Car accident claims are more complicated when a driver flees the scene. The attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright, often called The Florida Firm, frequently represent people injured in hit and run car accidents in Kissimmee.
We can help you obtain compensation, whether the fleeing driver is located or not. Our firm is well-regarded for our legal experience, individualized attention to our clients, and long track record of outstanding results. In fact, most of our cases come from other attorneys who trust our firm to handle complex and high-stakes cases, reflecting our strong reputation within the legal community.
What Are the Most Important Steps After a Hit and Run?
Getting into a wreck is always momentarily disorienting, but it is even more so when the other driver flees the scene. In the shock of the moment, you might not know what to do. Our Kissimmee car accident attorneys suggest that if your condition allows, take the following steps after a hit and run.
Make a Report to the Police
Your vehicle may be equipped with a system that automatically notifies police if it senses a collision. If not, call 911 immediately if you are able, or ask a witness to call for you.
Record What Happened
If you have a dashcam, lock it immediately. Use your phone to document the crash with a voice memo or text note. The following information can be critical in finding the vehicle:
- Make, model, and color
- Full or partial license plate
- Description of the driver
- Direction that vehicle came from and the direction of its flight
- Any damage to the vehicle
Also, make note of identifying characteristics like a bumper sticker or unusual window decal.
If you are able, take pictures of the crash scene, the damage to your car, and the surrounding area. Get contact information from any witnesses. Make note of the time, weather conditions, and any other information that might be relevant in determining the cause of the crash.
Get Medical Attention
It is essential to get medical attention immediately, even if you do not feel that you are badly hurt. Symptoms of traumatic injuries are often delayed, and a prompt screening can rule out serious injuries. The medical records generated soon after a crash can be critical evidence if you need to bring a compensation claim in court.
Contact Your Insurer and an Attorney
Let your insurer know of the accident right away. Your policy will explain the insurer’s notification deadline, which might be only a few days. Hit and run claims are more difficult to manage than standard car accident claims, so get legal help as quickly as possible.
Handling a Claim if the Driver is Not Found
If you are injured and exhaust your PIP coverage and the driver is not located, you must evaluate your options for pursuing a compensation claim. We can help you submit a claim against your uninsured motorist policy if you bought that optional coverage. However, your policy will cover only a portion of your losses.
The experienced Kissimmee hit and run car accident attorneys at our firm can investigate and identify other parties who might be liable for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances, potentially responsible parties might include other involved drivers, a vehicle manufacturer, the property owner where the accident occurred, and the local government responsible for road maintenance.
The staff at The Florida Firm can identify other sources of support available to you. We can help you apply for disability and similar benefits. In some cases, you might be eligible to receive payment from the Florida Crimes Compensation Trust Fund.
Bringing a Lawsuit Against the Driver Who Fled
When the driver is identified and located, your claim proceeds just like any other car accident compensation claim. You would first make a claim against your PIP, and then, if your injuries cause permanent impairment, you could bring a legal claim against the other driver.
Florida Statutes § 95.11 sets the time limit for injury claims at two years from the accident date. If the hit-and-run driver was unidentified for a portion of that time, the two-year clock does not begin running until they are identified. Our Kissimmee lawyers can explain the relevant time limits in your hit and run accident case, but do not delay contacting us, which could endanger your right to sue.
Work With Our Kissimmee Attorneys If You Were Hurt in a Hit and Run
Hit and run car accidents in Kissimmee pose special challenges when you are pursuing compensation for injuries. The lawyers at The Florida Firm frequently achieve successful outcomes in complex accident cases like these. We take no fees or expenses unless we obtain compensation for you, so schedule a complimentary consultation today.