Articles Posted in Hit and Run Car Accidents

Being in a hit and run accident is a terrifying event, but it is unfortunately all too common in Southern Florida. The area is considered one of the most deadly for hit and run accidents. In 2012 alone, there were 70 000 hit and run crashes in Florida, leading to more than 160 fatalities and thousands of injuries. If you have been in a hit and run accident in Homestead or any Florida community, make sure that you:

1) Start gathering documentation at once. Your insurance provider will not usually want to offer you insurance money unless and until you can prove that your injuries and car damages occurred due to a hit and run. The best thing, clearly, is to get a photo of the car that has hit you before it leaves the scene. Since accidents occur in a fraction of a second, however, this is unlikely. If you cannot get any information about the car, take photos of the accident site and of any paint transfer on your car. Get witness testimony if you can. These things can help you prove that you have been injured in a hit and run car accident.

2) Call the police. After about half an hour, it is very unlikely that the police will be able to catch a hit and run driver – the evidence simply becomes too scant. However, you will still want to call the police because your insurance company will need to see a copy of the police report before they pay out any insurance money to you.

3) Get medical attention. If you may be injured, you will want to get medical treatment right away. Not only is this an important part of the documentation process, showing that you have been injured in a hit and run car or truck accident in Homestead or your community, but getting prompt treatment ensures that you do not suffer any unneeded complications from your injuries.

4) Call your insurance company. You can get information from your insurance company as well as immediate help. You can also begin the claims process. In most cases, you have only a limited amount of time to file your claim.

5) Get legal advice. If you have suffered a serious injury, such as burns, a spinal cord injury, or a head injury in Homestead or your community, it is important to get legal advice. Even if you have uninsured motorist coverage, you may have a hard time getting compensation for lost income, all your medical costs, and other expenses. A personal injury attorney in Homestead or your community can advise you about the best way to proceed in order to get fair compensation for your injuries.

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According to a 2009 study by the nonprofit group Transportation for America, four of the top ten cities with the highest rates for pedestrian fatalities are in Florida: Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. In addition, Southern Florida ranks as one of the worst areas in the country in many studies for hit and run collisions. In 2012 alone, for example, there were about 70 000 hit and run accidents in Florida. One out of every five pedestrian deaths that same year occurred in hit and run accidents. There are many reasons for these types of accidents:

1) Drivers who have something to hide. Drivers who are driving unlicensed or uninsured typically want to avoid taking responsibility for an accident because they fear jail time. Drivers who have outstanding warrants or who have already been arrested for drunk driving accidents in Miami or other cities may also choose to flee the scene of an accident rather than accept responsibility for their actions.

2) Design flaws. According to Transportation for America, hit and run car accidents in Miami and other cities result in part from poor city planning and design. According to the group, the focus over the years has been on suburban and urban sprawl, leaving few safe spaces for walkers and bicycles, leading to pedestrian and bicycle accidents in Miami and other cities. The driver culture also makes it harder for people to choose safer public transport options, which means more cars on the road and more risk of accidents. According to the same source, 13% of all traffic deaths in the US are cyclists and pedestrians but only 1.5% of US transportation safety budgets are earmarked for bicycle paths, sidewalks, and other pedestrian and cyclist-safety projects.

3) Distracted driving. When drivers are distracted due to mobile phones, passengers, pets, or for some other reason, they may not notice pedestrians in time. Distracted driving can easily lead to a pedestrian accident in Miami or another community, leaving the at-fault driver in a panic and leaving the scene of the accident. In some cases, drivers may also believe that they will not get caught and will leave without helping the victim because they don’t want to face the consequences of their actions.

Many government agencies, including the Florida Department of Transportation, The Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Police of Chiefs Association, the Florida Sheriffs Association and others have formed educational programs to alert drivers about the law. In Florida, it is illegal to leave the scene of a car accident without offering assistance and without exchanging contact information with the other driver. Leaving the scene of a fatal accident is considered a felony and can result in 30 years of incarceration as well as fines of $10,000.

Since Florida tends to have a high instance of hit and run drivers, it is important for motorists to carry uninsured motorist coverage. If you drive anywhere in the state, consult with your insurance carrier to ensure that you have coverage even if you are in a hit and run accident.

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The Florida Highway Patrol is concerned that hit and run cases are on the rise, with close to 70,000 hit and run accidents reported across Florida last year. Experts have many explanations for why the increase in hit and run accidents in North Bay Village and across Florida is occurring:

1) Uninsured or underinsured drivers. In some cases, experts say that after a car or truck accident in North Bay Village or another community, drivers leave the scene because they do not have adequate insurance, are concerned that their insurance rates will go up, or have no insurance at all and don’t want to face authorities or insurance claims as a result. Drivers do have the option of getting additional insurance on their own policies to protect themselves against underinsured drivers.

2) Drivers with previous records. In some cases, a truck or car accident in North Bay Village is a hit and run accident because a driver has a previous record or does not want to speak with authorities because the driver has an outstanding warrant. They are worried that having an additional mark on their record can harm them further or worry that police will be able to charge them with additional offenses.

3) Unlicensed drivers. According to some experts, up to 3% of drivers across the country have no license at all and are driving without authorization or insurance. In some cases, unlicensed drivers have a suspended license or simply have never been able to qualify for a license. When unlicensed drivers cause a car or pedestrian accident in North Bay Village or another community, they may leave the scene of the collision because the penalties for driving without a license are significant.

4) Panic. In some cases, drivers panic and leave the scene of an accident. For example, young drivers may be worried about being blamed for an accident, may panic, and may therefore leave the scene of the accident. In some cases, someone may be driving distracted, under the influence, or maybe doing something else that can lead to serious charges. Therefore, rather than being charged with those offenses they leave the scene of an accident, hoping that authorities will never be able to find them. Of course, if drivers are found after leaving the scene of an accident, the charges against them can be even more significant.

Hit and run accidents in North Bay Village and across Florida are a serious cause for concern. When drivers leave the scene of a collision, they do not stop to offer help to anyone who may be injured. Each year, people die due to their injuries because no one stopped to offer help. In addition, when drivers leave the scene of an accident, anyone who is injured in the accident may have a harder time recovering insurance money for their injuries, and may face additional financial pressure due to that fact.

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According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the number of fatal hit and run traffic collisions in the state appears to be increase. Between 2011 and 2012, the number of hit and runs across the state increased 4000. In 2012, there were 70 000 such accidents, leading to 168 fatalities.

The Highway Patrol is launching a “Hit and Run: Bad 2 Worse” campaign in Florida to make drivers aware of the risks of hit and run accidents. Authorities want to get the message across: when you leave the scene of a car accident in Miami or any other community you face serious consequences. Currently, drivers who leave the scene of an accident without stopping to help others face up to $10 000 in fines and up to 30 years in jail if the accident is a fatal one.

According to authorities, there are four main reasons why at-fault drivers leave the scene of a traffic accident in Miami and other communities:

1) The at-fault driver is wanted by police or has a record. In many hit and run accidents in Miami and South Florida, the at-fault driver leaves because he or she has a criminal record, is driving a stolen car, or is otherwise wanted by police. In these cases, the driver hopes that if the authorities cannot find them, they will not be charged for the accident and for any other crimes.

2) The driver has no insurance. There are many uninsured and under-insured drivers in Florida and when one of these drivers causes an accident, they flee the scene of the collision because they fear the costs of having to pay for the accident. In some cases, the drivers may not even be licensed to drive.

3) The driver panics. Being in an accident is frightening and some drivers may simply panic, unsure what to do after a car accident in Miami or South Florida. While it is understandable that a car collision can lead to panic, Florida law is very clear: failing to stop and offer assistance as well as exchange information after a car accident is a crime.

4) The driver is driving under the influence. Drunk driving accidents in Miami and South Florida occur often. In many cases, a driver who is driving under the influence does not want a DUI charge and will leave the scene of an accident. Even if the authorities find the person eventually, it will be harder to prove that the driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident.

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There are few things more intimidating than being in a hit and run accident. One minute you are driving to your destination and the next minute you have been in a Cooper City car accident. Before you can exchange information, the other driver is gone, leaving you shaken and frightened. If you are in this situation, there are several things you need to do:

1) Get immediate medical help for yourself or anyone who is injured. Your first priority should be to get immediate medical attention. Some injuries, such as severe blood loss and Cooper city spinal cord injuries require immediate medical assistance or they will become fatal. Call 911 and get medical help. Be sure to keep a copy of any medical records or emergency room records if you can, as this can help you document your injuries and prove your injuries if your case goes to trial. Even if you do not think you are injured, it is a good idea to see a doctor within a few hours of your accident, just to rule out injuries. Some common injuries, including Cooper City brain injuries, may not show immediate symptoms but may be fatal if left untreated. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

2) Write down any facts that you remember about the accident and take photos of the scene if you can. If you remember any details about the hit-and-run driver or their car, write this down before you forget. If you can, take pictures of the immediate area with a cell phone camera or a camera. The more evidence you gather, the more information attorneys and investigators will have.

3) Get the contact information of any witnesses at the scene. Witnesses may have seen something that you didn’t, and can help you find the hit-and-run driver who has injured you.

4) Report the incident to police. Leaving the scene of a Cooper City traffic accident is a crime and it is punishable by law. Even if your car was parked when the accident took place, the other driver is obligated to leave contact information on your vehicle. As with your medical records, get a copy of the police record if you can, as this can help you document your case. Police authorities can help you investigate the accident and may even be able to help you find the hit-and-run driver who has injured you. This can be especially important in ensuring that the same driver does not injure other people in a Cooper City car accident again.

5) Contact a Cooper City personal injury attorney with experience in hit and run accidents. Contacting a personal injury attorney is important, as attorneys can work with private detectives to further the investigation into your case and increase the chances that the hit-and-run driver will be caught. A Cooper City personal injury attorney can also help represent you, can help you navigate the insurance claim process, and can generally ensure that anyone who is liable for your accident is held accountable so that you do not have to pay all the costs of your accident yourself.

6) Contact your insurance company. Depending on your coverage, you may be covered for hit-and-run accidents and underinsured drivers. Contact your insurance company to find out whether you are covered in part or in full for the costs of your accident. If you have retained the services of a Cooper City personal injury attorney, your attorney can also help advise you on the best way to proceed with your insurance company, which is another important reason to retain the services of an attorney in hit-and-run cases.

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According to a 2009 Transportation for America study, among the top cities for pedestrian fatalities are Orlando, Tamp, Miami and Jacksonville. In 2008, 490 pedestrians were fatally injured in car accidents in the state, making Florida the worst region for pedestrian deaths. Over the years, Florida routinely has been listed as one of the worst spots for fatal hit and run accidents. According to experts, there are many reasons why hit and run Miami car accidents happen:

1) Modern development in suburban and urban spaces has created lots of high-speed areas for traffic and fewer areas for bicyclists and walkers. It is no surprise that Miami bicycle accidents are also high when compared to other US cities. Larger urban centers such as Miami have fewer spaces that are just for safe walking and biking. The amount of money spent on safe pedestrian areas is just a fraction of the amount spent on roadways and car areas.

2) Drivers who are afraid of being caught. In many cases, hit and run Miami traffic accidents occur when a driver hits someone but keeps driving because he or she is already doing something illegal. If a driver is driving with no insurance, no license, or is driving drunk, he or she may be more likely to leave the scene of an accident, because he or she is afraid of the legal consequences. Since Florida leads the country in car accident insurance, it is plausible that there is also a high instance of people driving illegally.

3) A car-reliant culture. In Miami, having a car is not just about transportation; many people see it as a sign of independence or even a right. This creates all kinds of problems. Many people use cars when there are other alternatives, which in turn increases congestion and the risk of Miami car accidents. In addition, when people see cars as a right, they are more likely to want to drive when it is not safe to do so. For example, someone with an illness that makes it dangerous to drive may still get behind the wheel of a car because they do not want to lose their independence. Alternatively, someone who has a suspended license or no insurance may still drive because he or she “needs” to get to work.

4) Shared spaces. Miami does have many pedestrians and many congested spaces where pedestrians and vehicles share space. Parking lots, crosswalks, and other areas where pedestrians and vehicles share space are especially dangerous sites for Miami pedestrian accidents.

In Florida, hit and run accidents are taken seriously. Anyone who leaves the scene of an accident after causing property damage can be charged with a second degree misdemeanor and may face up to 60 days in jail as well as fines of up to $500. Anyone who leaves the scene of an accident after causing an injury can be charged with a third degree felony and may face up to 5 years in prison as well as fines of up to $5,000. Anyone who leaves the scene of an accident after causing a fatality can be charged with a first degree felony and may face up to 30 years in state prison as well as fines of up to $10,000. In addition, those who leave the scene of an accident can face Miami personal injury lawsuits, where they can be sued for damages caused.

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According to the Insurance Research Council, one in four Florida drivers is on the road with no car insurance. Across the US, one in six drivers do not have insurance, making Florida one of the top five states in the nation when it comes to uninsured drivers. Only New Mexico, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Alabama have a higher percentage. In addition to these numbers, many more drivers on Florida’s roads are underinsured.

Underinsured and uninsured drivers pose a huge risk for all drivers. Florida mandates that all drivers carry a minimum amount of insurance, which covers medical injuries and other injuries to the driver and passenger as well as coverage for property damage to another car. Drivers are free to buy additional insurance as well. Florida law does not require drivers to buy coverage for any medical costs to passengers of the other vehicle involved in a car accident. Drivers who do not have this type of coverage are considered underinsured, since if they are in an accident, their insurance will not pay for the medical costs and injuries they cause another person.

If you are in a Florida car accident caused by an underinsured or uninsured driver, you may have considerable challenges in recovering the costs of injuries, medical expenses, property damage, and other injuries sustained in the car crash.

Florida is a “no-fault” state, meaning that victims who sustain an accident in a car accident can get compensation for medical costs and lost wages in the event of a car accident. The payout is usually quick, since insurance companies do not consider liability when assigning claim amounts. As well, payout comes from the driver’s own insurance company, not from the company of the other driver. Therefore, even if the other driver is uninsured, the victim can still get some compensation. However, only small claims of under $10 000 qualify, in most cases, for no-fault benefits.

Serious accidents usually involve lawsuits and legal claims, since no fault benefits do not cover the substantial medical costs and lost income involved. In these cases, the victim will sue the at-fault driver for damages. If the at-fault driver has good insurance coverage and personal assets, the injured driver can get compensation through these means. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, the injured driver may need to seek recovery from their own insurance company.

If you drive in Florida, you may wish to speak with your insurance provider about additional coverage that will protect you in the event of a car collision with an underinsured or uninsured driver. While many drivers are upset that they need to pay extra for someone who negligently does not obey the law in getting car insurance, the fact is that many drivers in Florida do not have adequate insurance to protect you and your family in an accident. If you are in an accident with this type of driver, having your own coverage can help pay for medical care and lost income for you and your family.

The claims process in a Florida truck accident or car accident involving an uninsured driver can be very complicated. In some cases, drivers with no insurance will leave the scene of an accident because they do not want to admit that they have broken the law and not taken out car insurance. For these reasons, it is important to secure a Florida car accident attorney immediately after your accident if you believe that the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 10% of all car accidents are hit and run accidents, and the prevalence of these accidents has been rising for more than ten years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that most hit and run accidents are either drunk driving accidents or involve a hit and run driver who is uninsured. That is, in most hit and run accident, the motorist leaves the scene of the crime to conceal intoxication or to avoid legal problems.

Being in a Florida hit and run car accident can be devastating. If there are no witnesses, especially, it can be hard to get compensation from your insurance company. You will need to take the time to file a police report about the accident. You may also feel angry and shaken. If you are alone at the scene of the accident and are injured, it is up to you to seek medical attention – with no help from the other driver involved in the accident.

If you are in a suspected Florida drunk driving accident or a Florida car accident that is hit and run, the first thing you will want to do is call emergency services if you or anyone else is injured. The first priority is to get medical help. Next, make sure that you call the police at once. Leaving the scene of a Florida car accident is a crime, so you want to report that crime.

As soon as you have done this, start documenting the accident. In a Florida hit and run accident, documentation is even more important. Take photos of your car, get the contact information of any witnesses, and jot down anything you remember about the driver of the other car. These details can help police catch the motorist.

You will next have to deal with your insurance company. This can be frustrating, since many policies do not cover hit and run Florida car accidents or uninsured drivers. Read over your policy carefully. Consider contacting a good Florida car accident attorney in order to get legal advice and help about your situation. A good, experienced attorney can help you deal with authorities and your insurance company. He or she can even investigate the accident.

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