Hit and Run Pedestrian Accidents
When you’re a pedestrian who has been hit by a car, it can be a scary situation. This scenario can become even more frustrating when the responsible party leaves the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in Florida, but it still happens. It seems like almost every week there are reports of a hit and run pedestrian accident in Tampa Bay. What are your options if you are a pedestrian struck by a hit and run driver?
After the Accident
It is important that you take the right steps after a hit and run accident to make sure you have a strong claim:
- Call the police—it’s essential that you immediately report the hit and run to the police. Give the police any identifying information about the vehicle that you have and the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Seek medical treatment—you’re likely seriously injured if you’ve been struck by a car, but even if you are not certain of injury, it’s still important to seek treatment
- Speak with an experienced accident attorney—issues of compensation for your injuries can be complicated in a hit and run pedestrian accident, so you may want the assistance of an experienced pedestrian accident attorney
Your Own Insurance
If you’ve been the victim of a hit and run pedestrian accidents, then you’ve likely sustained serious injuries and are facing mounting medical bills. If you have your own car insurance, you can look there to pursue compensation. Your personal injury protection (PIP) will cover some of your medical bills and lost wages. However, if you also have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) coverage, you will be in an even better position as this insurance will cover you if a driver flees the scene.
The Crimes Compensation Trust Fund
Because hit and run pedestrian accidents are crimes, you may be entitled to compensation from the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund. In order to receive compensation, it is important that you have reported the crime to the police within 72 hours of it occurring and that you apply to the Florida Bureau of Victim Compensation within one year of the incident.
Contact an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you’ve been the victim of a hit and run pedestrian accident, you may want to have an experienced pedestrian accident attorney evaluate your case. The attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have over 30 years of experience helping injured Floridians. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.