It may seem straightforward who is at fault, and therefore liable, in a pedestrian accident, but it can be much more difficult to prove liability. In order to receive compensation and get paid for medical bills and lost income, the victim must establish four elements. First, the victim must prove that the person at fault…
A hit-and-run driver is a coward unable to face the consequences of their actions. Sadly, they happen all the time. For those unaware, a hit and run driver is someone who leaves the scene of an accident before making a report to the police. It also involves making sure that the other drivers are receiving care from medical professionals.
Judges look poorly on hit-and-run drivers even if they turn themselves in voluntarily. The punishment for this crime is also higher. Even if an accident is your fault, you’ll receive less punishment if you stay at the scene and be honest about what happened.
But what if you’re the one who was hit? How can you receive compensation if you don’t know who to sue? There are options depending on your insurance and circumstances that the police and an experienced personal injury can help with. Here are some general guidelines.
First, seek medical attention as soon as possible, even for minor things. An injury can take weeks to fully develop from a car crash. Early detection will help with treatment. Also, make a report to the police as required by law. Try to recall all the information you can about the driver, even if it’s just the color of the car.
Next, check your auto insurance policy. You may be covered under the uninsured motorist part of your policy. Florida is a no-fault state so you should be able to get compensation up to the limits of your policy.
However, speak with a personal attorney first before you give the details of your injuries to the insurance agent. They will want to pay out as little as legally required. A personal attorney will help you get what you truly deserve.
Teen faces felony charge for hit-and-run with injury
A teen from Cape Coral, Florida is held responsible for a hit-and-run collision took place on January 21, on the Midpoint Bridge. The teen, driving a 2011 Infiniti, struck the rear of a moped, causing the driver to be ejected from the bike. As reported in The News-Press, the 17-year-old driver left the scene of…
Fatal Hit and Runs on the Rise in South Florida: A Legislator Responds
A Florida legislator is attempting to close a legal loophole that acts as an incentive for some drivers to flee the scene of an accident. The move is in response to an alarming increase in fatal hit and run accidents in South Florida, according to the Sun-Sentinel. In August 2013, state Sen. Miguel Diaz de…
What to Do If You’ve Been the Victim of a Hit and Run Accident
A hit and run accident occurs when a driver causes an accident and immediately flees the scene. Hit and run accidents can mean serious or fatal injuries for pedestrians, bicyclists and other drivers. Below is an outline of the steps to take if you have been injured in a hit and run accident. Seek medical…
Arrest Made in Fatal Miami Hit-and-Run Accident
Posted on Jan 28, 2011 Police have arrested a suspect in last week’s horrible hit-and-run accident in Miami, Florida. The accident killed three people and injured one more. Cedric Williams, 48, was arrested by police for his connection to a deadly wreck that occurred earlier this month at the intersection of Northeast Second Avenue and…