Miami Hit and Run Accident Lawyers
Car accidents are a daily occurrence in Florida. In most situations, these accidents result in two people stopping their vehicles, exchanging information, and contacting the police. Perhaps you’ve pulled over to do so, but the other driver has taken off. You may or may not have grabbed their license plate number. What do you do? What are your rights?
If you were involved in a hit and run accident or are wondering if you have a legal case, contact Kaire & Heffernan, LLC for a free case review. Our team of experienced Miami accident attorneys is here to help you immediately. Call 866-769-0123 for a free consultation.
What Is a Hit and Run Accident?
A hit and run accident is when a person does not stop after being involved in an accident. Florida law requires individuals operating a motor vehicle to immediately stop, remaining at the scene of the incident, to secure medical help, contact the police, and verify everyone is okay. This also allows for parties (including the police) to determine who caused the accident and what type of damage occurred.
The department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles notes that a hit and run accident has severe penalties for a driver that leaves the scene of an accident. In July of 2014, the state signed into effect the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act, named after a man that was struck by an alcohol-impaired driver who fled the scene. The law imposes a mandatory minimum of four years in prison, if the driver flees the scene of an accident in which a party dies.
Despite the changes to the law, The Florida Highway Patrol notes that hit and run incidents are still on the rise, and continue at an alarming rate. In 2013, there were 78,661 such incidents but in 2016, 99,004 occurred.
If you’ve been the victim of this type of incident, you may need an attorney to assist you in navigating the insurance landscape. Your auto insurance may provide you with certain coverages to help compensate you for your property damage, medical, and compensatory damages. In addition, a skilled hit and run auto attorney may be able to track down the hit and run motorist.
Your Rights After Hit and Run Accident
As a victim, it is your responsibility to report the incident to the police and file a comprehensive police report documenting what occurred and when. Don’t leave the scene of the incident until you do. Then, you may be able to file a claim with your auto insurance if you have the right insurance coverage.
As the victim of this type of incident, you have the legal right to compensation for your damages. If the hit and run motorist was at fault, you are entitled to receive compensation for the damage to your vehicle, lost time from work, medical bills, pain and suffering, and even long-term care if you need it.
Should You Settle with an Insurance Company?
Never negotiate with insurance companies on your own. Despite the cute commercials, they are not a good neighbor, and they have no interest in trying to help you. The insurance adjuster’s goal is to save the insurance company money and pay you as little as possible. Large insurance companies work to minimize claims by encouraging you to quickly sign a release of claims.
How an Attorney Can Help
Your attorney will be able to help you in multiple ways. First, he or she will work with a private investigator to find the hit and run motorist. These days, cameras are everywhere, and that’s a good thing in hit and run accidents.
Additionally, your attorney will help you to file a claim with the appropriate insurance companies, or file a lawsuit against the responsible party.
With the aid of a knowledgeable and experienced attorney, like our team at Kaire & Heffernan, LLC, you can be sure you will obtain compensation for any losses you’ve suffered as a result of a hit and run.
Schedule a Consultation with Your Hit and Run Attorney at Kaire & Heffernan, LLC.
If you’ve been the victim of a hit and run accident, do not wait to contact our legal team. At Kaire & Heffernan, LLC, we know you need immediate legal help to ensure your needs are met. We encourage you to call us for a free consultation to discuss your needs upfront. Contact us immediately at 866-769-0123.