What Should I Do If I Was Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Getting hit by a hit-and-run driver is among the most alarming and frustrating experiences anyone can go through. However, taking quick and purposeful action is crucial to your safety and strengthening your compensation claim. Immediately after the hit-and-run accident, receiving prompt medical attention should be your main concern. Call 911 and the local police. The police will examine the accident site and try to identify and apprehend the hit-and-run driver. Do not attempt to follow the fleeing driver on your own.
While waiting for them to arrive, consider collecting evidence at the accident site, but only if it’s physically safe for you to do so. Capture pictures and videos of the scene, the road conditions, your injuries, and damage to your vehicle. You should also get statements from anyone who witnessed the hit-and-run crash.
Your next steps should include learning about your legal rights and how you can effectively secure financial compensation. Doing so will require consulting a reputable Clearwater, FL, hit-and-run lawyer for a thorough assessment of your case.
How Can I Receive Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Clearwater, FL?
First, you should inform your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance provider to report the hit-and-run crash as soon as possible. However, you should know that PIP coverage only pays for healthcare expenses, lost income, and other related losses up to its policy limits. It also doesn’t compensate hit-and-run victims for suffering, pain, emotional distress, and other non-economic losses.
If you suffered a catastrophic injury or have maxed out your PIP coverage limits, you may seek additional compensation by filing a claim against the hit-and-run driver’s insurer, provided that you meet the state’s standards for serious bodily injury and the driver is found. In addition, if you have health insurance coverage and uninsured motorist coverage (UM), they can help cover some of the costs once you use up your PIP coverage.
However, getting compensated for losses stemming from a hit-and-run crash is not as straightforward as other types of motor vehicle crashes. This is because your compensation options will hinge, to some extent, on locating the hit-and-run driver and their financial circumstances.
Nonetheless, you should consult a reputable Clearwater, FL, hit-and-run lawyer about the circumstances of your hit-and-run crash. They can investigate the hit-and-run crash, explain your legal options and rights, help you navigate the overwhelming insurance claims process with ease, and advocate for your right to compensation in and out of court. Your attorney also has the resources to track down the hit-and-run driver.
Additionally, your Clearwater, FL, hit-and-run attorney knows how to calculate the full spectrum and magnitude of the losses you incurred in the crash to make sure your compensation accurately reflects the consequences of the crash on your life.
Trust Our Skilled Clearwater, FL, Hit-and-Run Lawyer to Get The Job Done For You
Hit-and-run crashes can leave you tackling physical injuries, financial insecurity, and emotional disturbances. Get started pursuing maximum compensation for your case by contacting us online or calling us to arrange a free case consultation.