Hit-and-run accidents are more than just an inconvenience. These incidents often leave victims in the Port St. Lucie area with extensive injuries and property damage. Unfortunately, recovering compensation can be challenging. At GOLDLAW, we can assist if you need a car accident lawyer in Port St. Lucie by your side. We have a strong track record of success handling complex vehicle accident claims throughout this region of Florida, and we are ready to help you today. Contact us now.
Why Choose GOLDLAW for Help?
- At GOLDLAW, we specialize in handling injury claims, meaning you and your family will have our full attention as we work to recover compensation for your losses.
- We know how complicated hit-and-run accident claims can be, particularly when standing up to insurance carriers. We are here every step of the way so you can remain focused on your medical recovery.
- Our team firmly believes in communication with clients. You will never be left in the dark as we move forward toward recovering compensation for your losses.
Hit-and-Run Accidents and No-Fault Insurance in Florida
Hit-and-run accidents happen, and they occur due to a variety of reasons. At the end of the day, if you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, it doesn’t really matter why the incident occurred, but some of the most common reasons individuals flee the scene of the incident include:
- Fear of legal consequences: The driver may fear arrest for driving without a license, under the influence, or for other legal violations.
- Lack of insurance: The driver may not have insurance and fears the financial implications of being held liable for damages.
- Panic and confusion: In the heat of the moment, especially if the accident is severe, a driver may panic and leave the scene without thinking through the consequences.
- Outstanding warrants or illegal activity: The driver might have outstanding warrants for their arrest or could be involved in illegal activities and wish to avoid police involvement.
- Unaware of the obligation: Some drivers might not realize that they are legally required to stay at the scene and provide contact information or assist the injured.
However, recovering compensation after a hit-and-run incident is not necessarily straightforward. The good news is that any driver who lives in Florida will most certainly carry no-fault insurance. At least, every driver in the state is supposed to carry no-fault insurance. Typically, this gives individuals at least $10,000 worth of medical bill coverage, or more, if they opt for additional higher limits. If a hit-and-run accident victim’s expenses rise above this $10,000 limit, they may be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver.
However, the caveat to that is that the hit-and-run driver must be located, and they must have actual insurance to pursue a claim. Pursuing a claim through a personal injury lawsuit against the hit-and-run driver may not be successful, but a personal injury attorney in Port St. Lucie can help you examine your possible options.
Hiring a Port St. Lucie hit-and-run accident lawyer should be an early step in securing justice and compensation after such a distressing event. An attorney can aid your claim by:
- Investigation and evidence gathering: Your hit and run accident lawyer in Port St. Lucie will initiate an extensive investigation to gather all available evidence, including surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports, to identify the fleeing driver and establish the facts of the case.
- Dealing with insurance companies: Attorneys are good at navigating the complexities of dealing with insurance companies. They will handle all negotiations, helping to prevent you from being pressured into accepting an unfair settlement.
- Legal expertise and guidance: An experienced hit and run accident attorney in Port St. Lucie will walk you through the legal process, providing clarity on your rights and the best steps to take. They will also ensure all legal filings are handled promptly and correctly.
- Maximizing your compensation: An attorney will work help you receive as much compensation as possible to cover your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other applicable damages.
Steps You Can Take to Help Your Case
While your attorney will handle the legal complexities, there are steps you can take to support your case. We know that these steps may not be able to occur in the exact order on this list, but we strongly encourage you to try and get through all of these if possible.
- Report the accident immediately: Contact the police right away. A police report is crucial for documenting the incident and is a valuable piece of evidence for your claim.
- Document everything: Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and any injuries such as traumatic brain injury or even a spinal cord injury. Keep a detailed record of all medical visits, treatments, and related expenses.
- Gather witness information: If there were any witnesses to the accident, collect their contact information. Witness statements can be pivotal in hit-and-run cases.
- Avoid negotiations with insurers: Do not engage in discussions or accept offers from insurance companies without consulting your attorney. Premature negotiations can undermine your claim’s potential.
- Follow medical advice: Adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by your doctors. This not only aids your recovery but also provides a documented trail of your injuries and response to treatment, which is essential for your claim.
Is Compensation Available?
Ultimately, our goal is to help you recover compensation for your losses. We want to help you recover economic and noneconomic damages if we can, including coverage of the following:
- All emergency medical expenses caused by the hit-and-run accident
- Any additional medical care needed over the long term
- Lost current wages and loss of future earning potential
- Property damage expenses
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering damages
Call a Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney in Port St. Lucie Today
If you or a loved one have been injured or sustained property damage in a hit-and-run accident in the Port St. Lucie area, reach out to the team at GOLDLAW immediately. We want to get involved quickly so we can investigate, gather evidence, and begin the claims process. When you need a Port St. Lucie hit-and-run accident lawyer, you can reach out to our team for a free consultation by filling out our contact form or calling (561) 222-2222.