A hit and run accident takes place when a pedestrian is hit by a motor vehicle and the motor vehicle flees the scene of the accident (unlike a pedestrian accident where the driver stays at the scene). Hit and runs tend to take place in areas where there are many pedestrians as well as areas with high congestion of vehicles.
They can take place near the schools, sporting events, and the like. Unfortunately, some causes of hit and run accidents may include drivers that are impaired because they are driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. In an attempt to not be arrested, the drivers that are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will oftentimes leave the scene of the accident. According to Florida Statute 316.027, drivers who flee from the scene and found guilty of a hit and run crime could serve a minimum of 4 years in prison.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a hit and run accident and has sustained serious injuries, contact a qualified personal injury attorney in Ocala today. An Ocala hit & run accident lawyer may be able to help you recover damages you are entitled to.
It is difficult to find the person who leaves the scene of an accident. If the authorities are able to find the person, they can be charged criminally for leaving the scene of an accident. In those types of cases, a jury in a city can also award punitive damages against that defendant to send a message so that type of behavior is less likely to take place again.
It is also important to carry uninsured motorist coverage in hit and run cases in the event that the authorities are unable to locate the individual responsible for the accident. Uninsured motorist coverage will protect a person, providing insurance coverage in case the defendant is not found.
The most important thing to do after a hit and run accident is to contact the authorities and to get medical attention after speaking with the authorities. It is also important to contact a skilled attorney, such as an Ocala hit and run lawyer near you, before a person contacts an insurance company. A person may want to make sure their rights and interests are protected and that they receive the compensation that they deserve as a result of the gross negligence of another.
Accidents (such as hit and run accidents, car accidents, etc.) can cause many serious complications such as brain injuries, catastrophic injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis injuries, and in more serious cases can cause wrongful death.
In Florida, if a person is injured as a result of a hit and run accident, they will be entitled to economic, non-economic, and potentially punitive damages. Economic damages include any lost wages, both past, and future, past medical expenses, medical expenses that they may incur in the future, as well as any other damage to clothing or personal effects.
In addition, a person is entitled to non-economic damages like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. If they are married, their spouse will have a consortium claim as a result of the loss of spousal services. Finally, in hit and run cases, the judge may allow the plaintiff to seek punitive damages. Speak with an Ocala hit and run accident lawyer near you to learn more about the types of recoverable damages a person could receive.
Punitive damages attempt to punish the wrongdoer and deter the individual from doing the same thing again. When a person intentionally leaves the scene and shows a willful disregard for another’s well-being and safety, punitive damages may be awarded. Consult with an Ocala hit and run attorney near you as they may recommend to the court to issue punitive damages to the defendant.
In addition to helping to locate the person responsible for the accident and making sure that they are responsible for their actions, a pedestrian accident lawyer or hit-and-run lawyer can help collect the financial compensation that they deserve as a result of any injuries sustained in the accident.
In some cases, hit and run attorneys utilize private investigators to work with law enforcement to help find those responsible for the hit and run accident. They will also help you obtain the Ocala, FL accident report or Marion County, FL accident report filed by police. If no police report was created, you will want to file a police report online in Florida. If you believe you could benefit highly from the experience of a seasoned attorney, get in touch with an Ocala hit & run accident lawyer near you today.
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