Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Palm Coast
Being in an accident is always stressful, but hit-and-run accidents can be particularly traumatic, leaving you feeling helpless and uncertain about your options. When a driver flees the scene of an accident, their refusal to do the right thing creates additional hurdles you must overcome before you can recover the compensation you deserve. However, you are not without options, and you don’t have to pursue them alone. At Chiumento Law, PLLC, we understand the many complexities of hit-and-run cases and are committed to fighting for our clients’ rights in Palm Coast, Florida.
If you have suffered injuries in a Palm Coast hit-and-run accident, our experienced legal team is here to help. Call Chiumento Law, PLLC today at (386) 445-8900 or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
What to Do After You’re Involved in a Hit and Run Accident
A hit and run car accident is a frightening and overwhelming experience, but taking the appropriate steps after the fact allows you to protect your rights and optimize your chances of getting fair compensation for your losses. Here are a few things you should do after a hit-and-run accident:
- Call 911 and Report the Accident
Immediately reporting the incident allows law enforcement to start their investigation promptly, increasing the chances of locating the hit-and-run driver. Additionally, having an official police report can strengthen your case when seeking compensation from insurance companies or in court.
- Seek Medical Attention for Any Injuries
Even if you think your injuries are minor, a medical evaluation is essential. Seeking early treatment helps to establish a connection between the accident and your injuries, which is necessary for a successful personal injury claim. Moreover, some injuries might not be immediately apparent and could worsen over time without swift attention.
- Document the Scene
Taking photos, gathering witness information, and noting any details about the fleeing vehicle can significantly improve your chances of finding the hit-and-run driver and building a solid case for compensation. Photos of the scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage are all valuable pieces of evidence. Witness statements can also corroborate your description of the accident or help identify the hit-and-run driver or the vehicle they were driving. Witnesses may have observed more than you did because they were not personally involved in the accident or injured as a result.
- Notify Your Insurance Company
Reporting the hit and run accident to your insurance company is necessary to initiate the no-fault claims process. It’s essential to provide accurate and timely information to avoid delays or the denial of your claim. However, be cautious when discussing the details of the accident with insurance adjusters, as they might attempt to use what you say to undervalue your claim. An experienced attorney can handle these conversations so you don’t have to watch every word you say.
- Consult a Skilled Hit and Run Car Accident Lawyer
Hiring a knowledgeable attorney is crucial when navigating the complexities of a hit-and-run case. An experienced hit and run attorney can seek to hold liable parties accountable for their careless actions and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why Hire Chiumento Law as Your Hit and Run Lawyer?
Your attorney can play a crucial role in the aftermath of a hit and run accident. From the moment you retain their services, a skilled lawyer will work diligently to gather evidence, build a strong case, and demand fair compensation on your behalf. They’ll help you work through the complex insurance claims process, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and seek the best settlement possible. If your case goes to court, your attorney can represent you and present compelling arguments to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.
In cases where the authorities cannot locate the hit-and-run driver, an attorney can support you as you explore other avenues for compensation, such as personal injury protection (PIP) or uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
When you hire Chiumento Law, PLLC to handle your hit and run case, you can focus on your recovery while we take care of all the legal complexities. Our experienced team of personal injury lawyers is dedicated to seeking justice for injured Floridians throughout Flagler and Volusia counties. When you choose us to represent you, you will benefit from our:
- Extensive knowledge of Florida hit and run laws
- Aggressive negotiation and litigation tactics
- Proven track record of favorable settlements and verdicts
- Compassionate and personalized approach
We offer free initial consultations with zero obligation to move forward, so you can learn more about how we can help you before you decide to hire us. Even better, you only pay us if and when we recover a financial award on your behalf, so there’s no risk to you when you come to us for help.
Reasons Someone Would Flee the Scene of an Accident
Most motorists accept that they must take responsibility for their actions. As such, you might wonder why anyone would abandon their ethical and legal obligations by fleeing the scene of a collision.
There are various reasons why a driver might hit and run, including:
- Lack of a valid driver’s license or insurance coverage
- Fear of criminal charges, such as DUI or vehicular manslaughter
- “Fight or flight” instincts that lead to panic or confusion
- Previous criminal history or outstanding warrants
Regardless of the reason, fleeing the scene of an accident is against Florida law. Those responsible could face severe legal penalties if they are caught.
How Can You Find a Hit and Run Driver?
Finding the responsible driver in a hit-and-run accident can be challenging. However, with the help of law enforcement and an experienced attorney, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of locating the culprit, including:
- Gathering Information from Witnesses or Surveillance Cameras
If any witnesses saw the accident, they might be able to provide valuable details about the fleeing driver or their vehicle, such as the vehicle’s make, model, color, or license plate number. Additionally, dashcams or nearby surveillance cameras might have captured footage of the accident, which can provide visual evidence that helps to identify the hit and run driver.
- Working with Law Enforcement to Review Traffic Cameras and Public Records
Traffic cameras at intersections or along highways capture footage of vehicles passing by, which can help track a fleeing driver’s movements. Law enforcement can also access public records, such as vehicle registrations, to cross-reference information and identify potential suspects. Collaborating with law enforcement can significantly improve the chances of finding a hit and run driver.
- Using Vehicle Debris or Paint Chips to Identify the Make and Model of the Fleeing Car
In some cases, the impact of a hit and run accident might leave behind debris or paint chips from the fleeing vehicle. These pieces of evidence can help determine the make and model of a car, narrowing down the list of potential vehicles the hit-and-run driver might have operated. With this information, law enforcement can cross-reference databases and locate vehicles matching the description.
- Monitoring Local Body Shops and Social Media for Potential Leads
Hit and run drivers often seek repairs for their damaged vehicles at local body shops. By monitoring repair shops and social media, you might come across posts or reports about a suspicious vehicle matching the description of the one involved in your accident. Sharing this information with law enforcement could lead to the identification and apprehension of a hit and run driver.
What If the Police Can’t Find the Driver?
In some cases, finding the culprit of a hit and run crime is impossible. However, even if the police cannot locate a hit and run driver, you still have options for seeking compensation.
Your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, a type of no-fault coverage, should cover a portion of your medical bills and lost income after any Florida car accident. Additionally, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you, up to your policy limits, in the event of a hit-and-run accident. However, UM insurance is optional in Florida, so it’s a good idea to review your insurance policy with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer to determine which types of coverage could be available after a hit and run.
Florida Hit and Run Laws
Florida law requires drivers involved in an accident to stop and exchange information, render aid if necessary, and report the incident to law enforcement. Failing to do so can result in criminal charges and penalties, including:
- Misdemeanor charges for accidents involving property damage
- Felony charges for accidents involving injury or death
- Suspension or revocation of the driver’s license
- Fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the accident
Contact Our Palm Coast Hit and Run Lawyers Today
At Chiumento Law, PLLC, our compassionate and dedicated legal team is committed to fighting for the rights of hit and run accident victims in Palm Coast, Florida. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can cause, and we are here to help you.
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a Florida hit and run accident, we can work tirelessly to help you pursue the compensation you deserve and hold the responsible party accountable. Call us today at (386) 445-8900 or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.