After a hit-and-run accident on the busy roads of Orlando, you can be shocked, scared, and unsure of what to do next. It’s important to act quickly and strategically to not only protect your safety but also help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Stay Calm and Ensure Safety
Your safety is the number one priority after a hit-and-run accident. Move to a safe place, away from traffic if you can. Turn on your hazard lights and check for injuries to yourself or passengers.
Even if your injuries seem minor, you should call 911 immediately. Police and medical professionals will arrive quickly to ensure everybody is safe and the scene is documented. Staying calm helps you think clearly and take the steps necessary to protect yourself.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
Collecting evidence is critical in a hit-and-run accident. Make sure you:
- Photograph the scene: Capture the damage to your vehicle, the surrounding area, skid marks, and any traffic signs or signals.
- Look for witnesses: Ask anyone nearby if they saw the accident. Get their names and contact information.
- Note vehicle details: Even partial information about the car is important. This can be anything, including the make of the vehicle, model, color, and license plate.
- Document the accident: write down the exact time, location, weather conditions, and any other observations.
File a Police Report
Reporting the accident to the Orlando Police Department is vital. Give them all the details you collected, no matter how small they may seem. A police report is a key piece of documentation for insurance claims and any potential legal action. Filing a report promptly also helps establish a clear timeline of events, which can protect you in case of disputes.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Florida operates under a no-fault Insurance system. This means your own insurance may cover certain medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the hit-and-run.
Provide them with all the evidence and the police report number. Insurance claims can be complicated, especially when the other driver is unidentified. An Orlando personal injury lawyer can guide you through this process. Your lawyer will help you maximize your claim and avoid common pitfalls.
Understand Florida Hit-and-Run Laws
Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense in Florida. Depending on the severity of the accident and injuries. Hit-and-run drivers may face jail time, fines, and license suspension. Understanding these hit-and-run laws can help victims navigate their legal options.
While criminal charges address the wrongdoings, civil compensation is separate. Hiring an Orlando personal injury lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and that you can pursue damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This is possible even if the driver is apprehended later or remains unknown.
Seek Medical Attention and Document Injuries
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s essential to seek medical care. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away. Keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, and related expenses.
This documentation is critical when filing a personal injury claim. It provides proof of the injuries caused by the hit-and-run accident. Your car accident lawyer can use these records to help ensure you receive fair compensation.
Endnote
A hit-and-run accident in Orlando can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately can make a significant difference. Remember to act quickly and seek legal advice. This will massively increase your chances of recovering the competition you deserve. If you or your loved one has been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Orlando, contact an experienced accident attorney today to protect your rights and secure the justice you deserve.