Being involved in a hit and run car accident can be incredibly traumatic. Beyond the immediate concern of getting the medical care you need, you’ll also have to figure out how to pay your bills. Without the at-fault party’s insurance information, you’ll have to jump through hoops to get the coverage you need. On top of all of that, you might also be dealing with emotional trauma and need therapy.
At GED Lawyers, our primary focus is on fighting to recover fair compensation for our clients. We aim to be the advocate you need as you work to recover from the injuries you suffered. Our Florida car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling cases just like yours.
What Damages Could a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Recover?
You might be suffering from a broad spectrum of injuries depending on the severity of the accident. Typically, your own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance will pay for some of your medical bills and some of your lost wages. You can also recover damages for mental and emotional injuries, depending on your coverage and the circumstances of your case.
Some of the injuries you might be suffering from and could receive compensation for include:
- Bruises
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Neurological damage
- Brain damage
- Wrongful death
To help offset the burden of these injuries, a hit and run accident lawyer will often seek damages to help cover the cost of doctor’s appointments, medical bills, therapy copays, and the price of prescription drugs.
Beyond the cost of medical expenses, your attorney can also recover compensation for any lost wages or other types of income you missed out on as a result of the injury. If you suffered a catastrophic injury and need prosthetics or other similar medical devices, an attorney could fight to recover those costs as well.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer?
It’s easy to get overwhelmed and assume you won’t recover the damages you deserve, especially if the driver is never found. With that said, the last thing the victim of a hit and run accident should do is to go it alone.
Aside from fighting to get you the money you need, a hit and run accident attorney can also work with the insurance companies so that you don’t have to.
Recovering Damages When the Driver Is Located
If the driver who hit you is found, an attorney can try to hold them liable for serious injuries and other damages not covered by your PIP insurance. An attorney will also have the important opportunity to gather evidence such as witness testimony, footage of the accident, and other vital information that will help your case. With these cases, our lawyers will look for proof of negligence.
Some examples of negligence include driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, distracted driving, or speeding. For example, Florida Statutes § 316.183 holds that all drivers must avoid driving at speeds that are greater than what is reasonable and prudent. If your attorney can successfully argue that the at-fault driver was speeding or otherwise negligent, you could recover compensation for your losses.
Recovering Damages When the Driver Can’t Be Found
Trying to recover damages without having a driver to hold accountable is a worst-case scenario, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. In many situations, you’ll be able to secure coverage through your existing PIP insurance and optional uninsured driver policy.
If you don’t have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you could also use an existing medical insurance policy. In any case, a hit and run accident lawyer can and will sort through your policies and insurance information to get as much of the cost of medical care covered for you as possible.
What Does Florida Law Say About Hit and Run Accidents?
In many cases, hit and run accidents happen as the result of excessive speed and/or driver impairment.
With that said, it’s important to understand a negligent driver can still be held liable even in situations where they weren’t speeding or impaired. For example, Florida Statute § 316.185 holds that all drivers have a duty to slow down when approaching and crossing any intersection.
Even if the driver in question was already driving under the speed limit, they could end up being liable for failure to exercise proper care at an intersection.
What if I Can’t Afford a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer?
As someone who’s survived a hit and run accident, the last thing you need is to struggle with paying attorney fees on top of juggling all of the bills that are sure to come up. By hiring an attorney who operates on a contingency-fee basis, you avoid this problem entirely.
When you hire a lawyer on contingency, you don’t pay unless we win. Instead of paying a hefty fee upfront, your attorney receives a small portion of your winnings once they win your case.
Let our firm save you money and stress in the short term while we fight hard to secure a fair settlement.
Why Choose GED Lawyers?
With a number of satellite offices all throughout the state of Florida, GED Lawyers is uniquely positioned to serve Floridians who have suffered a personal injury. We pride ourselves on offering comprehensive advocacy for our clients, with multilingual services and virtual consultation options available.
We’ve worked hard to secure settlements for our clients in the millions, and we’ll work just as hard to secure a fair settlement for you.
Call Our Florida Hit and Run Accident Lawyers Today and Get Your Free Case Review
If you or a loved one have been injured in a hit and run accident, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Our dedicated team is standing by to evaluate your case and work toward recovering fair compensation for you.
Call now and get your free case review with GED lawyers today.
