Fort Lauderdale Hit And Run Accident Lawyer

Every year in Florida, over 103,000 hit-and-run crashes are recorded, with fatalities surpassing 250, as reported by the state’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Despite strict laws against leaving the scene of an accident, it does not always stop the drivers from doing so.

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a hit-and-run, consult with a Fort Lauderdale hit and run attorney today at Englander Peebles to discuss your legal options. Our lawyers have the experience and resources to find those responsible and help you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve. Send us a message or call at 954-500-4878 to schedule your free case review.

What to Expect After a Hit and Run Accident in Fort Lauderdale

When your car or property is damaged in a crash and there is no injury, Florida’s laws (Sections 316.061, 316.062, and 316.063) outline what the other driver is supposed to do:

• They must immediately stop at the place where the accident happened (or as near to it as possible).
• If their vehicle is blocking traffic, they are required to move it.
• The driver has to share their name, address, and their vehicle registration details with you and any police officer at the scene. They must also show their driver’s license if you or the police ask for it.
• If your vehicle was hit while you were not there, the other driver should try to find you to give you this information. If they cannot find you, they should leave a note where you can easily see it, containing their contact details, and then report the accident to the police.

If someone gets seriously injured, the driver responsible must provide “reasonable assistance” to anyone who is injured. If someone needs medical attention, the driver should help get them to a hospital or call for medical attention. These rules are the same whether the accident occurs on a public road or private property.

Should there be injuries, and the driver leaves, they could be looking at a second or third-degree felony, which carries penalties of up to five years in prison, apart from loss of driving privileges for at least three years.

Leaving the scene of an accident that results in someone’s death is met with the harshest penalties in Florida. The driver could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison and fined up to $10,000.

How Englander Peebles Supports Victims of Hit and Run Accidents

After an accident, if the other driver flees the scene, you might feel like there is not much you can do. However, talking to the police and sharing what happened from your perspective is a good step. You also have time to report any injuries that may come up later.

Immediately after the crash, you should get in touch with a hit and run accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale. Florida has a “no-fault” auto insurance system, so you will need to file a claim with your own insurance for personal injury protection (PIP) first before you can think about other ways to get compensated. Our car accident lawyer can handle filing the claim and all the paperwork on your behalf.

Additionally, we can help identify and locate the at-fault driver by:

• Obtaining traffic cameras or surveillance footage from businesses or city cameras
• Look for potential eyewitnesses who may be able to provide valuable information leading to the negligent driver’s identity
• Tapping into our network of private investigators to follow up on every possible clue (that may have been overlooked by law enforcement)
• Analyzing patterns from similar cases and use our understanding of local traffic behavior and previous outcomes to track the driver
• Checking social media and online forums for any mentions from someone who witnessed the accident scene
• Conducting thorough searches of DMV records and public databases to identify vehicles that match the description of the offender’s
• Collaborating with insurance companies, which might have information about claims that match the accident’s details

Choose a Capable and Resourceful Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

With a dedicated Fort Lauderdale hit and run attorney on your side, you don’t have to lose hope. At Englander Peebles, we will leave no stone unturned to find the driver who left the scene and hold them liable for your injuries and losses. Our lawyers will also ensure you recover maximum damages covered by your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. Call us at 954-500-4878 or contact us online – initial consultations are free.