Tampa Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
Attorney Armando Edmiston can help you get compensation
When you’re involved in a car accident and the at-fault driver leaves the scene of the crash without stopping, it’s known as a hit and run. Trying to understand what needs to be done next to recover compensation for your damages can be confusing and overwhelming.
While there are different forms of car insurance coverage that may allow you to make a claim, trying to navigate the whole process and handle the insurance company by yourself can prove to be a tall task. That’s why hit-and-run crashes are widely considered among the most complex types of car accidents to deal with.
Whether you were injured in a hit-and-run accident with another driver or got hit by a car in a pedestrian accident by someone who fled the scene of the crash, it’s important to remember that you do have rights. The best way to ensure you understand your legal rights is to hire an experienced hit and run attorney to handle your case.
If you’re searching for answers after being hurt in a hit-and-run crash, Attorney Armando Edmiston of Armando Personal Injury Law has a firm grasp on Florida’s unique car insurance laws and can help you get the compensation you’re entitled to as a hit and run victim.
What do you do after a hit and run?
While getting hit by a driver who leaves the scene of the crash can be upsetting, try to remain calm so you can assess the situation. No matter what, do not try to chase or pursue the at-fault driver. Instead, do your best to remember everything you can about the person who was driving and the vehicle (e.g., license plate number, vehicle make/model, color) so that you can give a detailed description to police. These steps will help you when you have to report a hit and run accident:
- Call 911 right away – If you or anyone else needs an ambulance, let the dispatcher know. Otherwise, tell the dispatcher you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident and answer all their questions so that police can try to locate the at-fault driver. Cooperate with police when they arrive and see if anyone who witnessed the crash is willing to stay and give a statement to the investigating officer. Be sure to also get the name and contact information of any witnesses.
- Gather evidence – Take detailed pictures of the crash scene and write down everything you can remember about the accident. Include time of day, location, and anything else you can remember about the collision that might be worth noting. If you have visible injuries, don’t forget to document them with photos too.
- Seek medical attention – Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to let a medical professional check you out as soon as possible. You may have serious and potentially life-threatening injuries and not even realize it. It’s also important to remember that the car insurance company could question the severity of your injuries if you wait too long to get seen by a doctor. For PIP claims, you are required by Florida law to seek medical care within 14 days of your accident.
- Notify your insurance company – You’ll want to begin the process of filing a claim by contacting your insurance company to let them know you were in an accident. Try not to go into too much detail and do your best to stick to the facts. If you’re pressured for more information, refer the insurance adjuster to your attorney.
- Contact a car accident lawyer – You need an experienced Tampa hit and run accident lawyer to help you navigate this situation. Attorney Armando Edmiston has the knowledge and experience to handle every aspect of your claim, including negotiations with the insurance company.
Who is at fault? Who is liable? Do I need a Lawyer?
Just because someone fled the scene of an accident isn’t necessarily proof they caused the accident itself. Proving fault for a hit-and-run accident is sometimes complicated. As with any other crash, you need an attorney to investigate and get to the bottom of what happened.
Usually after an accident, both parties involved exchange information, but that is not possible if the driver who hit you flees the scene. If you don’t have the information of the at fault driver, you should contact your insurance company to make a claim.
How do insurance companies handle hit-and-runs in Florida?
There are different types of insurance policies that may cover some of the expenses from your hit-and-run, whether the at-fault driver is located by police or not. Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is mandatory in Florida and will pay for any medical expenses you incur as a result of your accident, up to policy limits (typically $10,000). Keep in mind that PIP does not pay for property damage or things like pain and suffering.
What insurance covers hit and run accidents?
Optional forms of insurance that may cover certain expenses from your hit-and-run accident include:
- Collision
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)
- Health Insurance
Having insurance is one thing, but making a claim is a completely different ballgame. That’s because insurance companies are known for giving personal injury victims a hard time and pressuring them into accepting minimal compensation. In an effort to pay you out as little as possible, the insurance company may question the severity of your injuries or claim you have a pre-existing condition.
Get the help you need with an experienced hit and run lawyer
When you’re injured and in pain, you can let our law firm handle every aspect of your claim so that you can focus on what matters most – your recovery. Armando Edmiston, lawyer for hit and run accidents, knows how to deal with the insurance company and will fight to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. That’s because at Armando Personal Injury Law, our clients are family and we consider your problems our problems.
Don’t wait too long. Remember, in Florida, you generally have up to two years to file a lawsuit, but we need to investigate much sooner. We work on contingency, so there is never a fee unless and until we win your case. Contact our law firm today for a free case evaluation.