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Dealing with the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can be difficult, especially if you suffered physical injuries. When these accidents are someone else’s fault, there is often the peace of mind that comes with knowing an insurance policy or personal injury claim could ultimately pay for your damages. This peace of mind is usually shattered when the other driver flees the scene of the crash.
If you were involved in a hit-and-run in Tampa, you have legal options. Whether it is filing a lawsuit or pursuing an insurance claim, it’s possible you can recover the compensation you deserve. Let a car accident lawyer from Kogan & DiSalvo help you pursue justice following a crash.
Are hit and run cases hard to win?
The investigation into a hit and run accident is vital. While there is a belief by many that it is never possible to track down a driver after they leave the scene, the reality is that it is often possible to identify the other party and hold them accountable.
These cases have a lot in common with other motor vehicle negligence lawsuits. To win your case, you will need to prove that the other driver acted negligently when they caused the collision. Of course, the major difference with these types of cases is the additional task of finding and identifying the at-fault party. If you are able to identify the at-fault party, the next step is ensuring that the basic elements of negligence can be established, including:
- Establishing a duty of care
- Proving the duty was breached
- Demonstrating a causal link between the crash and your injuries
- Sustaining compensable damages
There might be additional options for compensation outside of filing a lawsuit. If it is impossible to identify the other driver in the crash, your insurance policy might cover your damages. This option depends entirely on the type of insurance coverage you carry.
Why drivers leave the scene of an accident
There are many reasons why a driver might refuse to stay at the scene of a collision. Most of the time, their actions are driven by the fear of consequences. Some common examples include the following:
Impaired motorists
One of the most common reasons for a motorist to leave the scene of a crash is driving while intoxicated. Impaired drivers are typically aware that they are at risk of being arrested when they are involved in a crash. Due to the potential consequences, many instead choose to flee the scene.
Immigration issues
There are drivers who leave the scene of an accident due to their immigration status. In these situations, a motorist may fear that the accident might ultimately result in their deportation and removal from the country. This fear can make them leave the scene of a crash.
No insurance
Every motorist in Florida is required to carry a minimum degree of liability insurance. Those who do not are on the hook for any damage they cause, and they could also be ticketed by the police for not having insurance. Given the tremendous financial impact this can have, some parties choose to leave the accident scene instead of facing the consequences.
Gathering evidence
There are a few ways to gather evidence after a hit-and-run accident that could help you build a winning case for compensation. By far, the most important detail is the license plate number of the other driver. With their plate number, it is possible to track down the owner. This can lead to the identity of the driver. Other useful pieces of information include details about the driver’s appearance, their vehicle type, or any visible damage to their car or truck.
Kogan & DiSalvo can help you recover compensation
If you were hurt in a hit-and-run accident, you deserve justice. The team at Kogan & DiSalvo can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries. To learn how a Tampa hit and run accident lawyer could help, call today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
