According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), around 25 percent of all car accidents in Florida are designated as hit-and-runs. If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Florida, you may be wondering who will be responsible for paying for the damages. The answer depends on a few different factors, and it is essential to understand your options before making any decisions.
In this blog post, we will discuss who pays for damages in a hit-and-run accident in Florida and what you can do if you find yourself in this situation.
Gathering Evidence
If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run, it is important to try and obtain as much evidence as possible. Evidence can be vital in helping to catch the responsible person and building your case if you need to take legal action. Some practical ways of obtaining evidence can be:
- Reviewing Surveillance Footage – If your accident happened at an intersection, in a parking lot, or residential neighborhood, chances are there were cameras present at the time of the collision. These can be useful in identifying the vehicle involved and perhaps the driver themselves.
- Eyewitness Testimony – You may not have had the chance to see the vehicle’s make, model, license plate or make out what the driver looked like, but other drivers may have.
- Dash Cams – An increasingly more common and useful tool found in cars are dash cams. Dash cams can capture precisely the moments before, during and after the accident and can have a clear image of the driver’s license plate and vehicle.
Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
In Florida, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory. However, it is something that is available to drivers and something that many insurance companies offer. This type of coverage can help protect you financially if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the damages they caused. Uninsured motorist coverage can also help protect you if you are in an accident with a hit-and-run driver.
Were You Involved in a Ft. Lauderdale Car Accident?
Schlesinger Law Offices, P.A. is a personal injury law firm providing quality legal services to the Fort Lauderdale community for over 70 years. We are dedicated to giving our clients the best possible representation and strive to provide exceptional customer service. Whether you need help with a complex legal matter or have questions about your rights, we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
If you were injured in a car accident in Ft. Lauderdale, call us today at (954) 467-8800 or fill out our form online.
