. First, dial 911 and seek medical attention if you are hurt.
If you are physically able, write down what you remember about the other vehicle, such as the make and model, color, and license plate number.
Next, look for eyewitnesses and ask for their contact information. Additionally, take photos of the area, the damage to your vehicle, and any visible injuries you sustained.
It is important to report the incident to law enforcement as soon as you can after it happens. If you don’t report a collision soon enough, it may not be considered a compensable loss by your insurance provider.
Does Insurance Cover a Hit-and-Run?
Normally, if a negligent driver causes an accident, their liability insurance helps cover the cost of injuries and vehicle damage. But other coverage options exist if the at-fault driver cannot be found or is uninsured.
Three types of insurance coverage can help cover a Florida hit-and-run accident:
- Personal injury protection (PIP): All drivers in the state are required by law to possess personal injury protection (PIP), which offers up to $10,000 of medical coverage in the event of an accident, including those caused by hit-and-runs.
- Uninsured motorist coverage: Uninsured motorist coverage is an option for paying for higher medical expenses if you are involved in a hit-and-run. However, since uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is optional, you may not have included those coverages when you purchased your insurance policy.
- Collision coverage: This coverage could help to repair a vehicle damaged in a hit-and-run incident. You will likely need to pay a deductible with this type of claim. However, if the police later find the driver, your insurance company may be able to reimburse you for the cost of the deductible.
How Else Can I Get My Bills Paid After a Hit-and-Run?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you must understand your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation. In addition to filing a claim with your insurance company, we could help you apply for financial assistance from the state.
After being injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may qualify for “crime victim compensation,” as the has outlined. This support could cover wage loss, disability (if applicable), and medical treatment costs.
To secure victim compensation from the state, you must provide the necessary documentation. This typically includes the law enforcement report, proof of crime-related expenses, and documentation from your health care providers and employer.
Our Orlando team could help you obtain the information needed to file a successful claim. In addition, we could help you with an accident claim or personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
How Our Law Firm Can Help You With Your Case
Since criminal charges are involved in a hit-and-run accident, your case could become more complex. In addition to filing a lawsuit, you may have to testify against the guilty party in court. Our attorneys can guide you throughout this process. Our services include the following:
Full Case Management
Our legal team goes to work to handle every aspect of your case. We gather and prepare all documents, conduct a thorough investigation, establish fault and liability, and calculate damages. We also engage with all parties on your behalf while you recover from your injuries.
Legal Strategy Formulation
Our legal strategy starts by proving who is at fault for your injuries. We obtain evidence based on eyewitness accounts, expert testimony, accident reports, medical documents, and photo or video footage of the incident.
Our legal strategy also includes estimating your case value. We review your losses, such as:
- Medical expenses.
- Lost wages.
- Property damage.
- Physical and emotional anguish.
- Loss of consortium
- Disability
- Diminished earning capacity
In a wrongful death case, we also pursue burial and funeral expenses.
Settlement Negotiation
Our lawyers engage with the insurance company on your behalf and fight for a fair settlement. Our goal is to get you the maximum compensation possible based on the value of your losses. We can fight for you in court if the insurance company rejects your claim or offers a low settlement.
Get Started With Your Hit and Run Case Today
A hit-and-run accident can be a traumatic experience that leaves victims feeling helpless and confused. Fortunately, an experienced Orlando hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and seek justice for your injuries.
Those who leave the scene of an accident should pay for their crime and compensate you for your damages. An Orlando personal injury lawyer with the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine could help you recover the maximum compensation available in your case.
Discuss your legal options today by contacting us for a free consultation.
We Can Help.
