Recent estimates from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department show 104,273 hit-and-run accidents in one year on Florida roadways. These crashes resulted in 271 fatalities and 871 serious injuries. Hit-and-run accidents can change a person’s life, causing significant injuries and financial instability. Should you be the one to pay for someone else’s careless behavior?
There is no doubt that a hit-and-run accident is a frightening event. Not only are you left on the side of the road to fend for yourself. You’ll also have an uphill battle trying to recover fair compensation for your injuries. You may feel isolated and overwhelmed as you navigate the challenges of filing an insurance claim and seeking maximum compensation. It may be hard not to fall for insurers’ tactics to prevent you from recovering the money you deserve.
You need to know how the Florida car insurance system works. With a few strategic tips, you can learn how to recover maximum compensation with a Florida hit-and-run accident claim.
Legal Tips to Maximize Your Claim
In Florida, all motorists are legally obligated to stop following an accident. Leaving the scene of a crash without offering assistance and exchanging insurance and contact information is a crime. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop some reckless drivers from leaving you scared and stranded after a crash.
Your actions after a hit-and-run accident can significantly impact your pursuit of fair compensation. Maximizing the potential of your claim comes down to how you respond. Legal tips that can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries after a hit-and-run accident include:
Contact the authorities
If a careless driver has hit you and they flee the scene, immediately contact law enforcement and report the incident. Give dispatchers as much information about the other vehicle/driver as possible, including the vehicle’s make, model, and color, the direction of travel, and any other identifying information you can offer.
Seek medical attention for your injuries
Always seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Your health and safety should always come first. Additionally, your medical records can help support your compensation claim later.
Document the scene
When possible, document the scene thoroughly. Take as many pictures and videos as possible of the scene, crash damage, and injuries.
Take notes
Take a few moments to collect yourself and write notes about the incident while the details remain fresh. Write down as much information as you can remember about the other vehicle, the driver, and what happened immediately before the collision.
Talk to witnesses
If witnesses are on the scene, ask for a brief description of what they saw and get their contact information.
Report the accident to your insurance company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Florida is a no-fault car insurance state, meaning you turn to your company for compensation regardless of who caused the accident. PIP coverage can help cover your medical expenses. Review your policy and see if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to cover your other accident-related expenses. While UM coverage is not mandatory, companies must offer it to motorists, and individuals must decline coverage formally and in writing.
Contact a Florida hit-and-run accident attorney
Before you give your insurance company a recorded statement, discuss your situation with a skilled Florida hit-and-run accident attorney who can help investigate the accident, collect evidence, and negotiate on your behalf for maximum compensation for your injuries. You increase your chances of getting more from insurance if you enlist the help of an experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer.
Mistakes That Can Reduce Your Hit-and-Run Compensation
Navigating the complex labyrinth of reviewing your insurance policy, filing a claim, and pursuing fair compensation for your injuries can be challenging and complicated. You are also missing work, struggling with daily tasks, and attempting to recover from your wounds, making it easier to make mistakes that can jeopardize your hit-and-run compensation claim. Some of the errors that can potentially reduce your hit-and-run compensation include:
Not seeking medical attention for your injuries or following the doctor’s instructions
Medical documentation is critical. Without proper documentation showing the extent and severity of your injuries, your insurance company can diminish the value of your claim, perhaps even deny it. Additionally, stopping your medical care early or against a doctor’s orders can signal to the insurance company that your injuries are not as painful or severe as you claim, giving them another avenue for diminishing or denying your claim.
Not reporting the accident to law enforcement
Law enforcement may not always catch the hit-and-run driver. However, if you do not report the accident, there is little chance you’ll ever find the responsible party. Individuals involved in hit-and-run accidents that result in fatalities, injuries, or significant property damage must report the accident to the nearest authorities. Not reporting the accident can potentially complicate your claim.
Accepting a speedy settlement
Accepting a quick insurance settlement is seldom in your best interest. A speedy settlement is often a lowball settlement that may not account for all your losses. You need time to evaluate the full extent of your injuries and negotiate with the insurer for maximum compensation.
Talking about the accident on social media
Insurers do everything they can to save money and reduce insurance payouts. You jeopardize your claim by posting about the accident on social media platforms. Missing details or different narratives can hurt your credibility and give the insurer a reason to diminish or deny your claim. Even posting pictures of yourself smiling or enjoying a night with friends can be used against you to suggest your injuries are not as severe as you claim. Avoid posting anything on social media until your attorney resolves your claim.
A Florida Hit-and-Run Lawyer Can Help Maximize Compensation
At The Bruner Law Firm, our hit-and-run car accident lawyers take the time to carefully review every detail of your situation and find all available legal solutions to help you maximize your compensation.
Contact our Panama City office now or call us at (850) 243-2222 to arrange a no-obligation legal consultation to learn more.
