If you’ve had a hit-and-run accident in Florida, you’ll need to determine if your insurance policy will cover the costs. The answer is not necessarily yes. It depends on the procedures you carry, such as collision, liability, and uninsured motorist coverage.
Liability coverage
If you or a loved one is involved in a hit-and-run accident in Florida, you need to know the legal options available. Understanding the steps you should take after an incident can make the process easier. Insurance coverage can also help pay for medical expenses and other damages.
Several different types of insurance policies may be able to cover a hit-and-run accident. You will need to investigate your policy to find out what it covers. The following are some of the most common:
PIP coverage: This is required in Florida. It pays for medical costs and lost wages. Depending on your policy, your PIP coverage may also cover a percentage of the damages incurred.
Collision coverage: In Florida, you can get collision coverage to help with damage to your vehicle. This can include repair costs, repairs, and the car’s actual cash value.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: This coverage will help you if you are injured in a hit-and-run accident. If you are in a car wreck, you can contact your insurer to ask if they have uninsured motorist coverage.
Crime victim compensation: If you have a hit-and-run accident, you can file a claim through the Florida Crime Victim Compensation Program. Your claim can help you with your medical bills, loss of wages, and other expenses.
The Bodden & Bennet Law Group is a firm that can help you with your case. They can provide you with valuable information on the insurance coverage you are entitled to and advise you on your rights.
You can file a hit-and-run insurance claim, whether you’re the at-fault driver or the person hit by a driver who fled the scene of an accident. However, you will need to identify the at-fault driver and their insurer.
Once you’ve identified the at-fault party, you’ll need to report the incident to your insurance company. You may be able to report the accident online or through a mobile app. After you report the accident, the company will contact you.
Collision coverage
Collision coverage is insurance that pays for damage to your vehicle if you are involved in a car crash. It is designed to pay for damages to your vehicle regardless of who caused the accident. The maximum payout is based on the actual cash value of your car.
In Florida, you must have $10,000 property damage liability and personal injury protection (PIP). PIP covers your medical expenses if you are injured in a car crash.
You may also be able to get uninsured motorist coverage. This additional policy covers you if an uninsured driver hits you. However, the cost can be high. Uninsured motorist coverage is not available in all states.
If you are involved in a hit-and-run, you should call the police and document the details of the wreck. The police will also investigate the accident to determine who was at fault.
Afterward, you should contact your insurance company and file a claim. Your insurer will probably require a 24-hour notice of damage. Often, this will allow the company to recover the deductible through subrogation.
Once you have reported the incident to your insurer, you should be prepared for your premium to increase. Hit-and-run accidents raise auto insurance rates more than other types of accidents.
After a crash, you should take pictures of the scene. These photos can help you build a case with your insurer and provide concrete evidence. Additionally, you can get the names and contact information of people who witnessed the collision. Getting the correct information can ensure a smoother claims process.
If you are in a hit-and-run, you should also be prepared to file a claim against the other driver’s liability insurance. This is a complex procedure, but it can be done.
As a rule of thumb, if you are in a hit-and-run, it is essential to get the name and contact information of the driver who hit you. Also, you should note the direction that the other driver was heading after the wreck.
Uninsured motorist coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of insurance designed to help protect you from the financial devastation caused by a car accident. A standard uninsured motorist policy can pay for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
The exact cost of the coverage will depend on the type of policy you purchase. If you have a relatively clean driving record, the price may be less than you think.
One of the most important things you can do to ensure you’re prepared for a car accident is to find cheap car insurance. While Florida doesn’t require drivers to have any specific liability insurance type, the state recommends underinsured motorist coverage.
You can also opt for a lower level of bodily injury liability coverage. Although it may not cover your injuries, it can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Lastly, you’ll want to consider buying collision coverage. This can repair the damage incurred by a hit-and-run accident. Depending on the insurance company, you may be able to recover some of your deductibles through subrogation.
In Florida, it’s not uncommon for drivers to take out the smallest amount of personal injury protection they can. It’s common for some Floridians to carry $10,000 of PIP coverage. However, many of these drivers forget to renew their policies.
When evaluating the benefits of uninsured motorist coverage, you’ll find that it can be a valuable tool for many scenarios. But there’s one thing you can’t do without knowing your state’s law.
For example, Florida’s law treats a hit-and-run driver as an uninsured motorist. And you may be eligible for compensation if the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
Taking the proper steps is essential for you and your family to get the most compensation possible for an accident. Make sure you get a free consultation with an attorney, such as Frankl Kominsky, who can help you understand the laws that apply to your situation and determine which party will be liable.
Reporting a hit-and-run crash to the police
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run crash, you should know that you are responsible for reporting the accident to the police. This is important, as failure to do so can result in penalties and fines.
To obtain an accident report, you can either contact the insurance adjuster or your local police department. You can also request an accident report from an online site. However, you cannot print out the information after submission.
A police officer can help you find the at-fault driver. An attorney may also be able to help you recover compensation for your damages.
It is a good idea to write down the name and address of any witnesses and their telephone numbers. This information can be beneficial if the driver is not at the scene.
The at-fault party may change their story after the accident, so it is essential to follow up with investigators to ensure that they have collected all necessary evidence. Obtaining an official police report can also help secure compensation for your injuries.
When you arrive at the accident scene, record the collision’s date, time, and location. Also, document the physical characteristics of the drivers. Be sure to include details like the vehicle’s color and make and other pertinent information.
Make sure you keep calm during the investigation. The police officer will need to assess the situation when they arrive. Although they may not give a specific opinion about the cause of the collision, they can provide solid evidence about the fault.
You must report the accident within 24 hours when you are injured in a hit-and-run. Failure to do so can lead to a felony, depending on the circumstances.
You may be able to file an uninsured motorist claim if the other driver is unknown. This is possible if you prove that he or she was at fault for the crash. But you will need to complete an accident report and pay a fee.
