All drivers in an accident in Florida, like most states, are obligated to come to a complete stop at the scene. You must aid if you are able if there appear to be significant injuries. If there are any injuries or damage worth $500 or more, you must contact law enforcement under Florida legislation. A hit-and-run is an incident in which one or more of the drivers involved does not comply with any of the above criteria. A hit-and-run driver frequently elects to flee the scene before other drivers could get their bearings, instead of exiting his or her vehicle.

If you are one of the thousands of Florida drivers who have been in a hit-and-run accident, you may be feeling scared and confused. Hit-and-run accidents can leave victims feeling frustrated and helpless. However, there are steps that you can take to protect yourself and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. In this blog post, we will outline what to do if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident in Florida.

Man gets injured in a hit and run accident in Florida.

If you’ve been recently hurt in a hit-and-run accident in Florida, contact Herman & Wells at (727) 821-3195 or use our online form to request a free consultation. Our personal injury lawyers are experienced in handling hit-and-run cases and can help you get the compensation you deserve.

The Cliff Notes: Key Takeaways From This Post

  • 1
    Data shows that hit-and-run accidents are common in Florida, with 66 per day in 2016 resulting in 2,946 injuries and 659 fatalities.
  • 2
    In some cases it is possible to track down the at-fault party with enough information from eyewitnesses.
  • 3
    After a hit-and-run accident, call 911 to ensure safety and gather any information from witnesses.
  • 4
    Take photos of the scene and record all details that you can remember for police investigation.
  • 5
    Seek injury compensation through filing a claim with your insurance company, or by pursuing PIP or UM/UIM coverage options if applicable.
  • 6
    Avoid trying to chase after the other driver or confronting them; be sure to stay at the scene of the accident until police arrive.
  • 7
    Know how your auto insurance will handle a hit & run accident before submitting a claim.
  • 8
    Contact a Florida personal injury lawyer to get personal advice on rights and the legal process.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit & Run Accident in Florida

There are steps that you can take to protect yourself and ensure that you get maximum compensation when you file a claim:

Call 911

If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, the first thing you should do is make sure that everyone involved is safe. Do not chase the fleeing motorist. If anyone involved in the collision is injured, contact emergency services immediately.

Gather Information

If you are able to, try to get the license plate number of the car that hit you. This information will be helpful to the police as they investigate the accident.

Identify Witnesses

If you have any witnesses to the accident, ask them for their contact information. Witnesses can be helpful in providing information to the police about what happened.

Take Photos

Take pictures of the scene of the accident. This will help document what happened and can be used as evidence in a claim.

Record Details

If you are able to, write down everything that you remember about the accident. This information can also be helpful to the police as they investigate.

Contact A Florida Personal Injury Lawyer

A lawyer can help advise you on your rights and can help guide you through the legal process.