Motor vehicle insurance policies provide protection for both you—the policyholder—and the other driver. Therefore, all drivers must have insurance and should exchange information with all parties involved in a collision. Unfortunately, some drivers ignore their responsibility to do this and leave the scene after getting into a crash.
Such instances of hit and run car accidents in Orlando are understandably frustrating when you are left all alone to deal with the aftermath. Thankfully, our dedicated team of lawyers at Colling Gilbert Wright is here to help you get through this trying time and move forward with your life. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience dealing with all types of car crash cases and could provide you with advice and guidance on your options.
An Overview of Insurance and Vehicle Crashes
Florida is a no-fault state, which means that drivers must first use their own insurance policies to cover damages from a car crash, regardless of which driver was at fault for causing the accident. This is why the state requires you to carry insurance. Part of your policy is Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which covers your physical injuries, lost wages, and repairs to your car.
Sometimes, though, an accident is so severe that your PIP is not enough to cover your expenses. In this situation, you would use the at-fault driver’s insurance to make up the difference.
However, if the other Orlando driver flees the scene of the crash before you can get their information, you will have to find another way to cover the remaining costs. Our capable lawyers know how to help you deal with this challenge.
Why Drivers Run Away
Under Florida law, if you are in a car crash, you must stop and exchange information with the other drivers and the police. Despite this legal obligation, some people drive away from accident sites as if nothing had happened. There are different reasons people may do this, which include:
- They do not have insurance
- They were driving without a license
- They were actively committing another crime, such as driving a stolen car
- They were driving while intoxicated
Regardless of their reason, it is a crime to leave a crash site, with potential punishment including fines and jail time. However, these criminal penalties do nothing to help you personally when you have been hit by another driver who then drives away on the Orlando roads. Come and talk to our team, so we can discuss your options.
What Can You Do if You Have Been Left Behind?
If you are in a crash and the other driver flees the scene, do not chase them. You are unlikely to catch up to them, and they may not stop even if you do. You are also putting yourself at risk of further injury.
Instead, the best thing to do is to stop and assess the situation yourself. Take note of any identifying information about the other driver and their vehicle, such as their license plate number. Contact the police and share as many details about the incident as possible with them. Be sure to seek medical attention as well, even if you do not feel hurt.
Orlando is a big city, and while it may be difficult to track down the escaped driver after the collision, any piece of information is helpful for law enforcement. Additionally, your attorneys could use the police and medical reports to ensure that your insurance company treats you fairly and gets you the compensation you deserve.
Call Our Orlando Law Firm After a Hit and Run Car Crash
Even though leaving a crash site is illegal, hit and run car accidents in Orlando still happen when people try to avoid their responsibilities. You may feel lost and unsure about what to do in this situation, but our capable team of lawyers at The Florida Firm could help you understand your options.
There is a reason why other law firms send their vehicle collision clients to us: They know that our extensive experience gets results for injured victims. Contact Colling Gilbert Wright to schedule a free meeting with one of our attorneys and learn more about your path forward.