The statistics on hit and run car accidents in Florida are staggering. Approximately 25% of all accidents in Florida are the result of a hit and run, where the at fault driver flees the scene of the crash. Even more shockingly, in 2019, hit and run accidents accounted for 81% of all accidents involving fatalities in Florida. While the penalties in Florida are significant – including mandatory jail time for a driver that leaves the scene of a hit and run accident involving a fatality, potential license revocation, and fines – the actual harm caused by such acts dwarfs the penalties.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A NEW PORT RICHEY HIT AND RUN CAR ACCIDENT?
If you are hit by a driver that flees after the accident, you should first try to get as many details about his or her vehicle as possible. License plate number is best, but if that is not possible at least try to get the make, model and color of the vehicle if possible. Write that down or put it in your phone. Then immediately call the police. Give them the circumstances of the accident, let them know the identifiers of the other vehicle that you documented, and let them know your location and which direction the car fled off in. Make sure to remain at the scene until the police come so that a report can be generated.
In many cases, the police are able to locate the driver that fled based on the identifiers provided and evidence at the scene. If that happens, a claim may be pursued directly against the at fault driver. If the police are unable to locate the perpetrator, you may still have the ability to pursue a claim for your injuries stemming from the accident if you have Uninsured Motorist coverage on your automobile insurance policy.
At Fowkes & Hasanbasic, Accident and Insurance Lawyers, we have handled numerous hit and run accident cases on behalf of our clients. If you are involved in a hit and run accident, call or text us at (727) 500-1010.