A hit-and-run car accident in Miami-Dade can leave you shaken and unsure about what to do next. Your first priorities should be to get to a safe location, check for injuries, and contact law enforcement. Florida law requires drivers involved in certain accidents to stop and remain at the scene, but knowing what to do after the other driver leaves is just as important.
The steps you take in the minutes and days after a Miami hit-and-run accident can affect your ability to document the accident, deal with insurance, and pursue compensation for your losses. Our Miami car accident lawyer, James D. Payer, can help you understand what to do after a hit-and-run in South Florida and what options may be available if the driver is never found.
What Details Can Help Track Down a Miami Hit-and-Run Driver?
In the aftermath of a hit-and-run, any information that could help identify the vehicle or driver will be useful. Some details to document, if you can, include:
- The license plate number
- The vehicle’s make, model, color, and condition
- The direction the vehicle was traveling
- Any witness information from the scene
- Look for traffic or security cameras and note their location
If witnesses are present, ask for their contact information and whether they noticed any details you may have missed.
“Look for cameras at gas stations, parking lots, and businesses. Note where they are and tell the police officer.“
James D. Payer
Essential Evidence To Gather After a Miami Hit-And-Run Crash
Different types of car accident evidence can help show that a hit-and-run occurred and may identify the driver responsible, including:
- Photos and videos of your vehicle damage
- Medical records and treatment information
- Witness contacts
- A copy of the police or crash report
“Take photos and videos of everything: your car, the scene, skid marks, anything the other vehicle may have left behind… Don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast. Camera footage gets written over in just a matter of days.”
James D. Payer
Can You Get Compensation if the Miami Hit-and-Run Driver Is Unidentified?
Not knowing who caused the accident does not always mean you cannot recover compensation for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances and the insurance policies involved, you may be able to seek compensation through your own auto insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage may also apply in some hit-and-run cases and can help cover certain losses, and Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage may also play a role in how your medical bills are handled.
“When a driver flees the scene, most people assume there’s nothing they can do. But if you have uninsured motorist coverage on your policy, it can step in and cover your injuries in a hit-and-run case, just as it would if the other driver had no insurance at all. But timing matters. You typically have to notify the police and get a police report. You also have to call your insurance company and notify them of the accident, usually within just a few days, to preserve your right to make that claim. Waiting too long can give the insurance company a reason to deny the claim.”
James D. Payer
Florida law generally requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist coverage with bodily injury liability policies, although policyholders may choose to reject it in some circumstances. Whether that coverage applies to a hit-and-run accident depends on the policy’s terms, the circumstances of the crash, and applicable Florida law.
“Even if you never find the other driver, your own uninsured motorist coverage may pay for your injuries.”
James D. Payer
Mistakes To Avoid After a Miami Hit-and-Run Accident
Adrenaline runs high after an accident, especially if the other driver flees the scene. It is important to be aware of the actions that can harm your claim.
Do Not Pursue the Driver
Never chase or confront a hit-and-run driver. Doing so could cause another accident or put you in a dangerous situation. Instead, write down any details you remember about the vehicle and driver and give that information to law enforcement.
Avoid Speculation
It can be tempting to want to speculate about what took place in a hit-and-run accident. However, it is best not to make guesses about what happened. Only provide information to police and insurers if you are 100% certain about the statements you are making.
Do Not Post on Social Media
Avoid posting detailed information about the accident on social media. Posts, photos, or comments could later be used by an insurance company or the other side to question your version of events or the seriousness of your injuries. Even an innocent comment can be taken out of context.
Preserve Evidence
Lastly, keep any evidence related to the accident. Photos of the vehicle damage, medical records, witness contact information, and other documentation can help show what happened and support your claim for compensation. Many people also find that keeping a journal after a car accident helps them track symptoms and missed work.
Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer After a Hit-And-Run in Miami-Dade?
Talking with a Miami car accident lawyer may be helpful if your incident involves any of the following circumstances:
- The driver cannot be identified
- You suffered significant injuries or property damage
- The insurance company disputes coverage
- You think you might have an uninsured motorist claim
- There is a dispute about who was at fault or how the accident happened
- You have substantial medical bills or lost income
- The insurance company has offered you a settlement, and you want to know whether to accept the first offer
Payer Law Is Here To Help With Your Miami Hit-And-Run Case
A hit-and-run accident can leave you dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, medical bills, and questions about how to recover compensation when the other driver is gone. At Payer Law, our family-owned firm brings 30 years of experience representing injured people. We have recovered more than $100 million for our clients, and you can review our Miami car accident case results to see how we have handled similar claims. Our lead attorney, James Payer, personally handles every case, so you know who your lawyer is from day one.
If you were hurt in a hit-and-run, our Miami car accident lawyer can review the details of your accident, explain your legal options under Florida law, and help you determine what steps to take next. We offer a free consultation and are available 24/7. Contact our Miami law office today at (305) 363-7099 to discuss your case with a personal injury attorney, or reach out through our contact page.
“When you call Payer Law, you talk to me. Not a call center, not an assistant handling hundreds of other cases. Me. I give every client my direct number because I believe the person fighting for your case should be someone you can actually reach.”
James D. Payer
