Whether you are a pedestrian, riding a bicycle or motorcycle, or in a car, it is shocking when a vehicle hits you and does not stop to see if you are hurt or even alive. The physical trauma and emotional upset might make it hard for you to know what to do in this situation. These pointers can help you navigate through the steps you should take after a hit-run accident.

Step One: Always put your health and safety first. Get immediate medical care and notify law enforcement. Letting the police know about a hit-run event quickly can give them the best possible chance of finding the person who hit you. It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident, and officers work diligently to find these offenders.

Step Two: As soon as the initial medical crisis is under control, call a lawyer. You should have a lawyer on your side in a hit-run case. We will investigate the crash and work with the police and your insurance company to gather as much information as possible to identify and locate the driver who left the scene.

Step Three: You must let your automobile insurance carrier know about the accident, but do not give them a written or recorded statement without checking with us. Sometimes insurance investigators will take your words out of context to try to deny your claim, but we can protect you by dealing directly with the insurance company on your behalf.

Explore Insurance Coverage That Could Help Pay Your Losses

When we meet with you, we can discuss the different types of insurance that can cover some of your expenses if the police do not locate the hit-run driver. Some possibilities include:

Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. For many motor vehicle accidents, Florida is a no-fault state. Your PIP coverage can provide funds to pay for some of your medical bills and lost wages, but PIP policy limits are often inadequate for significant injuries. If the authorities find the driver who left the scene, we can seek damages from that person.

Your Uninsured Motorist coverage. If you carry uninsured motorist coverage on your auto policy, it can be another source of funds for your losses. An unidentified hit-run driver is an uninsured motorist.

Your health insurance. Your health insurance might pay a portion of your medical expenses. Be aware that many standard health insurance policies exclude coverage for motor vehicle accidents.

Damages for Hit-Run Crashes

The negligent party can be responsible for your damages, which can include:

  • Medical expenses you incurred because of the wreck
  • Lost wages
  • Decreased future earnings
  • Future and ongoing medical treatments
  • Disability
  • Long-term care
  • Pain and suffering

How to Get Legal Help for a Hit-Run Accident

At the Montero Law Center, we help people who suffer injuries due to someone else’s actions. We can evaluate your situation and let you know if you might be eligible for compensation for your hit-run injuries. We provide this service at no charge and with no obligation. Just call us today at 954-767-6500, so that we can set up your free consultation.