Car Accident Lawyer Clearwater 

Car accidents in Clearwater can leave victims with serious injuries and a mountain of bills. If you’ve been involved in a car crash, you need a skilled car accident lawyer to help you navigate the claims process and fight for your rights. Donaldson & Weston offers free consultations and is here to support you every step of the way. Our experienced team will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you’re entitled to. Call us today at 866-382-1494 to discuss your case.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident

Being involved in any car accident can be overwhelming, but a hit-and-run incident adds an extra layer of stress and uncertainty. When the other driver leaves the scene without taking responsibility, it can leave you wondering how to protect your rights and navigate the aftermath. In Clearwater, where traffic can be busy and unpredictable, knowing what to do in such situations is critical.

Taking the right steps after a hit-and-run accident can help you stay safe, preserve important evidence, and ensure you have the resources to pursue compensation for your injuries or damages.

Prioritize Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Your first priority after any accident is your safety and well-being. If your vehicle is in a dangerous position, move it to a safe location, such as the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If you are injured or unable to move, stay in the vehicle and wait for emergency responders.

Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, may not show symptoms right away. A medical evaluation also creates a record of your injuries, which could be important if you decide to pursue a claim later.

Call the Police Immediately

In Florida, reporting a hit-and-run accident to law enforcement is essential. When the other driver leaves the scene, the police can document the incident and start an investigation. Provide as much information as possible about the fleeing vehicle, such as its make, model, color, and license plate number (if you were able to see it). Details about the direction the vehicle was heading or any distinguishing features, like a bumper sticker or damage, can also be helpful.

A police report is a key piece of evidence in hit-and-run cases. It not only supports your account of the accident but also demonstrates that you took the proper steps to address the situation.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you are physically able to do so, gather as much evidence as you can at the scene of the accident. This information can help law enforcement identify the other driver and strengthen your case if you file an insurance claim.

Take photos of the following:

• Damage to your vehicle
  The surrounding area, including skid marks, road signs, or traffic signals
• Any debris left from the other car, such as broken lights or paint chips
• Visible injuries you sustained

If there were witnesses, ask for their contact information and a brief statement about what they saw. Witness testimony can be valuable in piecing together what happened and identifying the at-fault driver.

Notify Your Insurance Company

After a hit-and-run accident, notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Florida requires drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which can help cover medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. Your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, if included in your policy, may also come into play. UM coverage can provide compensation for injuries or damages caused by a driver who cannot be identified or does not have insurance.

Be honest and thorough when explaining the incident to your insurance company, but avoid making statements that could be misinterpreted as admitting fault. If you have questions or concerns about dealing with the insurance company, consider consulting a car accident lawyer.

Avoid Pursuing the Other Driver

It can be tempting to chase after the fleeing driver, but doing so is not safe. Pursuing the other car could lead to additional accidents or injuries, and it might even put you in danger. Instead, focus on staying safe and gathering information. Let law enforcement handle the task of locating the driver.

Work with a Legal Team to Protect Your Rights

Navigating a hit-and-run accident claim can be complicated, especially if the other driver is never identified. An experienced car accident lawyer in Clearwater can guide you through the process and help you explore your options for compensation. A lawyer can assist with:

• Reviewing your insurance policy to determine available coverage
• Communicating with insurance adjusters on your behalf
• Gathering evidence to support your claim
• Pursuing legal action if necessary

Having a knowledgeable advocate on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Understand Florida’s Hit-and-Run Laws

Florida has strict laws regarding hit-and-run accidents. Drivers who leave the scene of an accident without providing their information or rendering aid can face severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and jail time. These laws are designed to discourage drivers from fleeing and to hold them accountable for their actions.

If the fleeing driver is caught, they may be held financially responsible for the damages and injuries they caused. In some cases, punitive damages may also apply to deter similar behavior in the future.

Stay Informed About Statutes of Limitations

In Florida, there is a time limit for filing personal injury claims related to car accidents. This is known as the statute of limitations. For most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, if the hit-and-run driver is later identified, the timeline may change.

To ensure you don’t miss important deadlines, consult with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident. They can provide guidance on how to move forward and protect your rights.

Take Preventative Steps in the Future

While you can’t control the actions of other drivers, there are steps you can take to protect yourself in the event of a hit-and-run:

• Install a dashcam in your vehicle to capture footage of the incident
• Park in well-lit areas to deter hit-and-runs in parking lots
• Maintain adequate insurance coverage, including UM coverage, to safeguard against unexpected costs

Being proactive can help you feel more prepared and secure on the road.

Clearwater Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Clearwater, working with an experienced car accident attorney can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Donaldson & Weston is committed to fighting for your rights and guiding you through the entire claims process. Call us today at 866-382-1494 for a free consultation and let our expert car accident attorneys assist you in securing the compensation you need.