Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime in Florida. Yet it happens every day. A hit and run accident occurs when someone who is involved in a car accident leaves the scene without identifying themselves or anyone else involved in the accident. Tens of thousands of hit and run accidents occur in Florida every year. Hit and run accidents are extremely stressful and confusing, so it is important to know what to do if you’ve been the victim of one.
What to do After a Hit and Run Accident
Your first priority, if you have been the victim of a hit and run accident, is your safety and the safety of others around you. Pull your car out of traffic is possible, make sure everyone is safe, call an ambulance if necessary, and call the police. You should always call the police after an accident so that you can make a report. Even if you are not sure if you are seriously injured, you should seek medical treatment after the accident.
Do not attempt to chase the hit and run driver. The dangers of a chase will outweigh any of the benefits of catching them. You can, however, make a note of anything you noticed about the vehicle, including:
- License plate number
- Make and model of the vehicle
- Description of the driver
- Any identifying features of the vehicle
Insurance Coverage
Just as with any accident in Florida, you have the right to make a claim for medical expenses and lost wages on your personal injury protection (PIP). This coverage applies regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Further insurance coverage will depend on any elections you made on your auto insurance. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, it will cover anything beyond your PIP limits. In addition, if you have collision insurance, the cost of repairs to your vehicle will be covered.
Contact a Florida Accident Attorney
If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident, the process can be complicated, and you may want an attorney to help. Gregg Goldfarb has been helping the victims of car accidents for over 20 years. Contact us online or call us at 305-374-7000 to schedule a free consultation.