St. Augustine Hit & Run Accident Attorney
Hit & Run Accidents in Florida
Hit-and-run accidents are some of the worst types of motor vehicle accidents. Drivers who cause motor vehicle collisions and then leave the scene of the accident without providing contact information are not only breaking the law, but they are also leaving victims with seemingly no recourse when it comes to recovering compensation.
Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be devastating and, unfortunately, they are becoming more and more common throughout Northeast Florida. The good news is that you likely have one or several avenues of compensation available to you after a hit-and-run accident, even if the hit-and-run driver is never identified.
It is vital for victims of such incidents to pursue justice, demand just compensation, and, when possible, hold the perpetrator responsible for their actions. The legal team at Canan Law can help.
Contact us online or call (904) 849-2266 to request a free consultation with one of our St. Augustine hit-and-run accident attorneys.
On This Page:
- Can You Still Recover Damages After a Hit & Run?
- Types of Compensation You Can Recover
- Hit & Run Accident FAQ
- What To Do After a Hit & Run Accident
Can You Still Recover Compensation for Damages After a Hit & Run?
What to Do After a Hit & Run Accident
After any motor vehicle accident, you are likely to feel shaken up and may need emergency medical attention for your injuries. The shock of the accident is often compounded when the other driver flees the scene, and it can be difficult to know what to do next.
Remember CRASH:
- Call law enforcement;
- Remain calm;
- Attain vehicle, witness and driver information;
- Sketch the scene; and,
- Help the injured.
There are a few important steps you should take after a hit-and-run accident to protect your rights and better your chances of recovering compensation for your damages. Specifically, gathering as much information as you can about the person/vehicle that hit you can be incredibly helpful in assisting law enforcement in their investigation.
If possible, try to record the following information after a hit-and-run accident:
- The make and model (or type) of the other vehicle
- The color of the other vehicle
- Any distinguishing characteristics, including damage from the accident, that can help identify the vehicle
- The license plate number (full or partial) of the other vehicle
- A description of the driver who hit you, including their sex, approximate age, hair color, etc.
- The exact date, time, and location of the crash
- How the accident occurred
- The names and contact information of any witnesses who saw what happened (including other drivers, nearby business owners/patrons, etc.)
Remember, your safety and well-being are the most important thing. Always check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 if necessary. You should also call the police and report the hit-and-run; have law enforcement officers come out to the scene of the accident to file an official police report. Provide them with any information you were able to gather about the hit-and-run driver.
In the hours and days following the accident, make sure to take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you believe your injuries were minor, always see a medical professional after any motor vehicle accident. Your doctor can check for underlying injuries and provide a treatment plan. Always follow your doctor’s orders and recommendations. If you wish to file a PIP claim, you must seek medical attention within 14 days of the accident.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Depending on your policy, you may be required to report the accident within a certain timeframe. Make sure to review your auto insurance policy and report the crash as soon as possible. However, refrain from making any official statements, written or otherwise, about what happened. DO NOT ADMIT FAULT.
- Contact an Attorney: The best way to protect your rights and your ability to recover compensation after a hit-and-run accident is to contact an experienced attorney who can help you understand your various options and advocate for you. At Canan Law, we are ready to go over all available avenues of reimbursement on your behalf.
Anyone with information about hit-and-run crashes can report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477). Or, you can text “Tip231 plus your message” to 274637.