Why Some Drivers Leave the Scene of an Accident
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
If you have recently been involved in an accident and the driver of the other vehicle fled the scene, then you may be feeling overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of what to do.No one really knows what goes through the mind of someone involved in an accident or why they feel guilty enough to flee the scene.
Here is why some drivers leave the scene of an accident and what you have to do if this happens to you.
• Drunk driving
• No license
• Uninsured
• Doesn’t want to go to jail
• Unclear if there was a collision
• Road rage
There is no valid reason for leaving the scene of an accident you are involved in. Not only can it make things worse, but it can also leave everyone wondering who is going to pay for the damages and injuries that resulted from the accident.
What to Do in a Hit-and-Run
If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident and the other driver fled the scene, the first thing you should do is check for injuries. The health and safety of yourself and your passengers should take top priority following an accident. If you need to, call an ambulance for help or have someone close by do it if you are unable to.
Once everyone is safe and all medical needs have been attended to, you need to speak with the police and give them a detailed account of the events leading up to the accident and after.
Provide as many details as possible, including the make and model of the other car, the color it was, and, if you remember, the license plate number. Even small details you may feel are unimportant can prove to be significant later.
Look around and speak with any eyewitnesses there may be on the scene. Maybe they were able to see something that you didn't have the chance to notice, like the license plate information. Collect the names and contact information of all the eyewitnesses before you leave.
Before you contact the insurance company, it may also be in your best interests to contact an experienced personal injury attorney ahead of time to explain the hit and run situation so they can advise you on the appropriate steps to take.
Hit-and-Run With Pedestrians
While a hit-and-run accident is common with motor vehicles, it can also happen with pedestrians. If a pedestrian was struck and the at-fault driver leaves the scene, you will want to try and follow many of the same steps outlined above.
However, a pedestrian hit and run often results in more serious injury or even death. In this case, the victim's family should immediately discuss the case with their attorney to see what legal options are available for recourse.
Obtaining Compensation
According to Florida law, any driver involved in an accident that resulted in injury or death must stop at the scene, even if they weren't the one responsible for causing the accident. If the driver is located after a hit-and-run accident, the victims can obtain compensation if the person is found at fault and fled the scene.
The driver who fled and is later located may be responsible for all injuries and damages you sustained due to the accident, including your medical bills, any property loss, lost income, and any other damages.
If the driver is not located, you can still be entitled to compensation through your own insurance company due to the uninsured motorist laws we have in Florida. Most Florida auto insurance coverage contains coverage for both uninsured and underinsured drivers.
Have you been involved in a hit-and-run accident that resulted in injury or damages? Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney today to see if you are entitled to compensation.