Florida law requires that the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash that causes damage to another vehicle must stop at or near the scene of the crash and provide certain information (including their name, address, and other identifying information). Failing to do so could, under certain circumstances, result in criminal penalties for the driver who fails to stop.
Unfortunately, despite the potential penalties for not stopping after a crash, hit-and-run accidents are an all-too-common occurrence on Florida’s roads. Some people think that if they just drive away, nobody will ever find out it was them who caused the crash.
So, what should you do if somebody crashes into you and flees the scene after a vehicle collision?
Get Yourself To a Safe Location And Don’t Panic
Move to a secure location where there is no risk of getting hit by oncoming traffic.
Remember, you don’t want to make the situation any worse after a hit-and-run crash. It can be a hectic situation. You are going to be shocked and confused after a serious car accident. That’s normal. But after the initial shock from the crash, try your best to take a deep breath and relax. You want to try and gain your composure as best as possible because there are a few things you can do next that may be crucial for your case.
Try To Get The License Plate Number Of The Other Driver’s Vehicle
If possible, grab your phone and take a photo or video of the fleeing vehicle and its license plate. If you can’t take a photo or video, try to write down or memorize the license plate number. Also, make sure to get the make, model, and color of the vehicle that hit you.
You also want to try and get a look at the driver. If you can take a photo or video of the driver, that’s great. If not, try to get a good look so you can recognize any identifying features of the fleeing driver. You may be asked to identify this person at some future date. So, get as good a look at them as you reasonably can.
Don’t Chase The Driver Who Crashed Into You
If the person who crashed into you flees the scene, don’t follow them. This isn’t a movie. It’s much too dangerous to start chasing the person who flees the scene. The last thing you want to do is get involved in a high-speed car chase after you were injured in a crash.
Call 911 As Soon As You Can
Report the incident and tell them what happened. Ask for an ambulance if you feel you are injured. Even seemingly minor injuries could be more severe than what you think, so it’s better to err on the side of caution if there’s any chance you may be injured. Sometimes your body is racing with adrenaline after a car crash, and you don’t know the extent of your own injuries.
When the police officers arrive, make sure they prepare a report. This report documents what happened with the crash. You won’t get a copy of the report right away, but remember to check with the officer to make sure they are writing one. Get a case number for reference in case there’s any problem tracking down the report later.
Take Photos And Videos
The more the better. Take photos and videos of the scene, the damage to your vehicle, any marks on the street caused by the collision (such as tire skid marks), and debris from the crash (pieces of a detached bumper or anything else from the vehicles).
Take photographs of yourself and your injuries – any scrapes, bruises, blood, etc.
Get Witness Information
If you see anybody hanging around the scene, ask them what they saw and ask for their name, phone number, and address. We may have to contact these witnesses later, so whatever information you can get from them will be helpful.
If a witness is hesitant to speak with you, politely explain the situation and tell them that their statement could make a big difference in proving what happened. They may end up being the best evidence you have.
Seek Medical Treatment
Remember, right after a crash, your body may be racing with adrenaline that is masking the pain. You could be injured and not even know it. If paramedics arrive at the scene, let them examine you. If no paramedics arrive, go to the urgent care or hospital emergency room to get checked out. This is one of those situations where it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Call Your Insurance Company To Notify Them Of The Collision
Even though you didn’t cause the crash, you still have to notify your own insurance company right away after the collision.
Also, if you have uninsured motorist coverage, that might be the main way to obtain a recovery if the hit-and-run driver is never identified or if they don’t have any insurance coverage.
Call Our Office Today For a Free Consultation After a Hit-and-run Crash
We’ve handled hit-and-run cases for over 40 years in counties all across Florida, including Broward, Palm Beach, and many others.
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident anywhere in Florida, call our office today at (954) 833-1440 for a free consultation.