Newberry Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Hit and run accidents are dangerous because victims are left in a vulnerable state because the party responsible for the crash is nowhere to be seen. The victim is not receiving help for their injuries, and they may be harmed by subsequent crashes caused by unsuspecting third parties.

Florida requires all drivers involved in an accident involving injury or death to stop at the scene of the accident, render aid, and exchange information. Unfortunately, some reckless drivers do not follow the law. Drivers who think they may be at fault for the accident or know they have been engaging in illegal activity may flee the scene of the crime, leaving accident victims hurt and confused.

If you are injured in a hit and run, you need an experienced Newberry hit and run lawyer on your side. The attorneys at Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. are here to help with all aspects of your claim. You are not alone. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

How a Hit and Run Lawyer in Newberry FL Can Help If You Were Hurt in a Hit and Run

A hit and run accident can be a traumatic experience, but you do not have to face the aftermath alone. A hit and run attorney in Newberry, FL can help you by:

Gathering Evidence – Strong evidence of the accident is important whether the other driver can be found or you have to file a claim with your own insurer. A Newberry hit and run attorney can work to obtain photographs of the accident scene, statements from any witnesses, any available surveillance footage, and your medical records.
Proving Liability – Should law enforcement locate the driver responsible for the accident, your attorney can use the evidence they collected to establish their liability.
Handling the Casework – Your hit and run lawyer will manage all aspects of your case on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your health and recovery. They can communicate and negotiate with insurance companies and timely file all necessary claims and paperwork.
Holding Insurance Companies Accountable – Insurance companies make their profits by collecting premiums, and they lose their profits by paying out claims. Whether you’re going up against the at-fault driver’s insurer or your own, they will likely try to leave you with less money than you deserve. Our lawyers can fight back against these tactics and demand they honor the terms of their policy.
Estimating and Negotiating for Full Compensation – If you are injured in a hit and run accident, you may face unanticipated medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Our lawyers will calculate all your accident-related financial losses and negotiate for full and fair compensation.

Let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.

How Do You Prove Fault in a Hit and Run Accident?

You can prove a hit and run driver’s fault by using evidence like:

Traffic camera footage
Eyewitness statements
Police reports
Crash reconstructions

An experienced hit and run attorney can gather this evidence on your behalf and use it to build your case.

If the driver is eventually found, they may face criminal charges for failing to stop at the accident scene. If the driver is found guilty, you may be able to use the criminal conviction to support your personal injury claim.

What Should I Do After a Hit and Run Accident?

You may feel shaken up after a hit and run accident and not know what to do. However, by keeping these tips in mind, you can protect your legal rights to pursue your case:

Stay in your vehicle – Although you may be tempted to go after the other driver to identify them, you should refrain from doing so for your own safety and the safety of others on the road.
Call 911 – Law enforcement and emergency medical responders can be summoned to the scene. The police will investigate the accident and try to locate the other driver while emergency medical responders check for injuries.
Seek medical treatment – The emergency medical providers at the scene of the accident will likely advise you to follow up with your primary care physician. Car accidents can sometimes lead to injuries that arise days later, so monitor yourself for symptoms.
Gather evidence – Write down anything you remember about the other vehicle, including the make, model, color, and license plate number and a description of the driver. Take photos of the accident scene, damage to your vehicle, and your injuries. If any eyewitnesses stop at the accident scene, get their contact information and a statement about what they observed.
Call your insurance company – Your auto insurance policy likely contains a notice provision requiring you to notify the company promptly after any accident. This is particularly important in a hit and run accident because your insurance coverage may be triggered if the other driver is not located or does not have sufficient insurance.
Contact a personal injury lawyer – The sooner you talk to a hit and run accident lawyer, the better. Your lawyer will take over your case and pursue compensation on your behalf.

Who Pays in a Hit and Run Accident?

Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state, meaning that your first compensation source is your own insurance policy. This is true regardless of whether the other driver stayed at the scene.

Where might you turn for coverage?

Personal Injury Protection – Florida law requires all drivers to carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection. However, this may not be adequate coverage for your injuries.
Locating the driver – If the at-fault driver is located, you can seek additional compensation under their insurance policy for medical bills and lost wages. You can also seek compensation for property damage, which would otherwise depend on your insurance policy. If we can prove you suffered a serious injury under state law, you can get damages for pain and suffering. Your lawyer can assist you in making a claim and, if necessary, filing a lawsuit against the driver.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Protection (UM/UIM coverage) – If the driver is never located or the driver does not have adequate insurance, the UM/UIM coverage of your insurance policy may be triggered. UM/UIM is optional in Florida, though you likely have it unless you rejected it in writing.

What Are the Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident?

In Florida, a driver found guilty of a hit and run faces severe consequences depending on the circumstances of the accident, specifically:

Property damage – If the hit and run accident only causes property damage, the driver may be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor and face 60 days in county jail, a $500 fine, or both.
Injury – If a hit and run accident results in an injury, the driver at fault can be facing a felony charge. If convicted, the penalty is up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both.
Death – A driver convicted of a hit and run resulting in death faces up to 30 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

Contact a Newberry Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Today

The experienced personal injury lawyers at Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. want to help you after a hit and run accident that was not your fault. We understand the legal process may feel intimidating. We are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Newberry hit and run accident lawyer.