Hit and Run Lawyer in Hollywood

Any accident can be traumatic. Between injuries, property damage, and lost income, an accident can take a toll on a victim. When the other party flees the scene of the accident, it only makes matters worse, complicating insurance issues and requiring a crash victim to seek other avenues for compensation.

Hit and run accidents are on the rise in the U.S. In 2015 alone, there were over 737,000 hit and run crashes resulting in over 2,000 accident fatalities and countless injuries ^[1]. Hit and run consequences include medical bills, lost time from work, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. These costs can add up and take a large financial toll on a victim.

A Hollywood hit and run attorney can help. We understand the toll a hit and run accident can take on a victim, and we work hard to help our clients recover. Schlacter Law works hard to ensure that the bills are paid, and compensation is enough to cover all the costs associated with the accident. Call us today for help.

There are numerous reasons why someone might leave the scene of an accident in Hollywood. Some of the common reasons include:

• A driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• A driver was uninsured
• There is an outstanding warrant for traffic violations
• The driver has other legal issues
• Failing to have a license
• The driver panicked

Drunk driving is common when it comes to hit and run accidents. Often, someone who is drunk enough to cause a crash is not aware that the accident even occurred. And in the event that they were aware of the collision, fleeing the scene is often an attempt to avoid an arrest. Drunk driving in Florida can land a driver in jail for up to six months, revocation of their license, and a fine up to $1,000 for a first offense. Even with hit and run charges dropped their driver’s license might still be suspended. The repercussions of an arrest are often enough to cause a driver to flee the scene.

Florida requires every driver to obtain a minimum amount of insurance in case they are in an accident. This minimum coverage includes $10,000 for personal injury protection and $10,000 for property damage. If a driver fails to obtain the proper amount of insurance or any insurance at all and is involved in an accident, they can have their driver’s license, vehicle registration, license plate, and tags revoked. Often, this is enough incentive for a driver to leave the scene of an accident to avoid the consequences.

When a driver has received a prior traffic violation, they may attempt to avoid any further consequences by fleeing the scene of the accident. This might include parking tickets, fines, or a prior accident where they attempted to flee. Other legal issues may be a factor in a hit and run as well. Hollywood hit and run victim attorneys point to prior legal issues as one of the leading causes for fleeing the scene of an accident. Parole violations, outstanding warrants, and other non-traffic related criminal issues may be enough for a driver to want to avoid contact with an accident victim or the police.

Similar to insurance, failing to have a driver’s license is a common reason for someone to leave the scene of an accident. Driving without a license in Florida can result in a second-degree misdemeanor, a $500 fine, and up to 60 days in jail.

As humans, sometimes our behaviors are unpredictable. Following a traffic accident, some people are just unable to cope with a stressful situation. Particularly when it’s the first time someone was involved in an accident, they may be unaware that they are required to remain at the scene. While this doesn’t excuse someone for fleeing the scene, it would explain a large number of these types of crashes.

A hit and run with no insurance or a hit and run with property damage are just a few examples of reasons why someone might flee the scene of an accident. Even if you are unable to identify a driver you might still be able to receive compensation. Call a hit and run attorney today.

Often, following a hit and run accident, the other driver is not identified, making it next to impossible to seek compensation through the other driver’s insurance. Under these circumstances, compensation might only be available through your own insurance policy. While it is possible to negotiate a settlement with your insurance carrier, a hit and run lawyer can help. With experience handling these types of cases, Schlacter Law understands the issues and knows how to work with your carrier to get you as much compensation as possible.

In some cases, the insurance holder will not provide an adequate amount of compensation. For example, if an injury requires ongoing medical treatment that might last months or years, the amount offered at settlement might fail to cover these costs. In these situations, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit against the insurance company to seek adequate compensation.

Florida’s statute of limitations requires a personal injury claim to be filed within four years of the accident, or four years from when an injury is discovered. ^[2] If a claim isn’t filed within this timeframe it might be dismissed and compensation may be unavailable. While it is rare, there are limited circumstances when the statute of limitations might be tolled. Keep in mind that these are rare circumstances and it is important to adhere to these deadlines rather than let them lapse.

Hit and run accidents are some of the most difficult situations. Being unable to identify the other driver adds to an already complex situation, and having to deal with your insurance company for compensation can add to an already complex situation. Schlacter Law can help. Our Hollywood hit & run attorneys will work hard to get you the compensation you need following an accident. Rest assured that we understand the situation and are here to help. Call today for a consultation.

How We Handle Cases

1. Investigation
   • Your attorney will aggressively investigate your case. Schlacter Law will compile all necessary evidence needed to maximize the value of your case. Which includes but is not limited to photographs, police reports, security camera footage, witness statements, medical bills and medical records.
   • You will remain in constant contact with Schlacter Law about the progression of your case.
2. Negotiation
   • Your attorney will present your case to the insurance company and will attempt to resolve your case before the case goes to court for maximum compensation.
   • Your attorney will make every effort possible to resolve the case as quickly as possible for the most amount of money you may be entitled to. You will be actively involved in the negotiation process with your attorney. Schlacter Law understands that this is your one opportunity to get justice for your loss.
3. Litigation
   • If settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, Schlacter Law will be fully prepared to bring your case to court to fight for the justice you deserve.
   • At no cost to you, Schlacter Law will hire any experts and professionals needed to maximize your recovery and present your case in the strongest form possible.