How to Report a Hit and Run in Plantation

The simplest way to report a hit-and-run accident in Plantation, FL, is to call the police to the accident scene. In addition to being mandatory per state law to file a police report following a hit and run, the insurance company will require a police report if you file a claim for financial compensation.

It can be a frustrating experience when a negligent driver flees the accident scene without accepting responsibility for their actions. If a Plantation hit-and-run accident lawyer represents you, they will obtain a copy of the report as part of building your case file. Your lawyer will handle evidence collection so you can focus on getting better.  

Get a Copy of the Plantation Police Report as Soon as It Becomes Available

The Plantation Police Department makes police reports available online for a small fee. It is often the first piece of evidence accompanying your compensation claim.

Florida Statutes § 316.066 requires the officer to file a Florida Traffic Crash Report within 10 days of completing their investigation. The report will include this vital information:

• The accident’s date, time, and location
• Witness statements and contact details
• Police-generated photos and videos
• First responder notes and diagrams

It could also contain information about debris left at the accident scene that could help identify the driver. If you obtain your police report before getting a lawyer, provide them with a copy and retain one for your records. 

A Car Accident Report Often Strengthens Your Insurance Claim

According to Insurance Information Institute (III) data, nearly 16% of drivers in Florida were uninsured in 2022. Car insurance can cover your post-accident costs in the following three ways:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage: A PIP suit after a hit-and-run accident can cover many of your immediate expenses, regardless of whose negligence caused the collision. 
• Third-party insurance claim: This compensates you when you can identify the other driver or vehicle owner, your PIP coverage is insufficient, and your injuries are catastrophic.
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: This covers an accident’s costs if the at-fault driver flees the scene without accepting responsibility for their actions.

No matter whose insurance company you turn to after a hit-and-run accident, the adjuster will require a copy of the police report and its objective data.

Additional Evidence That Can Support Your Hit-and-Run Accident Claim 

In addition to your police report, the following evidence can prove the cause and resulting costs of the accident:

• Accident scene photos 
• Dashcam video footage
• Eyewitness statements
• Accident reconstruction report
• Relevant expert testimony
• Medical records and bills

You do not have to manage the potentially daunting task of gathering evidence. The lawyer handling your claim will collect, sort, and organize your evidence. Then, they will submit your case file to the at-fault driver’s insurance company or to yours.

Expenses You Can Recover From Your Policy’s PIP Coverage 

Florida Statutes § 627.736 describes the type of compensation you can recover from your policy’s PIP protection as follows:

• Medical benefits: Includes medically necessary care obtained within 14 days of the accident. It will cover up to 80% of your reasonable expenses.
• Disability benefits: Includes loss of income, reduced earning capacity, and related expenses for help with “ordinary and necessary” services. It will cover up to 60% of these expenses and losses.
• Death benefits: Up to $5,000 per individual provided to the deceased biological, adoptive, or marriage-related relatives.

Your hit-and-run accident attorney can help you file the appropriate claim with your insurance company, including submitting forms and fulfilling requests for information and evidence.

Potential Third-Party Compensation for a Hit-and-Run Accident 

After a hit and run collision, you can recover various economic damages—starting with your known and anticipated medical bills. Additional economic damages might include:

• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Lost income
• Diminished earning capacity
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs

You can also recover various noneconomic (intangible) damages that include the following:

• Impairment and disfigurement
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Finally, you could be entitled to wrongful death damages if your family lost a loved one in the crash. They can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial and domestic support, and loss of consortium, companionship, and guidance.

The Benefits of Hiring a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer to Manage Your Claim 

The primary benefit of having a hit and run lawyer handle your claim is their experience identifying at-fault drivers who flee accident scenes. They will also deal with the insurance company on your behalf, handling these tasks:

• Managing case-related claim forms and paperwork
• Responding promptly to your questions or concerns
• Representing you on a client-friendly contingency fee basis 
• Measuring the pros and cons of any settlement offers
• Negotiating the best possible financial settlement for you

File Your Car Accident Lawsuit Within the Time Allotted by Florida Law

You generally have two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11. If you miss the filing deadline, you could lose the right to compel at-fault parties and insurers to compensate you for your accident-related expenses.

You can manage the timing of your case with help. A hit-and-run accident attorney can assist with accurately interpreting the filing deadline, address any potential exceptions that affect the timeline, and file your lawsuit before the deadline passes.

Contact Our Hit-and-Run Accident Team for a Free Evaluation

If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a hit-and-run accident in Plantation, you should report the accident immediately. Call the local police at the scene and file a hit-and-run accident report as soon as possible. 

Learn more about how an official report can help you pursue damages via an insurance claim or lawsuit. Contact the consultation team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers today to get started.