What To Do After a Florida Hit-and-Run Accident
Being involved in a Florida auto accident can be a stressful experience. The situation can be even more stressful if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident. A hit-and-run accident is an accident where the driver who caused the accident flees the scene without offering help or calling the police. In Florida, fleeing the scene of an accident is illegal. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are quite common in Florida. After being involved in a hit-and-run accident, it can be challenging to know what to do. However, it is crucial that you understand the steps to take if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident. Below are the steps to take after being involved in a hit-and-run accident in Florida;
- Move to Safety
Your priority after a hit-and-run accident should be your safety. If your car can move and you can drive, move to a safe place at the accident scene. You can move your vehicle to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
- Gather Information
After a hit-and-run accident, it can be tempting to chase after the runaway driver. Don’t chase after the runaway driver. Instead, note down as much information about the incident as you can. Note down the make, model, color, and license plate number of the fleeing vehicle if you remember this information. Make notes on which direction the driver traveled when they left the scene and a description of the driver if you have any.
- Call 911
After a Florida hit-and-run accident, call 911 immediately and report your accident to the police. It is crucial for the police to come to the scene after a hit-and-run accident. Once the police arrive at the accident scene, provide them with the information you gathered. The police can help with tracing the fleeing driver. They can also fill out an accident report, which can be vital if you file a compensation claim.
- Document the Scene
If your condition allows you, take pictures and videos at the accident scene, including pictures and videos of the damage to your vehicle and any debris on the road. Also, take photographs and videos of your injuries. These images and videos can serve as valuable evidence in your legal claim.
- Seek Medical Care
Seek immediate medical care after a Florida hit-and-run accident. Even if you think your injuries are minor, ensure you seek prompt medical attention. Seeking prompt medical attention can help ensure your injuries don’t worsen. It can also help establish a clear link between the hit-and-run accident and your injuries.
- Notify Your Insurance Company
Hit-and-run accident victims should report the accident to their insurance company as soon as possible. However, you don’t need to go into too much detail when making this report.
- Contact an Attorney
After a hit-and-run accident, you should contact an attorney with experience handling hit-and-run cases. An attorney can provide you with guidance on your rights and legal options under Florida law. They can help identify and locate the fleeing driver. Even if the fleeing driver is not located, a skilled attorney may be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
Contact a Lakeland Car Accident Attorney
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, contact a qualified Lakeland car accident attorney at Darla K. Snead, P.L. to schedule a free consultation.
