Hit-And-Run Insurance Claim Guide
Many drivers are unaware of how many hit-and-run accidents occur each year. In 2023, Florida had over 104,000 of these types of crashes. For the unfortunate victims of hit-and-run accidents in Florida, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and to have a sense of uncertainty about what to do next. This is when a hit-and-run accident lawyer can help.
Whether you’re gathering evidence or filing a claim with your insurance company, you should understand what’s coming. And if you need personalized advice, a lawyer for hit-and-run accidents at Bernstein & Maryanoff, Injury Attorneys, is ready to support you.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit-And-Run Accident
Your safety should be the top priority after any accident. Remaining calm and knowing what to do in a hit-and-run accident can help you protect yourself, and it can support your insurance claim later.
Here’s what to do in a hit-and-run accident:
- Check for injuries for yourself and others: Call 911 if anyone was hurt or needs medical assistance, even if the issue seems minor.
- Move your vehicle to a safe location, if possible: If your vehicle is drivable, move it to a nearby safe area where it is not blocking traffic.
- Call the police and file a police report: Florida law requires a report to be filed for accidents that involve an injury or major damage.
- Gather any available information about the other vehicle: Note details like the make, model, license plate number, any damage, and a driver description.
- Look for evidence at the scene: Debris from the other vehicle, traffic cameras, and dash cams could all be helpful.
- Take photos and videos: Get footage of the accident scene, your vehicle, and any surrounding property damage.
- Talk to witnesses and ask for contact information: They might have information about the driver or be willing to provide a statement later.
Most importantly, do not chase the fleeing driver. Pursuing them could put you in danger and interfere with a police investigation.
Even if you feel fine, it’s a good idea to get checked by a doctor immediately after any car accident. Some injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, may not appear until hours or days later. Seeing a doctor will create medical records and a paper trail that will help support your hit-and-run car insurance claim.
What Insurance Covers Hit-And-Run Accidents?
Many drivers may wonder what insurance covers hit-and-run accidents in Florida. The answer depends on your insurance policy and the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, so you will likely need to rely on your coverage first. Here’s a breakdown of coverage types that can assist you when filing hit-and-run accident insurance claims.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is optional, but it’s a very good idea to include it in your policy. This coverage can kick in to work as hit-and-run insurance, since it treats an unidentified driver as uninsured. It can help to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, which may be a lifeline if you suffered serious injuries in an accident.
Personal Injury Protection
Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance is required under Florida law, and you can file a PIP hit-and-run car insurance claim after an accident. Your insurer will pay up to 80% of your medical costs and 60% of your lost wages, up to the policy limits. However, these limits are typically not very high, and your policy will not cover vehicle damage.
Collision Coverage
If you carry collision coverage, it can pay for repairs to your vehicle, even if the other driver is never identified. This coverage is optional in some cases, but it is standard for financed vehicles.
Med-Pay
Med-Pay is another great option to include in your insurance policy. It can pay for medical costs beyond your PIP limits.
When a hit-and-run driver is never found, you’ll be relying on your own insurance provider to cover the extent of your losses. This is why optional coverage, like UM, Med-Pay, and collision can be beneficial for protecting yourself.
Some drivers may not realize they have this level of coverage, or they may have opted out of it entirely when buying insurance. It’s important to review your entire policy and make sure you understand what’s covered in hit-and-run insurance claims.
If you’re uncertain what’s included, ask a lawyer for hit-and-run accidents to explain your coverage and advise you on the next steps you should take.
Hit-And-Run Insurance Claim Process
Filing a hit-and-run car insurance claim in Florida isn’t simple, but preparing ahead of time can make the process easier to manage. Here’s what you can expect:
- Report the accident to your insurance provider: Contact your insurer as soon as you can to let them know you were involved in a hit-and-run accident.
- Provide a copy of the police report: This official document confirms the accident details and is often required when filing a claim.
- Submit any supporting documents: These may include photos or video of the damage, witness statements, medical records, and repair estimates.
- Cooperate with the insurance adjuster: The adjuster may contact you to acquire more information or to inspect your vehicle.
- Review settlement offers carefully: Insurance companies will often make low initial offers that do not cover all of your losses.
Hit-and-run accident insurance claims can be much more complex than standard claims, especially if the other driver is never identified. Proving fault and showing the extent of your injuries or losses may require additional evidence.
Bernstein & Maryanoff, Injury Attorneys, is ready to guide you through your claim. Our team will communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, negotiate for a fair settlement, and take legal action when necessary.
Want to discuss your hit-and-run insurance claim? Contact us now.
The Role of a Lawyer in Hit-And-Run Cases
You might be curious whether hiring a lawyer for hit-and-run accidents is necessary. While it’s possible to file a claim on your own, having an experienced attorney in your corner can offer you advantages.
A hit-and-run accident lawyer will know how to:
- Protect your legal rights and ensure all deadlines are met.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to avoid lowball settlement offers.
- Investigate the accident and gather strong evidence for your claim.
- Identify additional sources of compensation you might not have known about.
- Handle legal paperwork and communications, so you can focus on recovering.
Bernstein & Maryanoff, Injury Attorneys, have extensive experience handling Florida hit-and-run cases. We also understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts, and we know how to combat them to win you fair compensation.
Common Misconceptions About Hit-And-Run Accidents and Insurance
Many drivers have misunderstandings about how hit-and-run cases work. Knowing all the facts can help you avoid mistakes after an accident.
Myth: If the Driver Isn’t Found, You Can’t Get Compensation
False. You can turn to your own uninsured motorist or collision coverage, if you have it, even in situations where the driver is never identified. Your required PIP coverage will also pay for a portion of your medical expenses and lost wages, up to policy limits.
Myth: Filing a Claim Will Automatically Raise Your Insurance Rates
Not necessarily. In Florida, filing a claim for a hit-and-run may not impact your rates, especially if you were not at fault.
Myth: Your Injuries Aren’t Serious Enough To Need a Lawyer
It depends. Even when injuries seem minor, some can lead to issues later on. A lawyer for hit-and-run accidents can help you assess the actual value of your claim and estimate what compensation you may need for medical care, even for the future.
Myth: The Claim Process Is Simple Enough To Handle on Your Own
Not exactly, especially for hit-and-run claims. Insurers may try to pay out less than what you’re entitled to. A lawyer knows how to calculate a fair settlement that is reflective of your injuries and will negotiate aggressively for the full amount you need.
How Bernstein & Maryanoff, Injury Attorneys, Can Help You
At Bernstein & Maryanoff, Injury Attorneys, we are committed to helping Florida victims of hit-and-run accidents pursue the compensation they deserve. Our legal team conducts thorough investigations and skilled negotiations while providing personalized attention to every client.
If you’ve been injured or your property was damaged because of a hit-and-run accident in Florida, we’re here to help. Contact a Miami hit-and-run accident lawyer today.
Get expert legal advice now. Call 1-800-429-4529 for your free consultation.
Hit-And-Run Insurance FAQs
If the Hit-And-Run Driver Is Eventually Caught, Can You Pursue a Claim Against Them Directly, Even If You’ve Already Settled With Your Insurance Company?
Once you’ve accepted a settlement from your insurance company, your insurer gains the right to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. However, you may be able to seek non-economic damages that weren’t covered by your insurer in a separate civil lawsuit.
What Evidence Is Most Helpful To Collect at the Scene of a Hit-And-Run Accident, Even If You Don’t Have the Other Driver’s Information?
Key evidence includes photos of the damage and the accident scene, as well as witness contact information and statements. Look for nearby businesses or homes with security cameras. The more details you provide to the police, the better.
Are There Any Time Limits for Filing a Hit-And-Run Insurance Claim in Florida?
Yes, Florida law imposes deadlines for filing insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits. Generally, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but insurance companies may have stricter deadlines for claims.
Can You Still File a Hit-And-Run Insurance Claim If You Were Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Yes, Florida’s comparative negligence law allows you to seek compensation even if you were partially to blame. However, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault. A Miami hit-and-run accident lawyer can assess fault and protect your rights.
If You Have Multiple Vehicles Insured Under the Same Policy, Does the Uninsured Motorist Coverage Stack in a Hit-And-Run Accident?
It depends on your policy. Some policies will allow stacking across multiple vehicles, while others do not. Stacked coverage increases the available limits. Check your policy for more details.
What Should You Do If Your Insurance Company Is Delaying or Denying Your Valid Hit-And-Run Claim?
If your insurer is delaying or denying your claim, seek legal guidance. A lawyer for hit-and-run accidents can communicate with the insurer on your behalf, appeal a denied claim, or file a lawsuit if necessary.
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