Getting into a car accident can be chaotic and troubling. Immediately, you may be shaken up and worried about your injuries and the damage to your car. To make matters worse, there are many cases around Florida where the other driver involved in the accident decides to flee the scene.
In these situations, acting fast can be your best bet at protecting yourself. While you may not have another driver to exchange information with, you can take steps to identify the other driver and collect information that will be crucial when filing an insurance claim.
As noted in this article, you will want to try and record the license plate and/or information about the other car or driver if it is possible and safe to do so. You can do this by writing details down or by taking pictures. You can also speak with witnesses and record their contact information in order to follow up with them later.
In many collisions, parts of the vehicles involved can come off and be left on the scene. Calling police and making sure debris is collected and secured can provide clues about the other car which can help investigators track down the other driver.
Speaking with police and being clear about the chain of events will also be crucial, as it will give them the information they need to file a complete report of the incident.
Even if you have already left the scene to deal with your injuries or because there is nothing else you could do at the scene, there are still things you can do to get the help you need.
Perhaps most importantly can be discussing your case with an attorney. A personal injury lawyer can explain your options to you and help you build a case against another driver if and when he or she can be identified. An attorney can also help you confront insurance companies who may try to unfairly deny your claim or reduce your payout.
Getting injured in any crash can be devastating; getting injured in a hit-and-run crash can be maddening. However, with legal guidance and support, you can pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.