A sudden screech of tires shatters the night’s calm. Quickened with panic, your adrenaline kicks in allowing you to pull over. The glow of fading taillights leaves behind the aftermath of a hit-and-run in Florida. Would you know what to do next? Florida’s alarming 26,379 hit and runs in the last 4 months, underscores just how vital it is to be able to act after an incident like this. This practical guide provides a clear checklist for those involved in a Florida hit-and-run.
A Florida Hit and Run Checklist - Stay Legally Compliant and Protect Yourself
If you’re the impacted party, your immediate response after a Florida hit-and-run should be:
- Stop Yourself: After a hit and run in Florida, try to take a deep breath and pull over safely. Get your car off the road and onto the road shoulder or use a nearby roadside pull-off. Put it in the park and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that you’re stopped.
- Report It: Next, give the police a call right away and report the accident. Let them know where it happened if anyone’s hurt, and what went down. It’s important to have a police report on record, as this is a crucial evidence piece needed for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Document: If you’re feeling okay, try to grab evidence of the scene. Snap some images of the damage done to all vehicles, jot down the location of where the accident happened, and see if any witnesses will give you their contact information. Gathering evidence like this becomes invaluable when making an insurance claim, or defending your case in court.
After you’ve stopped, reported, and documented, you should then take the following actions:
- Get Medical Attention: It’s a good idea to get checked out by a doctor, even if you think you’re okay after a Florida hit and run. Adrenaline can mask your injuries, so getting a professional opinion is important. Plus, it creates a medical record of your injuries, which can be used as evidence in any legal proceedings.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Call your insurance company when you get a chance and let them know what happened. Mention the police report number, provide details of the incident, and answer any questions they have with relevant information. Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process and assist you with the next steps.
- Seek Legal Aid: Talking with a lawyer specializing in hit and runs in Florida is a good idea, even if it's for something as small as a fender bender. An attorney can help you understand your rights, make sure you receive due compensation, and protect you from any legal surprises along the way.
Are You The Responsible Party? Here Are Your Immediate Actions
- Render Aid: If you’re the responsible party in a hit-and-run in Florida, the law states that you must stop your vehicle, provide reasonable assistance to those with injuries, and remain at the scene until all of your legal obligations have been fulfilled. Fleeing the scene can lead to serious hit-and-run punishments, even if the accident was minor.
- Report It ASAP: After rendering aid, contact the police to report the accident, even if you were the at-fault driver. Provide a full and truthful account of what happened.
- Exchange Contact Info: If the other driver is present, exchange insurance, contact, and license information, as this will help facilitate the claims process.
Post-Incident Actions After a Hit and Run in Florida
- Contact A Lawyer: Hiring an experienced hit-and-run attorney to help you understand your rights and obligations is recommended, as they can help you navigate the legal and insurance complexities involved.
Hit and Run Punishment Under Florida Law
The penalties for a hit and run in Florida can range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the extent of the property damage, injuries, or if fatalities are involved. This is why it’s crucial that if you’re at fault, you should remain on the scene, report the accident, and cooperate with authorities.
Whether you’re seeking justice or are an at-fault party looking to navigate a hit-and-run in Florida, it’s a good idea to hire skilled legal representation. Here at Frank Eidson, we are committed to client advocacy and successful outcomes, ensuring those who hire us are not alone during their case proceedings. Call us at 407-245-2887 for a free case review, and get the support and guidance you need in handling your hit-and-run case in Florida.
