After a hit and run accident in Florida, call 911, get medical care, document the incident, and notify your car insurance company right away. Do not chase the fleeing driver, and instead, try to capture details like the vehicle description and direction of travel while staying safe.
Remaining at the scene helps ensure the crash is properly documented and reported to law enforcement. Meanwhile, receiving immediate medical attention protects your health and creates records that link your injuries to the crash.
Outside of these things, it can be beneficial to get a hit and run accident lawyer in Florida on your side. Your attorney will fight for you as you deal with the consequences of a hit and run accident caused by another motorist. They may help you get fair compensation through an insurance claim.
What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Florida Hit and Run?
First, call 911 to report the car crash to the police. If you can do so safely, move your vehicle out of traffic, turn on hazard lights, and wait for first responders. After you dial 911, police officers will be dispatched to the scene. In addition, medical professionals can evaluate and treat your injuries and, if necessary, bring you to a hospital.
Do not follow the driver who slammed their car into yours and did not stay at the scene. Write down anything that you remember about the other vehicle, such as the license plate, make, model, color, and damage, as well as the direction it went. This information could help the police find the driver.
Have a car accident lawyer in Florida assist you with your auto insurance claim. Your attorney may encourage you to inform your auto insurer about the accident, even if another motorist caused the incident and left the scene. From here, your lawyer may negotiate an insurance settlement for you.
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Should I Report a Florida Hit and Run to the Police and My Insurance Company?
Report your hit and run to law enforcement as soon as possible. A prompt report can help police officers investigate your case. Plus, this can strengthen your insurance claim. If the driver who is responsible for your hit and run is found, your police report may be used as evidence if you decide to sue them for economic and non-economic damages.
Notify your insurer about your accident and do so in alignment with your insurance policy’s reporting requirements. In Florida, you are generally required to seek initial medical care within 14 days to access a car insurance policy’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits.
How Can I Pursue Compensation After a Hit and Run in Florida?
Most drivers use their PIP coverage for medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused a car crash. If your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, you may seek additional recovery through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you carry it.
If the police locate the driver at fault for your hit and run, you may pursue a liability claim against them. For vehicle damage, collision coverage may apply when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or located.
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What Evidence Can Support a Hit and Run Accident Claim in Florida?
Evidence that shows what happened, who was involved in your hit and run, and the impact of the incident on your health and finances can support your insurance claim.
Start collecting what you can at the scene of your accident and continue to gather documentation during your recovery. Proof that could help you with your claim includes:
- The fleeing vehicle’s license plate, make, model, color, and any distinct features
- Direction of travel and the time, date, and exact location of the crash
- Names and contact information of witnesses
- Photos or videos of vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, traffic signals, and injuries
- Nearby surveillance or doorbell cameras and any dashcam footage
- The police report number and a copy of the report
- Medical records, bills, and proof of missed work or lost income
- Repair estimates and towing or rental car receipts
Preserve all physical and digital evidence relating to your hit and run, and back up any photos or videos of the incident. Share your evidence with law enforcement, your insurer, and your personal injury lawyer in Florida, as this could help these parties investigate your accident and boost your chances of receiving compensation for your losses from the incident.
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What Deadlines Apply to Florida Hit and Run Claims?
Florida’s PIP rules generally require you to undergo an initial medical evaluation within 14 days of the crash to access benefits. Many insurance policies also require prompt notice of a loss, so report the hit and run quickly.
For injury lawsuits based on negligence, Florida law currently sets tight filing deadlines that may be as short as two years from the crash. Different deadlines can apply to property damage or claims involving government entities, so acting promptly helps protect your options after a hit and run in Florida.
The Bottom Line on What You Should Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Florida
As you think about what you should do following a hit and run accident in Florida, leave nothing to chance. Focus on your health, well-being, and safety in the moments after this incident. In the days after, get help from car accident attorneys, as they can engage with law enforcement and insurance companies on your behalf.
Distasio Law Firm has over 35 years of personal injury law experience. Our personal injury attorneys can discuss the things to do after a hit and run collision in Florida. If you want legal guidance and support with a hit and run accident claim, we’re here for you.
If we take on your hit and run accident case, you will have access to your attorney, and they will be very responsive and provide you with help and answers at each stage of your litigation. To get started, schedule a free case consultation.
Call or text (813) 259 0022 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form