Statistics show more than 515,950 hit-and-run accidents were reported in Florida over the past five years. In 2022 alone, more than 104,895 hit-and-run accidents were reported, claiming the lives of 266 people while leaving more than 1,000 victims seriously injured. If you are hurt in a parking lot hit-and-run accident, you must understand your legal rights. Contacting a car accident attorney in Orlando will ensure you can get justice.
Steps to Take After a Hit and Run
The steps you take after a hit-and-run can make a difference. For this reason, our Orlando injury lawyer recommends that you do the following:
Call the Police
After a hit-and-run in a parking lot, one of the first things you should do is call the police. Contacting law enforcement is crucial for documenting the incident and starting an official investigation. When you call 911, provide as many details as possible about what happened. The dispatchers will send officers to the scene to gather information, assess damages, and file a report.
Having a police report on record can be valuable when filing an insurance claim or seeking legal assistance. The report will contain essential information supporting your case, potentially leading to finding the responsible party. Remember to cooperate fully with law enforcement during their investigation. Offer any relevant details or evidence you may have collected at the scene. Working closely with the police can improve your chances of resolving the hit-and-run incident effectively.
Gather Evidence from the Scene
After calling the police, gathering evidence is crucial to help with any potential legal actions or insurance claims. Start by taking photos of the damage to your vehicle from multiple angles. Be sure to capture close-up shots and broader views of the scene. If anyone witnessed the accident, obtain their name and contact information. A statement from them can help prove your case later on.
Next, determine whether any surveillance cameras may have recorded the incident. If cameras are nearby, ask the property owner if they can provide footage. Additionally, write down any details you remember about the other vehicle involved, such as its make, model, color, and license plate number. This information will help law enforcement locate the involved vehicle so you can take legal action against them.
Seek Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention is vital for protecting your health. Even if you do not feel injured, you must have a medical evaluation. This can identify any internal organ injuries and document any symptoms that you have.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After determining the extent of injuries, you need to contact your insurance company. Inform them about the details of the accident, including when and where it occurred. Provide them with any information or evidence you have gathered, such as photos of the damage or witness statements.
Your insurance company will guide you on how to proceed with filing a claim for damages caused by the hit and run. They may also assist you in understanding your policy coverage and what compensation you are eligible for under your plan. Be sure to ask any questions regarding the claims process or coverage options.
Seek Legal Guidance
Hit-and-run incidents in parking lots pose unique challenges. Unlike accidents on public roads with potential eyewitnesses, parking lot hit-and-runs often lack immediate witnesses, making it more challenging to identify the responsible party. An experienced car accident lawyer in Orlando can use their investigative skills and resources to uncover evidence that may lead to identifying the at-fault driver. Some of the benefits of working with an attorney include:
Help Navigating Insurance Claims
If the hit-and-run driver is not apprehended, you may still have avenues for compensation through your insurance. An Orlando injury lawyer can assist you in navigating the complexities of your insurance policy, ensuring that you understand your coverage and guiding you through the claims process to obtain compensation for your injuries and property damage.
Helping You Seek Compensation through your Uninsured Motorist Coverage
In cases where the at-fault driver is not identified or is uninsured, your attorney can explore the option of uninsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage is designed to protect you when the responsible party cannot be held accountable or has insufficient insurance to cover your losses.
Advocate on Your Behalf
Hiring a car accident attorney in Orlando ensures you have a dedicated advocate who will pursue all available legal avenues to secure compensation. Whether through negotiations with your insurance company or filing a lawsuit against the unidentified driver if they are later identified, your attorney will work tirelessly to recover damages on your behalf.
Contacting an Orlando car accident lawyer after being hurt in a parking lot hit-and-run is a crucial step toward seeking justice and recovering the compensation you deserve.
Call Our Orlando Injury Lawyer Today
At Zimmet & Zimmet, we are committed to providing top-notch legal representation for victims of motor vehicle accidents in Orlando and throughout Florida. With our contingency-based fees, you can trust that we will work tirelessly to win your case without any financial burden.
Our experienced Orlando Injury lawyer, Ron Zimmet, has a proven track record of securing significant compensation for his clients and is a member of prestigious organizations such as the Multi-Million and Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the justice you need.
