Sometimes, you can do everything right and still end up in an accident. Maybe a distracted driver rear-ends you. Maybe someone blew through a red light and T-bones you.
Whatever the case, you probably know that the right move is to pull over and exchange insurance information with the other driver. But what happens if they don’t stick around? What do you do when they leave you with a totaled automobile and no information to give the police?
If you've been hurt in a hit-and-run accident in Clearwater, Florida, you might be unsure of what to do next. You may not know who is responsible for covering your car’s damage and medical costs because the other motorist is nowhere to be found. This is why, after a hit and run, you should make a skilled personal injury lawyer your first call.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident is when a motorist strikes another vehicle or person and leaves the scene without stopping to:
- Verify the safety of the other parties
- Call the police
- Exchange information with the other party
Every hit-and-run collision must have two elements: it must have caused property damage, injuries, or fatalities, and the at-fault driver must not have called the police.
In a hit-and-run collision, the at-fault motorist tries to escape their legal obligation to the victims they injured.
Common Injuries Sustained in Hit and Run Cases
Florida law prohibits leaving an accident site because it frequently makes injured individuals wait longer than required for an ambulance to arrive. These delays might put them through a lot of pain and possibly worsen their situation.
The victims of hit-and-run incidents frequently discover that they suffered one or more of the following injuries when they eventually arrive at the hospital:
- Soft-tissue damage
- Eye damage
- Facial malformation
- Bone fractures
- Amputations
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Damage to internal organs
- Spinal cord damage
Did a hit-and-run accident in Clearwater leave you hurt? An attorney may be able to assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve, thanks to their comprehensive understanding of Florida statutes.
How an Attorney Can Help Victims Recover Damages After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Florida
You might dread a significant financial loss if you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident. However, things aren't always as dire as they seem.
Florida is a no-fault state, which means that injured parties do not have to go through the insurance company of the driver who was at fault to claim reimbursement for their property damage and medical expenses. In Florida, victims need to claim with their own insurance provider to obtain the damages they are due.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for insurance companies to make the application process more complicated than it needs to be. To keep their profits and avoid paying out claims whenever possible, they will typically go out of their way to refute legitimate accusations. Some common arguments insurance companies make are:
- The mishap never occurred
- The victim provides insufficient proof
- The injured party is lying about their injuries
- The victim failed to submit their claim on time
Insurance adjusters are incentivized to minimize the value of the claims that reach them, and an attorney can help ensure you are treated fairly.
Know Your Rights
Florida residents who are involved in incidents with hit-and-run drivers should always retain the services of an expert attorney due to the practices of Florida car insurers.
A knowledgeable attorney can ensure that the injured party's insurance company does not attempt to underpay them for their personal injury protection (PIP) settlement. They often achieve this feat by speaking with medical professionals and comparing their client's situations to comparable ones that have happened recently.
An attorney can guide you through the procedure while ensuring that the insurance company doesn't act improperly or unethically. So know your rights and do what you have to do to get the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Clearwater Car Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Clearwater. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.
We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 787-2500
