Managing a claim for injuries sustained in a car accident is always difficult, but it becomes far more challenging when the other driver fled the scene. If you were hurt in a hit and run, do not try to manage the situation on your own. Our firm assists people injured in hit and run car accidents in DeLand.
Our seasoned attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright have been helping injured people through challenging situations for decades. We are well-known in the community for our skill and professionalism. In fact, most of our new clients are referrals from other lawyers or former clients impressed with our outstanding results.
Preserve Your Rights After a Hit and Run
Accidents that cause injuries are disorienting. You might not immediately recognize that the other driver has left the scene, and you may be too badly hurt to do anything, even if you are aware. However, if you are conscious and able to move, there are a few steps you can take that will protect you as your claim progresses.
Write down or record into your phone as much information as you can remember about what happened, the driver, and the vehicle. If you have a dashboard camera, hit the lock function and download the footage to your phone. You should make copies, store them securely, and only share them with your DeLand hit and run car accident attorney.
Call the police immediately and report the crash to your insurance company as quickly as possible. If you are offered ambulance transportation to the hospital, accept. Otherwise, get a medical evaluation right away, preferably on the same day as the crash.
How Can a Hit and Run Lawyer Help?
Under Florida’s no-fault system, your PIP pays most of your medical costs, lost wages, and incidental expenses up to the policy’s coverage limits. If you have significant injuries and the police did not catch the at-fault driver, you will need to look elsewhere for compensation.
If you have optional uninsured motorist coverage, it may cover your losses, but the insurance companies must often be pushed to make a fair offer. A DeLand attorney could manage your hit and run car accident claim and ensure your insurance company meets its obligations. In addition, we can investigate the crash to determine whether there are other potentially liable parties.
The team at The Florida Firm has experience in numerous public benefit programs. We can help you identify and apply for benefits like Social Security disability and any other benefits that may be available to you. In addition, we can negotiate a payment arrangement with your health care providers and other creditors to relieve the financial strain while you are recovering.
Suing the Driver Who Fled
When you suffer serious injuries in a hit and run and the police identify the driver, you can sue them for compensation. You have the right to pursue financial damages in a civil case even if the hit and run driver was not convicted of a crime relating to the crash.
According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, you must file a lawsuit in a car accident case within two years of your injuries. However, if the hit and run driver was unidentified for a period of time, your DeLand lawyer could argue for an extension of the deadline.
When you file a lawsuit, you can claim unreimbursed medical expenses, lost wages, diminished potential for future earnings, and incidental expenses. You can also claim compensation for your pain and suffering, and your case might qualify for punitive damages. Our lawyers at The Florida Firm have an extensive track record of achieving generous verdicts and settlements in car accident cases.
Reach Out to a DeLand Attorney If You Were Injured in a Hit and Run Accident
When you are seriously injured in a hit and run car accident in DeLand, your PIP will be insufficient to cover your medical expenses and other costs. You might be confused and worried about how to cover your losses, especially if the driver who fled is never identified.
Our lawyers at Colling Gilbert Wright can guide you through your legal options and lead you to the best outcome possible under the circumstances. We never take money from you until we have won or settled your case, so reach out to our staff to set up a free consultation today.