It is estimated that around 20% of all car accidents in the State of Florida are hit-and-run accidents. This is often the worst-case scenario for victims who are subsequently unsure if they are able to pursue compensation, as there is no at-fault individual to file a claim or a lawsuit against. So, in these scenarios, the role of a police officer is absolutely crucial.
If this is the case for you, it’s natural to wonder what the police will be able to do in order to locate the driver who has fled the accident scene, as this provides the best chance of any financial recovery. Law enforcement officers will be using all tools at their disposal to track down the responsible driver and ensure that justice is served.
Whether or not law enforcement is able to locate the driver who caused your accident, you should get in touch with The Law Place today for legal representation. We can look at all of the details of your case and help you find the best route to recovering damages.
We’re a Florida law firm committed to offering excellent service and support to all of our clients. We have both personal injury attorneys and criminal defense lawyers on our team, so no matter your situation, we can help.
To book your free consultation, call our office today at (941) 444-4444.
Do Police Investigate Hit and Runs?
Police investigations into hit-and-run incidents are a critical part of the process for achieving justice and closure for the victims. Understanding the scope and nature of these investigations can provide insights into how these serious incidents are handled by law enforcement.
When a hit-and-run is reported, police officers take the matter seriously and conduct thorough investigations. These investigations aim to uncover what happened, identify the person responsible, and bring them to justice. The investigation process typically includes several key steps:
- Gathering Evidence at the Scene – Officers start by collecting evidence at the scene of the accident. This includes taking photographs, measuring skid marks, collecting any vehicle parts left behind, and noting any other physical evidence that could help identify the fleeing vehicle.
- Interviewing Witnesses – Witnesses are invaluable in hit-and-run investigations. Police will interview anyone who may have seen the accident or who might have information about the vehicles involved.
- Reviewing Surveillance Footage – If the hit-and-run occurred in an area with surveillance cameras, such as traffic cameras or security cameras from nearby businesses, police will review this footage for any clues.
- Issuing Public Appeals – In some cases, law enforcement may issue public appeals for information, especially in hit-and-runs involving serious injuries or fatalities.
- Forensic Analysis – Any physical evidence found at the scene can be analyzed forensically. For example, paint chips or vehicle parts can sometimes be traced back to specific makes and models of vehicles.
- Working with Other Departments – Police may also collaborate with other departments or agencies, especially if the suspect vehicle is believed to have crossed jurisdictional lines.
Through these investigative efforts, police aim to locate the person responsible for the hit-and-run. Once a suspect is identified, they can be charged and brought to trial, providing an opportunity for the victims to seek justice and compensation for their losses.
Why Do Hit-and-run Accidents Happen?
A hit-and-run accident may happen for many reasons. For example, the hit-and-run driver could have been:
- Driving Whilst Under the Influence of Alcohol – According to Florida Statute 316.193, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle in the State of Florida if your blood or breath alcohol level of 0.08 or above. A driver may fail to stop at the scene of an accident if they have been drinking and are worried that they will be found to be over the legal alcohol limit.
- Driving Whilst Under the Influence of Drugs – A driver is considered under the influence of drugs if they have taken any illegal controlled substance found in Florida Statute 893.03 or if their functions have been impaired by a prescription drug leading to driving unsafely.
- In Possession of Other Illegal Items – A driver could be hesitant to call law enforcement after hitting another driver if they have a legally prohibited item such as an illegally obtained firearm on their person.
- Fleeing the Scene of a Crime – If a driver had committed another crime and they were fleeing the scene, they would be unlikely to stop to render aid and report to law enforcement officers if they caused an accident.
- Driving With Previous Convictions – If a driver has previously been convicted of other crimes, especially traffic-related ones, they may refuse to stop at the scene of a crash because they know that they will receive a harsher penalty as a repeat offender.
- Driving Without a License or With a Stolen Vehicle – If a driver believes they will be caught driving without a license or in a vehicle they have stolen by stopping at the scene of an accident, they may choose to flee the scene.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day. How Do Police Find a Hit-and-Run Driver?
The moment an accident occurs, police will be on the lookout for any case information that could locate a missing driver. They’ll have a number of tools available to use, including:
Pursuing a Driver
It may be the case that police officers arrive at the scene of an accident just in time to see a hit-and-run driver. Alternatively, witness testimony could alert officers to the location of the at-fault driver, who could still be nearby.
If this is the case, law enforcement will pursue the fleeing driver. If this individual is caught, he could be arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident, which is a misdemeanor of the second degree according to Florida Statute 316.061.
Locating Video Surveillance Footage
The most useful tool that law enforcement officers can use during hit-and-run investigations is video surveillance footage. If you were hit in a busy area or in proximity to other buildings, it is likely that a surveillance camera will have picked up the accident.
Depending on the exact location of the incident as well as the quality of the footage, police officers could be able to find the type of vehicle as well as the license plate number of the driver leaving the scene. The video footage could also help officers locate any other drivers or pedestrians at the scene of the accident, which could be questioned.
Using Witness Testimonies
Witness testimonies are less reliable than video surveillance footage as a person’s memory is not always 100% accurate, they could be subject to a bias, or they could purposefully give an inaccurate account.
However, when it comes to hit-and-run accidents, law enforcement officers will use every available tool they can in order to locate a driver who has fled the scene. Any witnesses could potentially give identifying information about the at-fault driver or their vehicle, as well as how the accident occurred.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience Can I Still Get Compensation for a Hit-and-run Case?
The main concern for victims of a hit-and-run accident is how to claim compensation without another driver to hold accountable. If you’ve suffered serious injuries or property damage in this type of accident, don’t worry. You still have a number of options available to you when it comes to claiming compensation.
Personal Injury Protection Insurance
The first thing you should do in order to recover damages is to make an insurance claim through your own provider. In compliance with Florida Statute 627.736, as a Florida driver, you are required to possess a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection insurance.
This will cover:
- Up to 80% of medical bills – So, if you possess this minimum $10,000 policy, up to $8,000 of your medical expenses will be recovered.
- Up to 60% of lost wages – This covers you if you are unable to work whilst you are recovering from your injuries.
So, whether or not you are at fault for an accident, you’ll be able to go through your insurance company to make a personal injury claim.
However, you should bear in mind that insurance companies are usually trying to find a way to reduce your payout. They may try to get you to admit fault, to downplay your injuries, or even to sign something which may harm your claim. So, make sure to contact a hit-and-run accident lawyer before you speak to your insurance company.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in the State of Florida. However, it should be a high priority for any driver who does not want to be out-of-pocket in the case of a hit-and-run car accident or a crash where another driver is uninsured. In fact, many states require all drivers to take out this type of insurance policy.
If you possess uninsured motorist cover, you will be able to recover damages for a hit-and-run. However, the amount you receive will depend on the extent of your insurance policy.
File a Personal Injury Claim or Lawsuit Against an At-Fault Driver
If police are able to locate a hit-and-run driver after they have fled the scene of the crime, you’ll be able to file a personal injury claim or pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them.
Through either of these options, you could receive:
A Higher Amount of Lost Wages
In some cases, accident victims become injured or disabled, which can mean they are unable to continue at their previous job or have their earning potential reduced. So, claiming or filing against another driver for lost wages can also cover estimated future loss of earnings.
A Higher Amount of Medical Bills
The main motivation for many victims of traffic accidents when pursuing compensation is to recover money spent on medical bills. Ambulance travel, hospital stays, and medical treatment can amount to thousands of dollars in the State of Florida, which can leave victims with large out-of-pocket expenses that may not be entirely covered by their existing insurance policy.
Pain and Suffering
A hit-and-run crash can be traumatic for accident victims, especially if they become injured. Those who experienced these types of incidents can be left with long-term mental conditions and trauma such as PTSD or severe anxiety. Therefore, pain and suffering are also something you could be compensated for if your quality of life has been significantly affected by psychological damage.
Loss of Consortium
If your partner or spouse was significantly injured in a hit-and-run accident, your physical relationship might be affected – especially if they become permanently disabled. In this case, you could be awarded damages for loss of consortium.
Wrongful Death
Auto accidents in the State of Florida can sometimes cause fatal injuries in worst-case scenarios. So, if someone related to you has been killed in a hit-and-run auto accident, you may be entitled to wrongful death compensation.
Wrongful death benefits can cover:
- No longer being supported by the deceased policyholder’s income.
- Loss of companionship.
- Loss of consortium.
- Medical costs if the policyholder was treated before they passed away.
- Burial and funeral expenses.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers. Will Cops Come to Your House for a Hit and Run?
In the aftermath of a hit-and-run incident, one of the common questions that arises is whether law enforcement will visit the home of a suspect. The response of the police in such scenarios can vary based on several factors, but in certain circumstances, it is indeed possible that officers might come to your house as part of their investigation.
When a hit-and-run is reported, law enforcement officers actively begin an investigation to identify and locate the person responsible. This investigation typically involves gathering evidence from the scene of the accident, such as surveillance footage, witness testimonies, and any physical evidence left behind. If this evidence leads to a specific individual, the police may visit their home as part of their investigative process.
The likelihood of police coming to your house increases if there are clear leads pointing to you as the suspect, such as eyewitness accounts, vehicle registration details obtained from the scene, or other compelling evidence. In cases where the hit-and-run resulted in significant property damage, injuries, or fatalities, the police are more diligent in their pursuit and will likely make more concerted efforts to locate the responsible party, which could include visits to potential suspects’ residences.
It’s important to note that if you are involved in a hit-and-run, either as a perpetrator or a victim, seeking legal counsel is advisable. If you are the suspect, having legal representation can help you navigate the situation more effectively and ensure that your rights are protected during police interactions.
What Do Police Do in a Hit-and-Run? FAQ
How do police respond immediately after hit and run incidents are reported?
When hit and run incidents are reported, police typically respond by visiting the scene to gather evidence. This includes collecting physical evidence, interviewing witnesses, and documenting any damage. The initial response is crucial for starting the hit and run investigation on the right foot.
What information do police look for to identify the other driver in a hit and run?
Police look for any information that can lead to identifying the other driver involved in a hit and run. This includes the driver’s license plate number, descriptions of the vehicle and driver from witnesses, and any available surveillance footage that may have captured the vehicle’s license plate number or other identifying details.
How can hit and run victims assist the police in their investigation?
Hit and run victims can assist police by providing as much information as possible about the incident. This includes the time, location, any details of the other vehicle and driver, and any potential witnesses. Additionally, victims should provide any photos or videos they may have taken at the scene.
What role does the insurance provider play after a hit and run incident?
After a hit and run incident, the victim’s insurance provider can play a significant role. If the other driver is not found, the victim may need to file a claim with their own insurance provider to seek compensation for damages, especially if they have uninsured motorist coverage.
How do police locate the driver responsible for a hit and run?
Police locate the driver responsible for a hit and run using various methods. This includes checking nearby surveillance cameras, running the vehicle’s license plate number through databases, examining any physical evidence left at the scene, and following up on tips from the public.
Should hit and run victims contact their insurance provider even if the other driver is not immediately identified?
Yes, hit and run victims should contact their insurance provider even if the other driver is not immediately identified. Reporting the incident to your insurance company is important for the claims process and can be crucial if you need to seek compensation through your own policy.
Can hit and run victims still seek compensation if the police are unable to locate the other driver?
Yes, hit and run victims can still seek compensation if the police are unable to locate the other driver. This compensation is typically sought through the victim’s own insurance provider, particularly under uninsured motorist coverage or collision coverage, depending on the specifics of their policy.
Contact The Law Place for Help With Hit-and-run Accidents
Hit-and-run drivers wreak havoc on their victims’ lives, financially, physically, and emotionally. So, if you were hit by a driver who fled the scene, contact The Law Place today.
We’re a Florida law firm with a clear track record of success when it comes to achieving compensation for our clients. We provide sound legal advice, offer a comprehensive service that involves the knowledge of our whole team, and build strong legal cases to help you achieve the best possible amount of compensation for your case.
Book your free consultation with an experienced hit-and-run attorney today on (941) 444-4444.
