Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Tampa, FL
Being injured by another driver’s negligence is difficult enough, but if they flee the scene, the situation is far worse. To begin, they left you all alone on the road when you were at your most vulnerable, and they made it more challenging for you to bring a solid car accident claim. Fortunately, working with an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney at Matthews Injury Law can make a big difference in terms of settling your claim fairly.
Drivers Are Required to Stop in Response to Car Accidents
Drivers involved in car accidents are required to stop and share contact and insurance information at a minimum. If the accident caused someone to be injured, this requirement is more expansive and includes rendering aid whenever possible, calling 911, and remaining at the scene until the police arrive. Drivers who take off are on the wrong side of the law, and related car accident claims are more difficult as a result.
Taking the Right Steps Forward after a Hit-and-Run Accident in Tampa
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run driver in Florida, there are several steps you should take that are universally advantageous.
Drive Your Car out of the Line of Traffic
If you can, you should drive your car out of the line of traffic. This helps protect you from further injury and prevents additional accidents.
Call 911
In the wake of any car accident, it’s important to put safety first, which includes calling 911. Once the emergency medical techs arrive, accept emergency care and transportation if offered, and if not, get checked out by your own doctor as soon as you can. The bottom line is that the adrenaline rush you experience because of a negligent driver leaving you harmed can mask serious symptoms that signal serious injuries.
Discuss Your Claim with a Trusted Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Early On
If you’ve been injured by a driver who fled the scene, time is of the essence. Bringing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider will hinge on evidence. And the sooner you have legal guidance behind you, the better chance you have of ultimately identifying the at-fault driver. Factors like the following make locating hit-and-run drivers more likely than it was in the past:
- Dashcams
- Security cameras are just about everywhere
- Traffic cameras
- The smartphone cameras that virtually every bystander has at the ready
If the driver who fled can’t be located, you’ll turn to your own uninsured motorist coverage. While you’re not required to carry it, your insurance company is required to offer it, and you must sign to decline it. In Florida, this coverage can be stacked across multiple vehicles and policies, making your coverage more robust than you realize.
An Experienced Tampa Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Can Help
If a negligent driver causes you to be injured and flees the scene, our dedicated Tampa hit-and-run accident attorneys at Matthews Injury Law will unleash the full scope of our impressive legal insight and skill in pursuit of an optimal claim resolution. Learn more by contacting us online or by calling 813-530-1000 today.