Car accidents bring fear and frustration. Those feelings intensify when the other driver leaves without reporting the crash. Unfortunately, hit-and-runs are all too familiar, accounting for nearly 11% of all reported crashes nationwide. Florida also sees thousands of hit-and-run cases annually and ranks among the leading states for this type of violation. If you find yourself the victim of an unreported accident, and are unsure of what you need to know. Contact a lawyer to get a free car accident consultation.

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Assess the Situation and Gather Evidence of the Car Accident

The first thing you’ll want to do following a hit-and-run collision is assess the situation. Make sure everyone involved, including yourself, is uninjured and safe. If there are any injuries or unsafe conditions, call 911 immediately. Police can dispatch medical help and begin investigating right away.

If the scene appears stable, start gathering as much evidence as possible before the vehicles are moved. Take photos of damage to all vehicles, any skid marks on the roadway, and the final resting positions of the cars. Get contact details for any witnesses who saw the accident occur. The more evidence you have, the better.

File a Car Accident Police Report

As soon as possible after the accident, you’ll want to file an official report with the police. Provide them with all the details you can recall and any evidence or witness statements you gathered. Having an official report is crucial for insurance claims and possible legal action down the road.

Since you won’t be able to get the other driver’s insurance information after they’ve fled, you’ll need the police report to file a claim with your own insurer. Your insurance company can also use the police report to pursue the at-fault party.

Get Checked Out After the Car Crash

Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Symptoms of injuries like whiplash or concussions sometimes take hours or days to manifest. A medical evaluation will also provide official documentation of any injuries to support an insurance or lawsuit claim. Make sure to report any aches, pains, or other issues you notice post-accident, no matter how minor they may seem.

Consult a Car Accident Attorney

Speaking with an attorney is highly recommended if you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run in Tampa. An experienced lawyer can help protect your rights and best interests. They can deal with the insurance claims process, make sure deadlines are met, and pursue compensation through a lawsuit if necessary.

Explore Your Legal Options

In addition to standard accident injury claims, your attorney may identify other legal avenues to pursue compensation after a hit-and-run. Options may include:

  • Uninsured motorist coverage – According to statistics, over 20% of Florida drivers are uninsured. Your own policy may cover hit-and-run damages up to certain limits.
  • Crime victim compensation funds – Some expenses may be paid by state compensation programs.
  • John Doe lawsuits – You may be able to file suit against the unknown at-fault driver.
  • Underinsured claims – If the at-fault driver is identified but lacks sufficient insurance.

An experienced attorney can advise which options make the most sense for your unique case. On average, car accident costs range from around $5,000 for minor injuries to over $60,000 when severe injuries are involved. Without the at-fault driver’s insurance information, getting full compensation can be difficult. An attorney can help maximize your available options.

Being the victim of a hit-and-run in Tampa can be a nightmare. But staying calm, acting quickly, and, most importantly, involving an experienced attorney can help make the aftermath easier to navigate.