In the recent past, there have been several hit-and-run cases in Florida. In most cases, drivers are usually aware of the necessary steps to take when pursuing their insurance claims since the at-fault driver flees the scene. At Bodden & Bennett Law Group, we often encourage motorists involved in hit-and-run accidents to seek the help of lawyers to offer guidance on any legal or insurance claims.
In case you are wondering whether or not you need a lawyer after hit and run accident in Florida, here’s why you should consider getting a lawyer:
1- A Lawyer Will Direct You On The Necessary Steps To Take In case Of A Hit And Run
According to the 2022 Florida Statutes, the driver of any vehicle involved in a crash resulting in any kind of damage (death, injury, or property damage) is required to stop at the scene or as close to the scene as possible. Essentially, this helps to fairly determine the faults, liabilities, and negligence. It is, therefore, a crime to flee the scene of a crash in case of an accident. However, if the negligent driver flees the scene of the accident, you may experience a bit of difficulty in pursuing compensation for your loss.
Consequently, you will need to hire an attorney who will guide you on the necessary steps to take in case of a hit and run accident in Florida.
The lawyer will help you weigh your options in a hit-a-run case, as well as answer any unanswered questions you may have pertaining to the case. From questions regarding the cause of the accident to the term of your insurance company, the lawyer will guide you every step of the way. This way, you are better positioned in handling and understanding any lawsuit and claims that may result from the hit-and-run accident.
2- A Lawyer Will Help You Review All Details Pertaining To Your Insurance
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) stipulates the minimum insurance requirements for all motorists in Florida. Thus, you are generally required by law to have insurance that will cover the costs relating to injury or property damage in case of a collision. However, if an accident results in serious injuries and property damages, the minimum insurance required by law may not cover the resultant costs. With the help of a motor vehicle accident lawyer in Florida, you will be able to review the details of the accident against your insurance policy to see if you have any options.
Florida insurance regulations require motorists to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage or no-fault car insurance. The minimum amount for this coverage is $10,000. Usually, the insurance pays for up to 80% of the reasonable medical bills as per the limits of the policy, regardless of who caused the accident. The coverage may also pay for up to 60% of lost wages. Hence, you can seek the help of a lawyer if you need to pursue the no-fault claims. Unfortunately, a car accident with severe damages may result in injuries and property damages that exceed the amount covered by the PIP coverage.
In case you had selected coverage beyond the minimum amount stipulated by the state laws, you will have wider options on which to base your insurance claims. For instance, if you have underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage, the policy will cover additional compensation. For instance, the policy may cover the following:
- The cost of your medical bills
- Any wages, income, and benefits lost because of injuries
- Permanent disabilities and impairments
- Physical pain and suffering
- Damages to your vehicle or any other personal property
It is important to note that Florida laws do not require motorists to purchase Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. However, some insurance companies may offer coverage as an optional choice. If you have UM coverage, the insurance company acts as the hit-and-run driver or the at-fault driver. The value of the claim will depend on the facts and evidence of your case.
3- A Lawyer Will Help You Pursue Compensation From Your Insurance Provider
Among the most prominent reasons for hiring a lawyer in case of a hit and run accident in Florida is because the lawyer will guide you on the steps of pursuing compensation from your insurance provider. In case you experience any problems while in pursuit of compensation, the lawyer will devise legal means how to resolve the issues. With a lawyer by your side, you will be able to efficiently handle the necessary steps of your insurance claim. Their duties include the following:
- Filing your insurance claim
- Researching all relevant federal, state, and local laws on the insurance claim
- Weighing the available options for successful insurance case action
- Handling communications and negotiations between you and your insurance agents
- Assembling all necessary evidence of your insurance claim
- Determining the fair value of your insurance claim
- Determining the at-fault party and holding them accountable for their actions
- Defending your rights and protecting you against any bad faith practices
- Negotiating the terms of your settlement
- Representing your case in a civil court if necessary
In case the hit-and-run driver who fled the scene of the accident is caught eventually, their insurance may cover your costs. In some instances, you may decide to seek compensation through a lawsuit instead of an insurance claim. If you decide to go in the direction of a lawsuit, you will need one of our experienced attorneys at Bodden & Bennett Law Group to represent you.
4- A Lawyer Will Help You File A Claim In case Of Bad Faith Insurance Practices
As a motorist, you pay for insurance to safeguard you against any damages in case of an accident. Unfortunately, some insurance companies do not hold up their end of the bargain and resulting in bad-faith insurance practices. As a result, you may end up exhausting your savings by covering all medical costs and repair of the damaged properties. Although fighting your insurance provider to pay your claims may seem like an uphill task, our certified lawyers are well-equipped to help you file your claims. Our lawyers will help you gather evidence to prove that your insurance claim was in good faith so that you find a fair settlement.
5- A Lawyer Will Guide You On The Necessary Steps To Take In case Of A Personal Injury Lawsuit
Although state laws in Florida prohibit drivers involved in a crash from fleeing the scene, some drivers still flee accident scenes. Among the common reasons why these drivers flee the accident scene are because they lack proper insurance and a valid driver’s license, they fear arrest, or might have been under the influence of alcohol and drugs. In case they are eventually arrested and they do not have adequate insurance to cover your loss, you may decide to file a lawsuit. In this case, a lawyer handling a hit and run accident in Florida will help you prove that the out-of-pocket damages were caused by negligence.
According to Florida Statute §95.11, you have four years to file a lawsuit in case of a car accident. If you need quality representation for your personal injury lawsuit, our attorneys will guide you every step of the way.
Get Certified and Experienced Insurance Dispute Attorneys In Florida
It is common for most motorists to feel confused about the steps to take when filing for insurance claims in case of a hit and run accident in Florida. However, with our insurance dispute attorneys by your side, you will manage to get fair settlements for your claims at no up-front costs. Contact us online or call (561) 806-5229 today to get quality representation from certified and experienced insurance dispute attorneys in Florida.
