Florida’s High Rate of Hit-and-Run Accidents

Florida's High Rate of Hit-and-Run Accidents

Traffic accidents in Orlando are frustrating and distressing enough for victims. When one party involved in a Florida car accident drives away from the scene, this makes the situation even worse for a victim. Specifically, if a victim is injured and the other party leaves without calling for medical assistance, the injuries that the victim is suffering could worsen as they wait for help, and potentially the damage could lead to death. 

Hit-and-run drivers are negligent and their acts are illegal. The law in the state of Florida indicates that when in a crash, the parties involved must stay on the scene to share information, and if there are any injuries obtain aid for the parties who are hurt. While this is what is legally expected and required, not every driver will follow the law and hit-and-run accidents in Orlando happen quite often. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety indicates that across the country, hit-and-run accidents happening more frequently.

After an Orlando hit-and-run collision, call the Orlando personal injury attorneys at the Vaughan Law Group for help with a Florida personal injury claim. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety also reports that Florida in specific, is plagued with hit-and-run accidents and the state has some of the highest numbers of these accidents when compared to other states in the nation. Not every hit-and-run driver is located by authorities, but the statistics show that approximately half of these individuals are tracked down and held accountable for their reckless actions.

What Can Victims of Hit-and-Run Accidents Do to Pay for Their Damages?

Florida's High Rate of Hit-and-Run AccidentsIf the hit-and-run driver is found, a victim can sue not just for their pain and suffering, property damages, lost wages, and medical expenses but also for additional compensation through Florida punitive damages. Punitive damages are used in cases where the defendant in a case has committed acts that are so outrageous and appalling that individuals who were victimized by the behavior can be paid additional money to account for what they had to endure.

Not every hit-and-run driver is recovered by the authorities. Victims of Orlando hit-and-run car accidents may not obtain their full legal justice by having a negligent party held accountable for their actions, but compensation can still be recovered through an insurance claim. The first place where a victim can obtain compensation for medical care is through Personal Injury Protection insurance. When the destruction caused by the collision exhausts the amount of PIP coverage, then victims that have uninsured motorist insurance will be able to use that coverage.

Speak with a Florida Car Accident Attorney Today

Having the right type of insurance is critical to ensuring that you are taken care of when you are in an Orlando car accident. While you pay to have uninsured motorist insurance coverage in Florida, should you be involved in a hit-and-run accident and the driver who flees the scene is not located, this coverage will take the place of the missing person and allow you to obtain the compensation you need in such a situation. 

Working with a knowledgeable and capable Orlando personal injury attorney at the Vaughan Law Group will increase your chances of obtaining the most money for your damages. Schedule a free consultation with an Orlando hit-and-run accident attorney at the Vaughan Law Group today by calling (407) 648-1426.

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