Boca Raton Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

A hit and run accident happens when a motor vehicle collision occurs and the person who caused the accident does not wait for the police to come or provide information, but instead, leaves the scene of the accident before making themselves known.

In Boca Raton, hit and run accidents could be caused by inexperienced drivers, someone under the influence of alcohol or other substances, or someone who does not have insurance or a license. Sometimes, people who have something to hide or are worried about other factors may leave the scene of the accident much quicker and without any thought as opposed to someone who has proper insurance and is not under the influence that had an accident. There is typically something more to the situation than just causing an accident.

Recovery following a hit and run accident can be expensive and lengthy, and proving your case can be difficult. Therefore, if you have been in an accident, you should contact a Boca Raton hit and run accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced auto accident attorney can help to fight for your right to compensation following an accident.

Uninsured Driving

The biggest factor in hit and run accidents in Boca Raton is whether or not the victim had uninsured motorist coverage for bodily injury under their policy. That means that if they are hurt as a result of a hit and run accident in Boca Raton and the other vehicle and driver is never identified, the injured person’s own insurance can step in and pay to the extent that the other person would have paid, up to the available policy limits of the uninsured motorist coverage.

Uninsured motorist by definition means a vehicle that fled the scene and is unknown because the vehicle that caused the accident cannot be identified. Their insurance is unknown, therefore, they are uninsured. Uninsured can also be a driver who does not have Bodily Injury Insurance.

Steps to Take Following an Accident

• Contact police and have them come to the scene
• Take photographs of damage to the vehicle
• Take photos of the scene
• Seek immediate medical attention
• Contact a hit and run attorney in Boca Raton

Recoverable Damages

In a hit and run case, the recoverable damages a Boca Raton hit and run accident attorney can help their client receive will depend on the severity of the injury. Assuming that the injured person has a permanent injury, they are entitled to pain and suffering, and other damages. They are entitled to recover money for reasonable out-of-pocket medical expenses, reasonable and necessary anticipated future medical expenses, past lost wages, future lost wages, pain and suffering, which includes loss of use, loss of function, disfigurement, and emotional trauma in the past and also into the future.

Punitive Damages

There are usually no punitive damages because those are assessed against a person who caused an accident when their action was so egregious it warranted punitive damages. In a typical motor vehicle crash, punitive damages are not awarded unless there is an aggravating factor such as driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In an accident involving a drunk driver, the injured person may be able to obtain punitive damages against that driver. In a hit and run accident, there are no punitive damages because there is no wrong-doer being held accountable for their actions.

Contacting an Attorney

To help the victim of a hit and run accident, there may be other evidence available to ascertain the hit and run driver, such as surveillance video from nearby stores or witnesses that might help identify the vehicle and the driver of the car that fled the scene. A Boca Raton hit and run accident attorney can help the injured person get appropriate treatment, makes sure the bills and charges are proper, and ensures that everything is processed properly through the victim’s insurance company.