Palm Beach Gardens Hit & Run Accident Lawyer
There are over 100,000 hit-and-run accidents in Florida each year, according to reports compiled by state transportation officials. This is despite the fact drivers face criminal prosecution if they leave the scene of an accident where death, personal injury, or property damage occurred. Ironically, most drivers leave the scene because they are afraid of getting in trouble for causing an accident.
Hit-and-run accidents present certain legal challenges for victims seeking compensation for their medical bills and other losses. The Palm Beach Gardens hit & run accident lawyers at Steinberg Law represent such victims in dealing with insurance companies and handling other legal issues that may arise. Fortunately, even if your hit-and-run driver is never found, you are likely not without options when it comes to getting paid.
Will My Florida Auto Insurance Cover a Hit-and-Run?
In simple terms, a hit-and-run accident refers to any motor vehicle collision where a driver leaves the scene without stopping to render aid or exchange insurance information with the other drivers involved. Florida law requires all drivers to immediately stop at the scene of any crash that results in death, injury, or property damage. A driver faces potential misdemeanor or felony charges if they ignore the law.
But what does a hit-and-run accident mean for the victim seeking compensation for their injuries? In most cases the victim’s own insurance policy provides coverage even if the hit-and-run driver is never found. Compensation in hit-and-run accidents usually take the following forms:
- Personal Injury Protection — All Florida drivers must carry auto insurance with Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP benefits cover 80 percent of an insured accident victim’s medical expenses and 60 percent of their lost wages, up to the limits of the policy. Since PIP benefits are “no-fault” insurance, it does not matter if an unknown hit-and-run driver was negligent or the victim’s own actions contributed to the accident.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage — Normally, if you sustain a serious injury in an accident, you can sue the negligent driver and collect against their own insurance policy. In the case of an unidentified hit-and-run driver, however, you can turn to uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This is optional coverage you can purchase with your auto insurance policy, and it basically requires your insurer to provide substitute coverage for the negligent driver.
- Collision Coverage — If you purchased collision coverage, it may cover damage to your vehicle in a hit-and-run accident. Most collision coverage comes with a deductible, but your insurance company may waive it for certain hit-and-run cases.
Contact Steinberg Law Today
It is imperative following any hit-and-run accident that you contact the police. You will need an official police report of the accident if you plan to seek insurance benefits under your policy. Any delay in reporting an accident can lead an insurance company to deny your claim as untimely.
You should also speak with an experienced Palm Beach Gardens hit and run accident lawyer as soon as possible following a crash. Contact Steinberg Law today to schedule a consultation.
