What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Car Accident in Orlando?
After a hit-and-run crash in Orlando, you should call law enforcement, document the scene, and remain at the accident scene. Under Florida law, fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run crash is a criminal offense and can lead to serious penalties. Also, preserve evidence like the hit-and-run vehicle’s description, license plate number, and gather eyewitness accounts. This evidence protects your legal rights and supports your insurance claims and personal injury case.
At Todd Miner Law, we help injured victims take action after hit-and-run incidents in Orlando. Our personal injury lawyers gather evidence, review police reports, and work with eyewitnesses to build a strong case. We file solid insurance claims, fight for fair compensation, and pursue every legal option available. Call us today at 407-894-1480 for a free consultation with a trusted Florida personal injury attorney.
What Steps Should You Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Orlando?
Call 911 and document the accident scene with photos and videos from multiple angles. Capture visible damage to your vehicle, skid marks, debris from the other car, and surrounding road conditions. After that, seek medical attention, write down everything you remember, and check for nearby security or surveillance cameras.
Then, contact your insurance company, save all medical records, and review your auto insurance policy for uninsured motorist coverage. Most importantly, consult a personal injury attorney to secure your compensation. Here’s how each step helps you build a stronger legal claim:
Call 911 Immediately
Calling 911 and filing a police report creates a legal record of the hit-and-run accident. It confirms when and where the crash happened and that the other driver fled the accident scene. Insurance companies and courts rely on this documentation to verify your claim. Also, request a copy of the report, as it plays a key role in supporting your case later.
Seek Medical Care
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor right after the accident. Some injuries( especially whiplash or head trauma) don’t show symptoms right away. For example, a case study on NCBI revealed that a 27-year-old woman developed severe neurological symptoms after a side-impact car accident. Despite multiple CT scans showing no injuries, an MRI later revealed severe damage to her C1/C2 joint capsules.
Therefore, you should never skip a medical checkup or delay a CT, MRI, or X-ray scan. This proof helps your personal injury lawyer demand compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Without medical evidence, the insurance company may challenge or deny your claim.
Take Photos and Videos
Photo and video evidence help recreate the accident scene later. It shows property damage, road conditions, debris, and vehicle positions. This visual proof strengthens your case, supports your insurance claims, and may even identify the fleeing driver. If your case goes to court, these images will be essential in proving fault and damages.
Look for Security Cameras Nearby
After documenting the scene, check the area for security or traffic cameras. Surveillance footage may capture the hit-and-run driver or the fleeing vehicle’s license plate. In fact, according to a 2017 study, police used video evidence in 45% of cases and found it helpful in 65% of those. Moreover, nearby homes, stores, or intersections often have cameras that record the accident scene. This video can help police identify the at-fault driver and strengthen your legal claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company immediately to report the hit-and-run accident. Reporting the accident officially starts your insurance claim and ensures proper documentation. Then, provide the police report, accident photos, and all medical records to support your claim. If the hit-and-run driver isn’t found, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM) may cover your damages.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Contact our lawyers right after the hit-and-run accident. Our team knows Florida law and how to build strong hit-and-run cases. We gather evidence, speak with witnesses, handle insurance claims, and file your legal case. Moreover, we work to recover full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How Can You Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene?
Start by photographing the scene from multiple angles. Focus on close-ups and wide shots of your vehicle, the impact points, traffic flow, nearby intersections, and any objects the fleeing car may have hit. Also, don’t forget to photograph tire marks, fluid leaks, debris, and nearby street names that confirm the exact location. After that, write down the exact time and location of the hit-and-run accident.
Moreover, note any unusual road hazards, such as potholes or debris, that may have contributed to the collision. Then, based on your observations, write down everything you remember about the fleeing vehicle. Even small details like a partial license plate, vehicle model, paint color, visible damage, or bumper stickers can help. These clues may help police or your personal injury lawyer identify the hit-and-run driver and hold them accountable.
Who Pays For Damages In A Hit-and-Run Car Crash?
In a hit-and-run accident, your collision coverage and UM/UIM coverage can help cover property damage. Meanwhile, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments (MedPay) may cover your medical expenses, regardless of who caused the crash. Here’s how each type of coverage may apply and help you recover compensation:
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage pays for repairs to your vehicle after an accident, even if the at-fault driver is never found. This coverage is optional in Florida, so it only applies if you added it to your auto insurance policy. However, you must pay your deductible before benefits apply, which typically ranges from $250 to $1,000, depending on your policy.
Note: Collision coverage won’t cover medical expenses; it strictly applies to only vehicle damage caused by the accident.
UM/UIM Coverage
UM/UIM coverage applies when the at-fault driver is unknown, uninsured, or doesn’t have enough insurance. In hit-and-run cases, it covers your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This coverage fills the gap when the police can’t find the at-fault driver. That’s why it’s essential to review your auto insurance policy and confirm you have this protection.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
PIP pays for your medical expenses and a portion of lost wages after a hit-and-run accident. Florida law requires all drivers to carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage. It applies regardless of who caused the crash and helps you get immediate treatment without waiting for police to identify the at-fault driver.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
MedPay works alongside your PIP coverage to manage medical bills that PIP doesn’t fully cover. It helps pay co-pays, deductibles, and remaining medical bills after a hit-and-run crash. Moreover, medPay reduces your out-of-pocket expenses and ensures you get the care you need immediately.
What is the Statute of Limitations to File a Hit and Run Claim in Florida?
You have two years from the date of the hit-and-run accident to file a personal injury claim in Florida. This deadline applies whether or not police identify the at-fault driver. Other than that, for property damage, you have up to four years to file a separate claim. However, if you miss these deadlines, Florida law may prevent you from recovering compensation for the damages.
To protect your rights, consult our personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. We understand how hit-and-run cases work under Florida law and act fast to protect your rights. From gathering evidence to filing your claim on time, we’re here to help you recover full and fair compensation.
How Does Florida’s Law Apply to Hit and Run Accidents?
Under Florida Statute § 316.061, leaving an accident that causes only property damage is a second-degree misdemeanor. The driver must stop immediately and provide their name, address, vehicle registration, and driver’s license. Failure to do so can lead to up to 60 days in jail and $500 in fines. Other than that, the FLHSMV adds 6 points to your license. These points can:
- Increase your insurance premiums.
- Lead to license suspension if you receive too many points within a specific time (e.g., 12 points in 12 months).
- Remain on your driving record for three years, affecting your status with the DMV and insurers.
Moreover, if someone is severely injured or killed in the crash, the offense becomes more serious under Florida Statute § 316.027. Fleeing the accident scene with injury is a third-degree felony (up to five years of jail time), and if there’s serious bodily injury, it’s a second-degree felony (up to 15 years). In fatal cases, it’s a first-degree felony with a minimum of 4 years in prison.
Along with these criminal penalties, Florida law enforces additional consequences. In any hit and run involving injury or death, the driver’s license is revoked for at least three years. Additionally, victims can file civil lawsuits to recover damages such as medical bills or lost income.
How Can Witness Testimonies Strengthen Your Hit-and-Run Case?
Witness testimonies support your hit-and-run case by confirming what happened and identifying the fleeing driver. They may describe the vehicle, license plate, direction of travel, or the driver’s behavior. This helps prove fault, support your statement, and show you are not at fault for the accident. Reliable witness statements also strengthen your insurance claim or lawsuit by adding credibility and clarity when evidence is missing.
Todd Miner Law Has 30+ Years of Experience in Handling Hit And Run Cases — Get a Free Case Review Now!
Getting fair compensation after a hit-and-run accident in Orlando can be stressful and confusing. The at-fault driver may never be found, leaving you with medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages. Insurance companies may also delay or deny your claim, especially when you don’t have strong evidence. Without legal help, you risk missing deadlines, losing important footage, or failing to prove fault.
That’s why our team at Todd Miner Law brings over 32 years of experience handling hit-and-run cases in Orlando. We work quickly to gather evidence, locate witnesses, and review crash reports to build a strong case. Moreover, our lawyers file your insurance claims, fight for full compensation, and handle all legal steps. Call 407-894-1480 today for your free case review. You can also visit our office at 915 Outer Rd, Orlando, FL 32814.
FAQs
Can I File a Hit-and-Run Claim Without a Police Report?
Yes, you can file a hit-and-run claim without a police report, but it can be challenging to prove fault. Insurance companies rely on police documentation to verify that the accident caused property damage or injuries. Without a report, they may dispute or deny your claim. That’s why you should always report the crash to the police and Florida Highway Safety as soon as possible.
Is There a Time Limit to Get Medical Attention After an Accident?
Yes, under Florida law, you must seek medical attention within 14 days to qualify for the benefit of PIP coverage. Delaying care may cause your insurance company to deny your claim. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor right away because some injuries take time to appear. Immediate treatment also documents the injuries caused by the accident and supports your case against the other driver or involved parties.
Will My Insurance Rates Increase After a Hit-and-Run?
Yes, your rates may increase even if the other driver fled and was at fault. Some insurers treat hit-and-run claims like at-fault collisions, especially if the other vehicle involved isn’t identified. To reduce this risk, report the crash promptly, gather solid evidence, and work with our lawyers to prove you followed all traffic safety laws.
What If I Don’t Have the Hit-and-Run Driver’s Details?
You can still file a claim, even without the full details of the other driver. Start by documenting damage, collecting witness statements, and reporting the crash. Include anything you remember, like the vehicle’s color, damage, or direction of travel. Also, check for security cameras near the parked car or crash site. These small details help identify the other vehicle involved and strengthen your claim.
Can I Claim for Emotional Distress from a Hit-and-Run?
Yes, you can claim emotional distress if the hit-and-run accident caused lasting psychological issues. Symptoms like anxiety, nightmares, or PTSD are common after sudden crashes. To support your claim, you’ll need clear medical records that show how the accident impacted your mental health. These emotional effects can interfere with daily life, work, and sleep, making it important to include them when seeking full compensation for accident-related damages.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Hit-and-Run Claim?
It usually takes 3 weeks to several months, depending on the case’s complexity. If police identify the other driver quickly and the damages are clear, the claim may be settled sooner. But if the other vehicle involved is missing or injuries are severe, it can take longer. Working with a lawyer helps speed up the process by organizing evidence, dealing with insurers, and meeting legal deadlines.
What If I Were Partly at Fault in a Hit-and-Run Car Crash?
You can still file a claim, even if you share some fault in the accident. Florida follows a modified comparative fault rule. Under this rule, you will still be eligible to recover damages if you’re found less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation is reduced by your share of blame. For example, if you’re 30% at fault, you get 70% of the damages.
