Oldsmar Hit & Run Accident Lawyer
In Florida, all drivers are required by law to stop at the scene of an accident after being involved in a collision. While many motorists are careful to follow these rules and go out of their way to provide accurate contact information to the other parties involved, some attempt to avoid liability for a collision by leaving the scene. Known as hit and run accidents, these types of crashes often leave victims wondering how they will recover compensation for medical bills and vehicle repair. Fortunately, accident victims who find themselves in this situation have a number of options when it comes to recovering compensation, so if you were recently injured in a hit and run accident, it is critical to speak with an experienced Oldsmar hit & run accident lawyer who can walk you through your legal options.
Identifying the Hit and Run Driver
Even if a driver fled the scene of an accident, it is still often possible to identify that individual through other means. For instance, many accident victims are able to recollect information about the vehicle in question, including the make, model, color, or license plate number, which can be used to track down the at-fault driver. Alternatively, injured parties can obtain witness statements from anyone who saw the accident occur, collect camera footage from traffic cameras or other recordings, and review information recorded by law enforcement in the police report. When an at-fault driver can be identified, the injured party can pursue a claim against that individual’s insurance company for damages that exceed their own policy’s coverage.
Collecting Under Your Own Policy
All Florida drivers are required to obtain liability insurance coverage. When a hit and run driver causes an accident and can’t be identified, the injured party may need to seek compensation exclusively from his or her own insurer. Unfortunately, these policies often don’t cover the extent of a driver’s injuries and property damage, in which case, the injured motorist could end up paying out-of-pocket for the remainder of the costs.
Pursuing a Third Party Claim
Motorists who are involved in hit and run accidents might also have the option of pursuing a claim against a third party if someone else was partially responsible for the collision. If, for instance, an accident involved multiple vehicles and only one left the scene, the injured party could still be entitled to collect compensation from the other drivers who contributed to the crash. Alternatively, a motorist could file a claim against a vehicle manufacturer or repair shop, if it is determined that the cause of the collision was a defective vehicle part. Other negligent parties could include highway authorities, construction companies, and contractors, if an accident can be at least partially attributed to poor road design or maintenance.
Schedule a Hit & Run Car Accident Consultation
If you were injured in a hit and run accident in Florida and want to learn more about your legal options, please call the experienced hit and run car accident lawyers at Pawlowski // Mastrilli Law Group today.
