Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Hollywood FL
A car accident can be a terrifying, stressful event resulting in severe injuries, emotional trauma, lost wages, and more. Dealing with a collision can be challenging under normal circumstances, but what happens if the other driver flees the scene?
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident in Hollywood, Florida, you might be wondering how you’ll pay for your medical bills and recoup the lost wages that you missed out on while recovering. Fortunately, the Hollywood hit-and-run lawyers of Rosen & Ohr, P.A. are here to help.
We represent people who’ve been injured in car accidents in Hollywood and surrounding areas of Florida – including victims of hit-and-run drivers. While seeking compensation can be challenging, options are likely available to you. We’re ready to discuss your case during a free consultation, so contact us today.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a motorist is involved in a collision with another motorist, pedestrian, cyclist, or object, and then flees the scene without providing contact details, insurance details, and registration information to the others involved. Fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime in Florida.
When one motorist hits another, even if it’s a minor impact, they are required by law to:
- Pullover in a safe place.
- Check on the motorist and passengers in the other car and render aid if possible.
- Exchange contact details with the other motorist, including insurance information, vehicle registration, and physical address.
Drivers who do not stop often are engaged in illegal activities, such as driving without a license, driving without proper insurance, or driving while intoxicated.
Who Pays in a Hit-and-Run Accident in Hollywood FL?
Florida is a no-fault state, which means that in a typical accident between two motorists, a motorist will turn to their personal insurance protection coverage (known as PIP in Florida) to cover damages resulting from the accident. Victims who sustain severe injuries may bring a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. All motorists in Florida must have a minimum of $10,000 PIP coverage and at least $10,000 in property damage liability coverage.
When a motorist is involved in a hit-and-run crash, locating the driver who fled might be difficult or impossible. If you cannot find the driver, then they would be considered an uninsured motorist. Under your insurance policy, you can also obtain additional coverage known as uninsured motorist coverage, which could help compensate you for your losses due to a hit-and-run crash.
If law enforcement locates and apprehends the driver, then you might be able to hold them responsible for the harm you’ve suffered and losses you’ve incurred. They could owe you significant compensation if you can show that they were negligent and directly caused your injuries.
How a Lawyer Can Help If You Were Hurt in a Hit-and-Run
If the motorist who hit you fled the scene and is never found, you might be able to turn to your insurance policy for compensation. The additional coverage provided by the optional uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may help you cover costs that your PIP plan does not cover.
It’s important to remember that insurance companies – even your own – are for-profit companies. Their interests are not the same as yours. Their loyalty is to their bottom line, and they will do everything in their power to reduce or even deny a legitimate claim.
Consulting with an attorney is critical as you navigate the uninsured motorist claim process. A skilled attorney will know how to deal with the tactics insurance adjusters use to minimize payouts and will be better equipped to negotiate a fair settlement.
If the hit-and-run driver is caught, then an attorney can assist you with bringing a legal claim against the hit-and-run driver and their insurance carrier. Your attorney can launch a full investigation into the accident, identify the liable party, and help you seek the compensation you need to recover.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Hollywood, FL
Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be incredibly stressful and upsetting, particularly if you have been injured. Consider taking the following steps after a hit-and-run accident:
- Do not try to go after the driver. If you can catch the driver’s license plate, that could be helpful information for authorities to use as they attempt to track the driver down.
- Note any descriptions of the vehicle and driver.
- Call the police.
- Get medical treatment as soon as possible, even if you “feel fine.”
- Collect any evidence you can, including photo and video evidence of the scene, your injuries, damage to your vehicle, etc.
- Notify your insurance company.
- Talk to a lawyer right away.
Common Injuries in Hollywood, FL Hit-and-Run Accidents
Some of the most common injuries sustained by victims of hit-and-run accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken/fractured bones
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Back injuries
- Cuts, scrapes, and lacerations
Can I Get Compensation for a Hit-and-Run Accident?
If you have sustained injuries or vehicle damage in a hit-and-run accident, you could be entitled to receive compensation to cover the cost of your financial and non-financial losses, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages, if appropriate
- Vehicle damage
Contact a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in Hollywood, FL
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Hollywood, Florida, contact the knowledgeable car accident attorneys at Rosen & Ohr, P.A. We are ready to evaluate your case, determine your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you might be entitled to.
Whether you need assistance holding the at-fault driver accountable or need to file a claim with your insurance, we are prepared to help. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.