A motor vehicle accident of any type can have devastating consequences. Unfortunately, there are many instances where people in the Daytona Beach area suffer overwhelming pain and suffering as a result of their accidents.
What’s worse is when drivers involved in the accidents flee the scene without stopping. If you are dealing with this type of situation, it is recommended that you seek help from our car accident attorney in Daytona Beach immediately. A consultation with our legal team at Zimmet & Zimmet will ensure you know your rights during this situation.
Hit-and-runs are Common in Florida
Statistics provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles show that approximately 25% of all collisions involve hit-and-run drivers. Fortunately, the fact that Florida is a no-fault state means that you can seek compensation from your own insurance policy to cover some of the losses and expenses you face.
However, you may have to take legal action if your damages exceed your insurance policy limits. This can be difficult to do when the driver in the crash leaves the scene. For this reason, you must take several steps, including reaching out to a car accident attorney in Daytona Beach, to ensure you are able to get the money you need and rightfully deserve.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Crash
After being involved in a hit-and-run accident, several steps must be taken to protect your legal rights, health, and best interests.
Contact the Authorities
Immediately after the accident, you want to contact law enforcement. Law enforcement officers will respond to the accident scene and create a report on your behalf. The report will include information regarding where and when it occurred and other factors.
Gather Evidence
Gather any available evidence from the scene of the accident. This includes taking pictures of the crash site, recording videos of the road conditions, and gathering other physical evidence from the scene. In hit-and-run accidents, it is common for drivers to leave parts of their vehicles, such as shattered headlights or side panel components, on the roadway. This evidence can help identify the vehicle involved in your crash.
Provide Information About the Incident
You will want to provide law enforcement information regarding what you saw at the time of the accident. Did you recognize the type of vehicle? Do you know the make and model? What was the color of the vehicle? This information can help further identify the involved vehicle so that you can take action later and police can file appropriate charges.
Seek Medical Attention
After speaking with law enforcement in gathering evidence, you need to go to a medical facility for a thorough evaluation. It is important that your injuries are diagnosed and treatment is started early on. This will help you protect your health and well-being.
Contact Our Experienced Attorney
Finally, you want to contact a Daytona Beach accident attorney immediately. Your attorney will be able to get started on taking legal action on your behalf to ensure you are able to get appropriate compensation for your damages and losses.
Collecting Compensation After an Accident
After being involved in a hit-and-run accident, there are several ways that you can collect compensation for some of the damages that you have suffered. Available options include:
- Personal Injury Protection Insurance (PIP): In Florida, motorists must have PIP insurance coverage and their standard auto insurance policy. PIP insurance typically covers up to 80% of any medical expenses resulting from the accident, including any you suffered. However, it is imperative that you seek medical care within 14 days of the accident, or your claim for medical coverage may be denied.
- Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): UM and UIM policies are also available to cover drivers involved in accidents with others underinsured or without insurance. This type of insurance is applicable to situations where the driver involved in the accident leaves the scene without exchanging insurance information.
- Health Insurance: If you were injured due to the accident, your health insurance policy may be able to cover the medical expenses you have suffered. This can include both immediate and long-term care costs.
The type and amount of coverage available after a hit-and-run accident can vary significantly based on your specific policy. For this reason, you should contact our Daytona Beach accident attorney immediately to determine the best options.
Call Our Daytona Beach Accident Attorney Today
If you have been hurt as a result of a hit-and-run accident, you need to reach out to our Daytona Beach accident attorney at Zimmet & Zimmet right away. Our dedicated legal team has been serving the community for over 40 years, helping countless families navigate through the aftermath of a hit-and-run car accident.
We understand the impact this type of incident can have on your life and are dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing fair compensation. If you have been harmed in a hit-and-run car accident, please contact our legal advocates for assistance. Your peace of mind is our top priority, and our car accident attorney in Daytona Beach will stop at nothing to see justice served.
