How to Handle Hit-and-Run Accidents in Tallahassee: A Step-by-Step Guide

Over the past 10 years, hit-and-run drivers have caused well over a million car accidents in Florida. More than 2,300 people lost their lives in hit-and-run accidents during that time, so drivers are fleeing the scene even when an accident is serious, and victims are in desperate need of help. Last year, in Leon County alone, 354 people were seriously injured in hit-and-run accidents, and six people were killed.

So, how should you handle the situation when the driver responsible for a car or truck accident in Tallahassee fails to stop and provide assistance or even give their name? Although the situation can be discouraging at best, our experienced team of accident attorneys knows that taking the right steps after a hit-and-run accident can help keep you safe and lead to the best chance to obtain financial recovery for your losses.

Step One: Secure Your Safety

In the distress of watching the at-fault driver flee the scene of an accident, many people have done things that put them in danger. They’ve chased after the driver, making it likely that they will be hit by other vehicles in traffic. They’ve made injuries worse by moving around too much. Or they’ve failed to move away from a dangerous situation.

While it’s important to try to identify the driver, it is more important to protect yourself from further harm. Put yourself in a safe position and avoid excessive movement until you’ve had your medical condition evaluated by professionals. Always call 911 to report the hit and run, even if you don’t notice injuries or excessive vehicle damage. The evidence from a police report will be extremely helpful later on, even if you don’t file a lawsuit. Florida law requires accidents to be reported in many situations, so to be on the safe side, it is always best to inform the police as soon as possible. Since fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime, police are likely to take a particular interest.

Step Two: Document the Accident

Evidence is always critical after a car or truck accident, but it takes on an added importance in a hit-and-run case. The smallest clues could help identify and locate the driver who can be held liable civilly and criminally. So if your health allows it, take pictures of everything, from your position and injuries to the condition of your vehicle to the details of the scene, such as skid marks, traffic signs, and details of the surroundings. 

Take photos of any witnesses and try to get their contact information. Often, those who see someone leave the scene of an accident are so outraged that they are more willing to help record details about the vehicle or driver and to stay and provide that information to police when they arrive.

Write down or record all the details you remember about the hit-and-run vehicle and driver. Also, record what you remember about the moments leading up to the accident and what happened during and after the collision. The human mind has a way of obscuring details as time passes, so the memories you record right after an event are much more valuable than memories you try to recall later. Even if you can’t move much after the accident, if you can reach your phone, hit “record” and describe your impressions. Include the date, time, and location of the accident.

Step Three: Share Facts with the Police

It is vitally important to remain at the scene of the accident rather than to try to look for the hit-and-run driver. You are required to stay and report the information to the police or other first responders. However, you do not need to and should not speculate about facts you don’t know for certain. Don’t guess at why the other driver left or things that happened before or after the accident that you could not see. Statements made after the accident that turn out to be incorrect can cause your credibility to be questioned or otherwise interfere with your ability to recover compensation for your losses.

Step Four: Get a Thorough Medical Review

Even if EMTs don’t recommend that you take an ambulance to the hospital, it is a good idea to see a doctor who can diagnose injuries that EMTs might overlook or ignore. Some serious injuries do not become apparent right away, particularly when your adrenaline level is high. A doctor can check for internal bleeding, organ damage, and other hard-to-spot injuries. In addition, getting a prompt medical exam provides you with a medical record that can be valuable later.

Step Five: Inform Your Insurance Company

Tallahassee drivers have to live with the reality of Florida’s “no-fault” insurance laws, which often place a burden on their own insurance companies, even when someone else causes an accident. So it is important to inform your insurance company promptly about the accident. However, just as when talking to police, don’t speculate about anything and keep your report confined to facts. Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know” when asked a question. If you have already hired an attorney, you may want to have the attorney contact the insurance company on your behalf. Insurers have an unfortunate habit of taking words out of context and using them as grounds to deny paying a claim.

Step Six: Talk to an Attorney Who Understands Hit-and-Run Accidents

An accident case becomes more complicated when a driver flees the scene, but experienced attorneys can often work with police to locate the responsible driver. If that driver lacks insurance or can’t be located, an attorney can help ensure that your insurance company abides by their policy obligations and pays full value for your claim. You may not need an attorney, but it is never a bad idea to consult an attorney for advice after a car accident, and the best time to do so is immediately following the collision.

Hit-and-Run Accidents are Frustrating, But We Know How to Help

At Searcy Denney Tallahassee, we know that being injured in a car accident is a frustrating and painful experience, and the difficulties become much tougher to manage in a hit-and-run case. However, our experienced team is ready to assist in any way that we can. 

If you’ve been hurt in a hit-and-run collision, call us for a free consultation and case evaluation. Let us put our knowledge to work, getting the justice and fair treatment you deserve. To get started, call us at 888-549-7011 or contact us online today.