Being involved in any car accident, even a minor one, can be highly frustrating. If you are in a collision and the other driver flees the scene, that frustration can quickly turn to anger. If you’re coping with painful injuries and property damage, the Cocoa hit-and-run attorney from Andrew Pickett Law, PLLC can handle your case from start to finish.
You can seek compensation for your accident, and you don’t face the legal process alone. Our car accident attorney serving Cocoa can help you discover the best way to approach your unique situation.
Hit and Run Accidents on the Rise in Florida
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports on the safety of Florida roads. They collect data from accidents all over the state to study to improve road safety. Their records indicate that from 2020 to 2021, the state experienced a nearly 19% increase in hit-and-run accidents. In 2021 Florida had 109,542.
Florida Hit-and-Run Regulations
Florida passed the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act in 2014. Florida Statutes § 316.062 (1) requires drivers to stay at the scene of an accident, give their contact information, and render aid to any injured. It made it a felony to leave the scene of an accident.
Common Reasons Given for Fleeing the Scene
Drivers give many reasons for fleeing the scene of a collision in which they were involved. Most are scared and want to avoid any punishment for their actions. There are many reasons, but the law states to remain at the scene, which could result in criminal penalties.
- Alcohol or drugs
- Driving without a license
- Driving without insurance
- Driving a vehicle without permission
- A stolen vehicle
- Transporting illegal goods
- A person in the country illegally
What To Do If You Are a Hit and Run Victim
After an accident, many victims are both shocked and injured. The only option either driver may have is waiting for first responders. If you have been injured and the other driver flees the scene, it is normal to feel like you must go after them. Let them go; to leave the location is also a crime for you, and you don’t know if this person is dangerous.
What You Can Do to Help Your Claim
- Call the police and ambulance
- Check yourself and those with you for injuries.
- Tell the police as much as you remember of the other driver
- Talk to bystanders and ask for their contact information
- Did anyone catch the accident on camera?
- Take pictures of vehicle damage and injuries
Florida is a no-fault insurance state; your personal injury attorney may need to file your claim with your provider. You might be able to be fully compensated for the accident and injuries through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your policy.
How a Law Firm Can Benefit a Victim of a Hit and Run
A victim of a hit-and-run driver can significantly benefit from having a law firm representing their claim. Dealing with injuries is challenging enough; you don’t also want to manage to collect medical records, discuss with insurers on the phone, or file appeals. Stress relief is the top benefit of having an attorney after any accident. You can focus on healing and family while the attorney handles collecting for your injuries.
Actions a Lawyer Might Take in a Personal Injury Claim
- Reassure the victim
- Gather medical records
- Have experts recreate the accident scene
- Discover liability
- File for access to phones or cameras that may have footage of the accident
- Interview eyewitnesses
- Hire medical experts for testimony
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Represent you in court
- File any necessary appeals
How Much Can I Receive by Filing a Hit and Run Claim?
You can receive compensation for your injuries and property damage. The amount you receive is based on your actual losses. If you have been involved with a hit-and-run driver, there is a possibility that the driver is never located. If police find the driver, they could be liable for damages.
If the driver is not found, you would need to have had the additional uninsured/underinsured coverage on your policy. This claim would allow your hit and run attorneys to collect your damages and medical bills. In Florida, you can collect both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damage Examples
Economic damages are easy to add up. You likely have been receiving a pile of medical bills and other documents demonstrating the amount of financial loss due to the accident. Economic damages should be covered in your personal injury claim.
- Hospital bills
- Prescription costs
- Rehabilitation
- Travel to and from medical appointments
- Property damage
- Funeral expenses
Non-Economic Damage Examples
Pain and suffering are undoubtedly terrible things to experience, and it is a loss. Attorneys and courts have several acceptable methods for determining financial losses due to any of the following:
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of society
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Loss of Limb
Wrongful Death Damages
Hit-and-run accidents are no joke. These types of accidents can cause a lot of damage and leave individuals with injuries. Hit-and-run accidents also cause fatalities. Our wrongful death attorney can seek maximum compensation for your family if you lost a loved one.
Where Can I Find Help Filing My Hit-and Run Accident Claim in Cocoa?
If you are coping with injuries, don’t face them alone. You likely have medical bills coming in and are losing time at work. It would be best if you did not bear the cost of the accident alone. Call the office of Andrew Pickett Law, PLLC. Our attorneys can help your accident claim and find a resolution to compensate you for your losses.
Remember that every state has a deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits, and it takes time to build a case. Call or contact us today, and we can help you get started on your case.
