Hit & Run Accident Lawyers Serving Sunrise

Whether you've been the victim of a hit-and-run accident or are just looking for what you need to know if this happens to you, understanding your options is key. In Florida, there are specific steps you should take following a hit-and-run accident to ensure your rights are preserved, and your claim gets filed properly.

First, it's important to understand why filing a hit-and-run claim is so important in Sunrise. Hit-and-runs involve drivers who leave the scene without stopping or exchanging information with those affected by their actions. When this happens, victims may not have the opportunity to seek compensation from the driver directly, making it even more important that they file an insurance claim—otherwise, they risk paying for damages out of pocket.

Additionally, filing a claim can help if evidence needs to be collected—like photos or witness statements—for law enforcement to identify the other driver involved in the hit-and-run accident. This way, you have a better chance of getting restitution from them eventually. Understanding why filing a hit-and-run claim is necessary can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

How Can I Locate Witnesses To The Hit-And-Run Accident?

One of the most important steps to take when filing a hit-and-run claim in Florida is to locate witnesses. Witnesses who saw the accident or at least saw you afterwards can be invaluable in providing details about the hit-and-run driver and their vehicle's description.

So how do you go about finding witnesses? Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • Check local businesses near the site of the accident. They may have employees, customers, or security cameras that witnessed something.
  • Ask your friends or family who were present at the time of the accident if anyone else at the scene was paying attention.
  • If other vehicles were involved in the crash, contact their owners and see if they noticed anything that could help with your case.
  • Utilize social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to reach out to others who might have seen what happened.

Finding witnesses for a hit-and-run claim can be difficult, but putting in some extra effort to locate them can make all the difference when settling your claim with insurance companies.

Why Is It Important To Gather Witness Statements?

If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident in Florida, you'd need to provide as much information to your insurance company as possible for them to handle your claim. That's where witness statements come in.

Witness statements can make all the difference when it comes to filing a successful claim after a hit-and-run, so if you were involved in one, you should take the time to gather statements from any bystanders who may have seen what happened. Here are some reasons why witness statements are so important:

  • A witness can identify the other driver - This is key to filing an insurance claim, especially when the other driver fled the scene. If someone witnessed the accident, they may know who was driving and be able to describe their vehicle accurately.
  • A witness can paint an accurate picture of what happened - Even if they didn't see who was driving the other car. Witnesses can clearly describe events leading up to and following the crash. With this information, insurers can identify what happened more easily and accurately determine fault.
  • A witness might recall details that none of the parties involved remembers - Sometimes things happen so quickly that none of those directly involved remember certain details - like how fast each car was going before impact or just how close another vehicle was at the scene of the accident. By getting statements from witnesses who may have seen things differently than those directly involved, insurers are better able to understand exactly how it all went down

Gathering witness statements is always a great idea for any personal injury accident, but it's especially important after a hit-and-run since there won't be any police reports available with eyewitness accounts of what happened during a police investigation

What Should I Do If The At-Fault Driver's Insurance Company Contacts Me?

If the at-fault driver's insurance company contacts you and they ask for information, it is important to remember not to give a recorded statement. Recorded statements can be used against you, potentially hurting your claim, so it is best to avoid that altogether.

However, here are some things you should do if contacted by the at-fault driver's insurance company:

  • Document Everything – Writing down any important conversations or requests for information that you receive from the at-fault driver's insurance company is key. This includes dates, times, names and any relevant phone call or request details.
  • Collect Evidence – The more evidence you have, the better your chances of recovering compensation. So make sure to collect as much evidence as you can to build a stronger case. This could include photos of the accident scene and corresponding damage, witness statements, medical bills or records and more.
  • Consult an Attorney – You don't have to navigate this process alone. A trusted attorney can help you understand and protect your rights while filing a hit-and-run claim in Florida.
How Can An Attorney Help With Negotiations With The Insurance Company?

If you've been involved in a hit-and-run accident, knowing that an attorney can be a valuable asset during negotiations with the insurance company is important. First and foremost, the attorney can ensure that the insurance company respects your rights and is not trying to take advantage of you.

An attorney will also be able to review your settlement offer to make sure that it is fair and adequate for your situation and advise on other details such as insurance coverage, legal action and more. An experienced attorney can also help you determine what evidence is necessary to prove your case, helping you get the most out of your claim.

These are just some of the ways a lawyer can help when filing a hit-and-run claim in Florida — they will be able to provide dedicated representation so that you can achieve the best outcome possible.

What Types Of Damages Can I Recover In A Hit-And-Run Accident Claim?

When filing a hit-and-run accident claim in Florida, you can seek compensation for your physical injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages that the negligent driver caused.

But what kind of damages can you recover? Here are some of the most common types:

Property Damage

You could file a claim for that damage if you sustained damage to your vehicle or other property items due to the hit-and-run accident. This could include any repairs or replacements related to the damage.

Medical Expenses

If you were injured in the accident, you can file a claim for any medical bills related to your treatment. This could include hospital bills, doctor bills, physical therapy costs, medication costs and more.

Lost Wages

If you missed work due to injuries sustained in the accident or doctor appointments related to your injury treatment, you can seek compensation for those lost wages or income.

Pain & Suffering

The emotional trauma and physical pain resulting from being in a hit-and-run accident can be significant- even life-altering. You can seek compensation for this suffering as part of your claim.

Filing a hit-and-run accident claim is not an easy process, but if done properly with legal representation, it can be successful

How Can I Prove The At-Fault Driver's Negligence In A Hit-And-Run Accident?

If you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you may wonder how to prove the other driver's negligence. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to build your case and increase your chances of receiving damages.

Witnesses

The first step is to find witnesses who may have seen the accident or could provide information about the other driver. You can also speak with other drivers during the accident, as their statements can be used as evidence in court.

Police Report

Getting a police report is always recommended after any auto accident, as it can provide details that weren't able to be collected by witnesses or involved parties. This includes information regarding weather conditions, road conditions, and any particular behaviors that may have contributed to the crash.

The report will also typically include details about where and when the hit-and-run took place and a description of the vehicle that hit you.

Video Footage

If possible, ask nearby businesses for video footage to help prove who caused the accident – this is especially helpful if no witnesses are available or the police report is inconclusive.

Finally, if neither of these options is available to you, having an attorney represent you in court will help maximize your chances of success in your potential lawsuit.

What If The At-Fault Driver Is Never Found?

Unfortunately, sometimes drivers who have caused a hit-and-run are never found. This can leave you feeling like you have nowhere to turn, but hope is still in such situations.

It's important that, even if the at-fault driver is never found, you still file a hit-and-run claim with your insurance company. Generally, this type of coverage — if you have it — will pay for the damages to your car or any injuries you may have suffered due to the accident.

You also have other options, such as filing an uninsured motorist claim if you don't have comprehensive or collision coverage. This can help cover some of your medical expenses, damage to your vehicle and even lost wages due to time lost from work due to injury or necessary medical visits.

It's also crucial that you document everything in case the at-fault driver is identified one day. You should keep copies of records such as police reports, medical bills and any other documentation that could be used to prove your case should it end up in court one day.

By taking these steps, even if the at-fault driver is never found, you can still get some kind of compensation to help with repairs and any additional costs related to the hit-and-run accident.

How Can Uninsured Motorist Coverage Help In A Hit-And-Run Accident?

When it comes to hit-and-run accidents in Florida, uninsured motorist coverage helps protect you from financial hardship after an accident. This type of coverage pays out damages if you are involved in an accident with a driver who doesn't have insurance. So what do you need to know?

A Must-Have In Florida

Uninsured motorist coverage is required by law in Florida, and you should double-check when you go over your auto insurance policy. It's important that you have enough coverage to protect yourself financially if there's an accident with an uninsured driver.

Maximum Coverage

Currently, the maximum amount of uninsured motorist coverage you can get is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident — so make sure your policy matches those amounts. If it doesn't, speak with your provider and let them know that it might not cover any potential damages from an accident involving someone driving without insurance.

Without the right level of uninsured motorist protection, a hit-and-run accident can become a very expensive financial problem — so make sure your auto insurance policy is up to date before hitting the roads!

How Can Comparative Negligence Affect My Hit-And-Run Accident Claim?

It's important to know that Florida follows a comparative negligence rule when dealing with hit-and-run cases. This means that in some instances if you are found to have contributed to the accident in any way, your awarded compensation rate could be reduced by your level of responsibility.

For example, say you were driving above the speed limit when you got hit by the other driver, who ran off and left the scene. The court might find you 20% liable for your actions, which would be deducted from any settlement or court award amount you receive. That's why hiring an experienced attorney who can help prove your innocence or limit your liability in any way possible is important.

The court also applies contributory negligence when deciding whether a driver had a reasonable opportunity to avoid the accident or identify the at-fault driver. So if it can be determined that you weren't following traffic laws or adhering to safe driving practices—like wearing a seat belt—it could hurt your case. There's no guarantee that contributory negligence will reduce your damages, but it's something to consider before proceeding with a hit-and-run claim in Florida.

What If The At-Fault Driver Is Never Found?

It's not uncommon for the at-fault driver in a hit-and-run to never be found — it happens much more often than you might think. But, luckily, you still have options.

File an uninsured motorist claim

In Florida, drivers are required to maintain Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage and Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance coverage.

This combination is sometimes referred to as "full coverage" and allows you to file an uninsured motorist claim against your insurer if the at-fault driver can't be identified or doesn't have appropriate coverage.

Coverage requirements are outlined in Florida Statute 627.727 when it involves a hit-and-run with no known driver.

Personal Injury Protection

Fortunately, if you carry PIP insurance, you can make a claim regardless of who caused the accident. You can use this kind of coverage for medical expenses, lost wages or other related costs associated with the accident — even if those costs exceed any PDL insurance that the at-fault driver carries (if they are ever found).

When faced with a hit-and-run situation in Florida, it's important to understand your options to get the best possible outcome. Don't hesitate to contact your auto insurer for guidance and advice throughout the process to ensure you get properly compensated for any damages sustained as quickly as possible.

What If I Am Partially At Fault For The Hit-And-Run Accident?

Let's say you were partially at fault for the hit-and-run accident. In that case, you may wonder if you can still file a claim in Florida. The answer is that it depends on how much fault was assigned to you.

The key thing to remember is that the amount of damages you are eligible for will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you—so if you're found 30 percent at fault, your damages will also be reduced by 30 percent. If the total damages were US$10,000 and you were found partially at fault (30 percent), your damages would only be US$7,000. If you’re found over 50 percent at fault you may be barred from recovery.

In addition, there may also be certain challenges when filing a claim in this situation because of the comparative negligence law. It's important to speak with an attorney right away so they can advise on any legal steps that need to be taken to protect your rights and interests under the law. It

Contact Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers - Hit & Run Accident Lawyers Serving Sunrise

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a hit-and-run accident in Florida, you should consider contacting Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers. We are here to help and provide you with the best legal advice for your case. Our lawyers are experienced in handling hit-and-run accident cases, and we understand the complexities of filing a claim in these types of cases.

Our team comprises experienced attorneys experienced in car accidents and other personal injury cases in Florida. With our combined experience across all areas of car accident law, we ensure your rights are defended every step of the way. So don't hesitate to call us at (561) 800-8000 — we're here to listen, answer questions, provide legal counsel, and fight for justice on your behalf.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
I have had experience in the past using other attorneys and law firms however the attorneys and staff at Frankl Kominsky are by far the best experience I have ever had. Thank you for everything this law firm has done. I recommend this law firm to everyone. By Bruce
★★★★★
This was an amazing injury law firm. Steven and his staff was available when I needed him and were always following up with me. I felt very fortunate that I found them. It is true that this law firm will never settle for less! I fully recommend this law firm to anyone that needs a hardworking and results oriented law firm. By Consuelo
★★★★★
Mr. Frankl came very highly recommended by two separate peers. I had a handful of lawyers to choose from and I chose him. He moved quick, no nonsense, and very effective. Before I knew it everything was handled and I had a serious burden lifted. If I ever have a problem again, I am going straight to him. It is that simple. By Kelly
★★★★★
I called Mr. Frankl and his firm about a motorcycle accident case and he helped me through the entire process. Mr. Frankl made me feel like my situation mattered to him and didn't treatment me like just another file in a file cabinet. He is smart, energetic and a true fighter. I am glad to call him my lawyer and I highly recommend Frankl Kominsky for your personal injury case. By A Personal Injury Client
★★★★★
Mr. Frankl was such an asset to have on my team while I picked up the pieces following an accident. Right from the beginning he assisted handling the insurance companies, rental car companies, auto body shops, police reports, it was incredible. His guidance allowed me to focus on the most important thing and that was my medical condition & recovery. Should you find yourself in this unfortunate situation do yourself a favor & trust this man & his expertise. By Damon