In a bustling city like Miami, the increasing urbanization has led to a surge in traffic. With more than 63,000 crashes recorded in 2023[SA1] , hit-and-run accidents are, unfortunately, a common occurrence. A hit-and-run involves an accident where the driver responsible for the crash flees the scene without providing contact information or assisting the victim. These situations can be distressing, but knowing the right steps to take after such an event can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Here’s what you should do after a hit-and-run accident.
1. Ensure Your Safety First
In the immediate aftermath of a hit-and-run accident, take a moment to assess your condition and check for any injuries. If you or your passengers are hurt, it’s crucial to avoid making sudden movements that could worsen the injury. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from oncoming traffic to prevent additional collisions.
Once you’re in a safer spot, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance if there are injuries.
2. Call the Police and File a Report
After securing your safety, the next critical step is contacting the police. A hit-and-run is a criminal offense, and having an official police report is essential for both legal and insurance purposes. Provide the police with all the information you can recall, including the time and location of the incident. If you noticed any details about the other vehicle, such as its color, make, or model, share this with the officers.
3. Partner with a Good Personal Injury Lawyer
If possible, contact a lawyer immediately after talking to the police. Securing compensation after a hit-and-run in a city like Miami, where such accidents are common, requires partnering with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
If you don’t already have a good lawyer, search online using keywords like Miami Personal Injury Lawyer near me and look for a lawyer with a solid track record of handling similar cases. Their expertise will help you recover damages for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other costs related to the accident. Focus on lawyers with experience in hit-and-run cases and look at client reviews and their success rate. A lawyer familiar with Miami’s traffic laws and accident patterns will be more adept at handling your case, increasing your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
4. Gather Evidence at the Scene
Evidence plays a key role in building your case and assisting the police in identifying the hit-and-run driver. While waiting for the police to arrive, try to gather as much information as possible from the scene. If you have a smartphone, take photos of your vehicle’s damage, the surroundings, and anything that may be relevant, such as skid marks, debris, or broken parts from the other vehicle. These details can be useful later in reconstructing the event.
Make sure to photograph your car from different angles and note down the location, time, and any environmental factors like weather conditions. If there are traffic cameras or security cameras nearby, note their locations as well.
5. Look for Witnesses
Witnesses can be invaluable in hit-and-run cases, as they might have observed important details that you missed. After a hit-and-run, ask any people there if they saw the accident unfold and whether they can recall details about the other vehicle or driver. Politely request their contact information in case you need them to provide statements to the police or your insurance company later on.
If possible, try to record their statements on your phone or have them write down what they remember. This can be useful later when presenting your case to authorities or insurers.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
After you’ve ensured your safety, contacted your lawyer, and filed a police report, the next important step is to notify your insurance company about the hit-and-run. It’s essential to contact them as soon as possible, as many insurance providers have strict timelines for reporting accidents. Provide your insurance representative with all the information you’ve gathered, including the police report, photos, and witness statements (if any).
When dealing with a hit-and-run, you may need to file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. This coverage helps pay for damages when the at-fault driver can’t be identified, which is common in hit-and-run cases. Make sure to ask your insurance company about all the coverage options available to you in this situation.
7. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel seriously injured immediately after the accident, seeking medical attention is crucial. A medical evaluation ensures that any hidden injuries are detected and treated before they worsen. Moreover, having official medical records can serve as critical evidence for your insurance claim and any potential legal proceedings.
Make sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations and keep a detailed record of all your medical appointments, treatments, and expenses. This documentation can be submitted to your insurance company to prove the extent of your injuries and to request appropriate compensation for medical bills.
8. Track Your Expenses
Keeping track of all expenses related to the accident will help ensure that you are compensated fully for your losses. Begin by documenting every cost, from medical bills and vehicle repair estimates to any lost wages if you’ve had to take time off work. These records will provide a clear picture of how much the accident has affected you financially.
In hit-and-run cases, it can be more difficult to receive compensation directly from the responsible driver since they fled the scene. This makes thorough documentation even more important when filing claims with your insurance or pursuing legal action. Keep receipts, invoices, and any other paperwork related to the accident in one place, as you’ll need these records when negotiating with your insurance provider or during any legal proceedings.
9. Follow Up on the Police Investigation
Once the police have filed the report and launched an investigation, it’s important to stay in touch with them to track the progress of their efforts to find the hit-and-run driver. Regular follow-ups help ensure that you’re aware of any new developments in the case, which could impact your legal or insurance proceedings.
If the police manage to identify the driver responsible, you may have more options for legal action, including pursuing a lawsuit to recover damages.
Dealing with a hit-and-run accident can be a highly stressful experience, but following the right steps afterward can significantly improve your chances of securing the compensation you deserve. From ensuring your safety and gathering evidence to partnering with an experienced lawyer and following up with the police, each step is crucial in handling the aftermath effectively. By taking these steps, you protect not only your physical health but also your financial well-being, ensuring that you recover from the incident as smoothly as possible.
