Miami Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

If the at-fault driver who caused your car accident did not stay at the scene, pursuing compensation for your damages may prove challenging. A Miami car accident lawyer from Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can investigate your accident and determine the best course of action for you.

You will want a lawyer who can provide you with a dedicated focus to locate the responsible driver, and securing legal representation may allow you more time to focus on your recovery and medical care.

A negligent driver who flees the scene of an accident could delay the claims process and leave an accident victim to cover the entirety of their medical care costs. If you suffered severe injuries and the driver responsible for the accident fled the scene, the hit and run accident lawyers in Miami, FL with Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers may be able to help. Call now for a free case evaluation.

Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Is on Your Side

The shock of a hit and run accident can easily turn into feelings of anger and frustration. Whether the driver responsible was drunk, distracted, or driving aggressively, they had a responsibility—by law—to remain at the scene. Whatever their reason may be for fleeing, if they never come forward, you may still have options for pursuing compensation, and we can help you through this.

We Want to Hear About Your Hit And Run Case

A hit and run accident investigation requires an investment of time. A Miami personal injury lawyers can get to work immediately by listening to your account of what happened. During your initial consultation, we want you to share your story with us. You can ask us questions and express your concerns. Our hit and run lawyers can explain your options for compensation and review your car insurance policy. 

You Work With Jason and Debi Chalik Directly

It is our commitment to provide personal representation for our clients that draws people to our services. When you hire us to represent you, you will work directly with Jason and Debi Chalik.

Large law firms have many layers and shells. At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we desire to get to know those we serve. As active members of the Miami-Dade community, we view what we do as helping our neighbors achieve justice.

The Compensation We’ve Won for Our Clients

The legal team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers believes in fighting for the compensation and justice our clients deserve. Look at some of the results we’ve achieved for our clients: 

• $5.0 million in a defective tire car accident
• $3.0 million for another defective tire accident
• $1.0 million in a fatal car accident

We are not a slapdash law firm looking for an easy settlement. We are in it for the long term because you and your family deserve fair restitution for your injuries and losses. 

Read Some of Our Client’s Testimonials

If you would like to read more, below are a few examples of the reviews our past clients have left:

“Mr. Chalik was extremely responsive and professional. His office kept us well informed as things progressed. He showed true concern about the status of my wife’s recovery from her injury. I highly recommend his firm and feel very comfortable in suggesting them when asked for recommendations.” —F.S.

“This office is outstanding. The employees here are so kind and professional. They all go way and beyond to assist their clients. But my favorite is Sylvia. I really enjoyed speaking with her. Keep up the great work everyone!!”—R.E.

Talk with our staff today. See how we can help you following your hit and run accident. 

How Our Hit and Run Accident Attorneys in Miami Can Help You

Here’s how we can help you through the claims process: 

• Legal guidance: our lawyers offer clear explanations of your legal rights and options, outlining steps such as filing police reports and seeking medical attention to ensure proper documentation and protection of your interests.
• Advocacy: Serving as your advocate, our lawyers communicate with the insurance companies, law enforcement, and other relevant parties on your behalf. This representation helps ensure that your rights are upheld and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
• Evidence gathering: Our lawyers assist in gathering evidence to strengthen your case, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, surveillance footage, and any other relevant documentation. This evidence is essential for establishing liability and pursuing compensation.
• Pursuit of justice: Through a thorough investigation, our lawyers work to identify the responsible party in your hit-and-run accident. This often involves employing our legal resources to track down the fleeing driver and hold them accountable for their actions.
• Support and guidance: Throughout the legal process, our lawyers provide ongoing support and guidance to you, offering reassurance, answering questions, and alleviating stress and confusion during this challenging time.
• Negotiation and litigation: If necessary, our lawyers represent you in negotiations with the insurance companies or in court proceedings. Our legal knowledge and advocacy skills are invaluable in seeking a favorable outcome for you.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers is here to help. 

Hit and Run Accidents May Result in Injuries and Fatalities

Data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) shows the alarming statistics when it comes to hit and run accidents throughout the state:

• More than 900,000 hit and run accidents occurred between 2015 and 2023
• More than 2,000 traffic fatalities resulted from hit and run accidents during that same time period

The FLHSMV shows the majority of accidents occurred during dawn, dusk, or at nighttime.

Leaving the scene of an accident is not only irresponsible; it is against the law (Florida Statute § 316.061). If located and convicted, the driver faces possible prison time and large fines for accidents involving personal injury or fatalities.

If the driver who caused your injuries faces criminal charges, you may still pursue a civil case. Your personal injury or wrongful death case has no connection to any criminal case.

Reasons Drivers May Flee the Scene of an Accident

When a driver flees the scene of an accident involving another motorist, a pedestrian, or a bicyclist, they generally do so out of fear. The panic they experience may result from one of the following situations:

• They do not have a valid driver’s license
• They were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• They were distracted
• They were driving aggressively
• They were driving while drowsy

No excuse or reason justifies their actions of leaving the scene. If the driver never takes responsibility for their actions, your insurance policy may serve as an option for compensation for your damages, depending on the insurance coverage you have. Sometimes, commercial drivers commit a hit-and-run. In this situation, you can reach out to a Miami truck accident lawyer for assistance.

When the Driver Is Never Located

It can take days, weeks, or months to locate the responsible driver—and in some cases, they may never be located. If this is the situation with your case, a hit and run accident attorney in Miami, FL may be able to work with you regarding your own auto insurance policy.

Auto Insurance Coverage in Florida

Under Florida Statutes § 627.736, all drivers in Florida must have the following minimum insurance coverage:

• $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP)
• $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL)

Florida is considered a no-fault state. When you are in an accident in a no-fault state, you would file a personal injury claim with your car insurance company regardless of who was at fault. Your PIP coverage would pay for 80 percent of your medical care and 60 percent of your lost income while you recover. 

You may have also purchased uninsured/underinsured insurance coverage. This policy would come into effect in a hit and run accident if your injuries exceed your policy limits. 

We Will Deal With the Insurance Companies While You Recover

You pay insurance premiums in the hopes you will have protection when you need it most. Insurance companies sell policies in the hopes that clients never need the benefits. This push-and-pull nature of insurance can leave anybody frustrated.

At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we understand how insurance companies work. We can carefully review the terms of your policy. An insurance policy is a legally binding document. When an insurance company fails to honor its own policy, we may be able to help you hold them accountable.

If your insurance company fails to provide the benefits for which you paid, call us now for a free case evaluation.

How You Can Protect Your Right to Compensation

The aftermath of your accident can leave you in pain and shock. Once you have a chance to stop and think about what happened, any details you remember may help your case. Take a moment to jot down the things you remember. Keep those notes close in case you remember more later.

Use Your Cell Phone to Collect Images and Contact Information

If you can do so without placing yourself in danger, you can use your smartphone to take photographs and video of the accident scene. These images could provide clues as to the type of vehicle involved in the crash. You may also have the contact information of “good Samaritans” who witnessed the accident and stopped to help you. They can provide a different perspective on the accident. 

Call the Police

An official police report is another helpful form of evidence. The police can provide you with an unbiased third-party report on your accident. They can collect contact and insurance information from all parties involved. They can speak with eyewitnesses and collect their contact information as well. Their reports can diagram the accident, list any traffic violations, and give an opinion on how the accident occurred and who was at fault. 

The Terms of Your Insurance Coverage 

And lastly, a copy of your own auto insurance policy is something a member of our team may wish to study as soon as possible. If you have a copy, be sure to share it with our lawyers. They can determine how much and what kind of coverage you have.

Don’t Post on Social Media

You may be able to help your case in additional ways by limiting what you post on social media and what you share with friends. Insurance adjusters can and will look at everything you post and say on your social media accounts. Even something as innocent as smiling at a birthday party while you were recovering from your injuries could be twisted, claiming that you were not as injured as you claimed. 

Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Program Completely

In that same topic, follow your doctor’s orders and don’t miss appointments. If you fail to follow your doctor’s orders, the insurance companies could again argue that you were not as injured as you claimed. Always make your appointments and talk to your doctor about your condition. Let your doctor make the decision on when to end treatments.  

Never Admit Fault

While remaining hopeful that the driver will turn themselves in, it is important that you do nothing to indicate the accident was your fault. When speaking with the police, stick only with what you know. Don’t give theories or assumptions. If the insurance companies call, direct them to your lawyer. 

Contact Us Today

The medical costs that resulted from your hit and run accident should not be your responsibility. The fact that the at-fault driver failed to stop and render aid demands accountability. However, if the negligent driver continues to hide, your insurance company must come through for you.

Get started on your personal injury case today by reaching out to us for a free case evaluation. The sooner you contact our Miami hit and run accident law firm, the sooner we can get started on your case. We are easy for clients to talk with, and we are aggressive in our pursuit of justice. Call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers for your free case evaluation today.