What Should You Do After a Florida Hit and Run Accident?

Dealing with any type of car accident can be an ordeal, but hit and run accidents can be particularly traumatic, especially in the immediate aftermath of the accident. Staying calm and handling the situation as responsibly and rationally as possible can play a major role in protecting your rights.

Don’t chase the driver

If another driver makes the decision to attempt to leave the scene of an accident, do not give in to the temptation to follow or chase the driver. On the one hand, there is no way for you to know what could be going through the mind of a hit and run driver, and there is no good reason to risk being involved in a potentially dangerous confrontation. At the same time, you may risk causing another accident while attempting to drive right after being in a collision due to adrenaline or jarred nerves.

Record as much information as possible

Any information that you can record about the fleeing vehicle could be helpful in reporting your accident. Remember, your recollection of the event is likely to be clearest immediately after the accident has taken place. Helpful information to record may include:

• Make, model and color of the vehicle
• License plate number
• Description of driver and passengers
• Time of day
• Any pertinent details regarding how the accident took place

Report the accident

Be sure to report your hit and run accident to the police, preferably while you are still at the scene of the accident. Even if the accident does not seem serious or you don’t have much information about the other driver to report, having a police report on hand may be very helpful. If you or anyone else has been injured in the incident, seek medical attention. Remember, the symptoms of some severe car accident injuries such as neck and spine trauma may not appear until hours or days have passed after an accident.

Have you been the victim of a Florida hit and run accident? Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878!

If you’ve been hurt in a hit and run accident, you may need an experienced Tampa car accident lawyer who will stand up for your rights. Call us now at 1-800-538-4878 for a free evaluation of your case from our injury law team.