The statute of limitations for a hit and run accident in Florida is dependent on the type of lawsuit you bring. If your loved one passed away because of a hit and run accident and you plan to bring a wrongful death lawsuit, then you generally have two years to do so according to Florida Statutes §95.11. The same statute indicates that you generally have four years from the date of your accident to bring a personal injury lawsuit.
A lawyer can inform you of these (and of any other statutes) which may be relevant to your pursuit of compensation.
Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident
One of the potential benefits of hiring a lawyer is that they can provide guidance in the immediate and short-term aftermath of your accident. They will make you aware of important deadlines, such as statutes of limitations, and will alert you to any specific documentation that you need to file a claim or lawsuit.
A lawyer will encourage you to receive the medical care that you need shortly after your accident. Seeking medical attention may be important in several ways, including that it:
- May uncover conditions that can have slow-onset symptoms, as the Mayo Clinic notes may be the case with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- May help you prove at a later date that you suffered injuries as the direct result of your accident.
- May provide a full assessment of your injuries, which could allow you to form your plan for recovery.
You may be required to file a report of your injuries within a certain time frame after your accident. Your lawyer will make you aware of any such requirements and will help you ensure that any injuries you have suffered are reported properly and within relevant deadlines.
Potential Injuries from a Hit and Run Accident That You May Have Suffered
As previously mentioned, traumatic brain injury is one possible health consequence of a hit and run accident. The term “hit and run” does not indicate the dynamics of your accident. The injuries that you or your loved one suffered could depend on the more specific details of your collision.
Some of the injuries that may occur from a hit and run accident are:
- Whiplash, which could be the result of rear-end collisions
- Harm to internal organs
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
- Damage to your physical appearance
It may be important for you to take any injuries that you suffer seriously, as additional or more severe symptoms could emerge at a later date. Your lawyer will seek compensation for costs from your injuries (and any other losses you have suffered) due to a hit and run in Florida.
Why You May Choose to Hire a Lawyer After a Hit and Run Accident
Aside from knowing what the statutes of limitations are for a hit and run accident in Florida, a lawyer may provide several benefits to you or a loved one when seeking compensation. A lawyer may be a useful resource, whether you plan to initiate an insurance claim or lawsuit.
A lawyer may help you with the big picture aspects of your case, including:
- Determining precisely how and why your accident occurred.
- Determining what types and amounts of coverage your insurance policy provides.
- Monitoring whether the individual who fled the scene of your accident has been apprehended.
- Providing strategy for your pursuit of compensation.
- Answering your questions and concerns.
- Defending your rights.
Your lawyer can also handle the specifics that are required to complete an insurance claim or lawsuit. This may generally include gathering and organizing evidence, interviewing witnesses, calculating the value of your individual and total losses, filing your claim or suit, and negotiating a settlement.
Your lawyer will handle the same responsibilities if your loved one has passed away and you plan to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
Possible Compensation from a Hit-and-Run That You Could Recover
The types of compensation that you could be entitled to may depend on the type of action you bring when pursuing compensation. If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, or the person who fled your accident is caught, then insurance may generally pay for property damage, some portion of lost wages, and medical costs.
If you bring a lawsuit, then you may be able to collect compensation for the above losses, as well as:
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished earning capacity
- Other accident-related losses
A wrongful death may justify additional coverage for losses.
Call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Today for Help After Your Hit and Run
If you would like help pursuing compensation after a hit and run in Florida, the team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers provides relatable and familial legal services. Call us today at (855) 529-0269 for a free consultation.