Lakeland Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

According to Florida Statutes § 316.027(2)(a), fleeing the scene of a collision involving personal injuries is a third-degree felony. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver who left the crash scene, the police will conduct a criminal investigation. You have the right to pursue compensation alongside criminal proceedings.

A Lakeland car accident lawyer from Dismuke Law can guide you through the claims process and file a personal injury lawsuit if necessary. Our hit-and-run accident attorneys in Lakeland will pursue all avenues of compensation and work hard to get the damages you’re owed.

Losses a Lawyer Can Recover From a Hit-and-Run Accident in Lakeland

Depending on the severity of your hit-and-run accident, you could be facing thousands of dollars in medical bills and property damage expenses. Your lawyer’s job is to assess the economic and non-economic losses you’ve endured and fight for the compensation you need to replenish them.

Economic losses refer to tangible expenses you’ve incurred as a result of your accident, like medical bills and vehicle repair costs. A hit-and-run accident lawyer in Lakeland, FL, can secure compensation for your medical treatment, vehicle repair, lost income, and decreased earning ability.

Non-economic losses are more subjective in nature and harder to assign a monetary value to. A skilled lawyer can calculate how much you’re owed for non-economic losses like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life.

How Florida’s No-Fault Laws Will Impact Your Hit-and-Run Accident Case

According to Florida’s insurance requirements, drivers in the sunshine state must carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance and $10,000 in Personal Damage Liability (PDL) insurance. That’s because the state’s no-fault law requires accident victims to file an insurance claim with their own provider instead of the other driver’s.

A lawyer from our office can help you construct and file a claim with your insurance company. If your insurer offers a payment that doesn’t cover all your losses, your attorney can negotiate a higher amount.

Most auto collision cases are resolved via a PIP or PDL insurance claim. However, if your insurer denies your claim or your policy isn’t large enough to cover all your medical bills and other losses, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If the driver who hit you was identified, your lawyer can pursue a civil suit against them.

Statute of Limitations for Hit-and-Run Lawsuits in Florida

If filing a personal injury lawsuit becomes your only route to compensation, your lawyer will have to submit your suit by Florida’s statute of limitations. Florida Statutes § 95.11 states that car accident victims have two years from the date of their collision to file a civil suit.

Our hit-and-run accident lawyers are well aware of the filing deadline and will work quickly and effectively to ensure your suit is compliant. To give your attorney the time they need to meet the filing deadline, we recommend contacting legal counsel as soon after your accident as possible.

If you’ve delayed legal action after a hit-and-run collision and your filing deadline has passed, don’t give up hope! There might still be a way for you to receive the compensation you need to pay for your medical treatment and vehicle repair. Reach out to a Lakeland hit-and-run attorney today to explore your options.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

As with any accident, your initial response should be to check for injuries. Then, if you can, move your vehicle safely away from the traffic flow. Under no circumstances should you ever attempt to chase after a driver who flees the scene of an accident. This could lead to additional accidents and dangers. Instead, call the police and tell them what happened.

As soon as possible, record the details of the incident and a description of the other vehicle to the best of your knowledge. Include things like:

• Time and location
• Direction of travel
• About how fast each car was going
• And anything else you feel may be relevant to the situation

You should also make contact with potential witnesses who may have seen the incident. Take down their contact information and ask if they would be able to wait with you for the police to arrive. When the police arrive, be prepared to state what happened clearly. If witnesses agree to wait with you, their accounts will help confirm your story.https://www.1800askdave.com/personal-injury/car-accidents/talking-to-witnesses-after-a-car-accident/

No Fee Unless We Win Your Hit-and-Run Case

The hit-and-run accident lawyers from our office in Lakeland, FL, understand how expensive and emotionally taxing a collision can be. Our team will offer their services on a contingency-fee basis to make things easier for you.

That means they won’t charge you unless they obtain compensation for your losses. They’ll take a fair portion of your winnings if they’re successful. To learn more about our contingency fee policy and the services we offer, please speak to a member of our firm.

Contact a Lakeland Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney Today

The initial shock of crashing into another vehicle can be a traumatic experience. That trauma is compounded when the other driver decides to flee the scene, leaving you to deal with the damages. Although this can be extremely stressful, it is important that you remain calm and not let emotions cloud your judgment.

Once you’ve reported the incident to the police and sought medical attention for your injuries, make sure to contact a hit-and-run accident attorney in Lakeland, FL. The team at Dismuke Law will do everything in their power to get you the settlement you need. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options and get started on your claim.