Prestigious Lake City Hit & Run Accident Lawyer
Under Florida law, all drivers are expected to stop and remain at the scene of the crash any time they are involved in an accident. Sadly, it is not uncommon for individuals to not comply with this law, whether it is because they were breaking the law by drinking and driving, or for some other reason. If you have been injured by a hit and run driver, obtaining damages from the negligent party is daunting. A Lake City hit & run accident attorney can advise you of your legal options and help you through this difficult time.
Obtaining Compensation After Hit and Run Crashes
Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state, which means after any crash, you typically must try to obtain coverage from your own insurance company first before pursuing damages from the negligent driver. When you first purchased your policy, you likely obtained personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, as outlined under the law. PIP coverage will kick in after a hit and run crash, and will provide benefits for your medical expenses and a percentage of your lost wages.
It is also always advised that drivers take out uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, in the event they are hit by a driver that flees the scene. This type of insurance is not required under the law, but it does provide additional protection.
Under state law, insurers must allow you to stack, or combine, specific types of auto insurance policies. So, if you own multiple vehicles and have purchased auto insurance, including UM coverage, on all of them, and your policy allows you to stack the coverage, you can recover even more damages by combining the limits of each policy after a hit and run accident.
How a Lawyer Can Help After Hit and Run Crashes
Again, the aftermath of any car accident is overwhelming, but this is particularly true for accident victims hit by a driver that fled the scene and are left wondering how they can claim the damages they need. This is one area in which a Lake City hit and run crashes lawyer is a great help. A lawyer will help with the many legal issues you will face, which may include:
- Identifying the driver that fled the scene using evidence such as photos and video surveillance from nearby businesses
- Proving the driver that fled the scene was at fault, as leaving the scene is not enough alone to prove negligence
- Helping you obtain punitive damages, which are rarely awarded but are more likely when a claim involves a hit and run driver
A lawyer will know how to overcome the challenges associated with a hit and run driver so you recover the fair settlement you deserve.
Our Lake City Hit and Run Crashes Attorney Can Help with Your Case
If you have been hurt by a careless driver and they left the scene of the crash, our Lake City personal injury lawyers at Meldon Law can assist with your case. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation so you can learn more about your legal options.
