What To Do in a Hit and Run Accident in Fort Lauderdale?

A hit and run driver slammed into you and kept going. You feel shaken, angry, and unsure of your next move. That moment leaves a lot behind.

What to do in a hit and run accident in Fort Lauderdale isn’t obvious, but quick decisions can protect your health, your claim, and your future.

If the crash left you hurt, a Fort Lauderdale hit and run accident lawyer can explain your rights and help you figure out your next step.

Step One: Check for Injuries and Call for Help

After a hit and run, focus on safety first. Move out of traffic if possible. Call 911 and report the crash. Let emergency responders check for injuries, even if you feel fine. A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer would tell you the same thing: prioritize your health from the start.

Internal injuries and shock can delay pain. A medical evaluation right away creates a record that links your injuries to the crash, which helps your insurance claim later.

If you or anyone else needs immediate care, don’t wait. Handle everything else once you’re stable.

Step Two: Gather What Evidence You Can

Even though the other driver left, you still have a chance to collect key details. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer will use anything you remember to strengthen your case.

Try to write down or record:

• The make, model, or color of the vehicle
• A partial license plate number
• The direction the vehicle fled
• Any damage to your car or the scene

Also, take pictures of your injuries, vehicle, debris, and surroundings. This evidence can be important later, especially if security footage or witnesses confirm what you saw.

Step Three: File a Police Report Immediately

Under Florida law, you must report any crash involving injuries or property damage. After a hit and run, tell officers everything you remember. If there are businesses or homes nearby, ask police to check their cameras.

An official report creates a timeline and helps support your claim. The police may not find the driver right away, but having a formal record is critical either way.

A Fort Lauderdale hit and run accident lawyer can use the police report and evidence to build a strong insurance claim or lawsuit.

Step Four: Contact a Lawyer Before Speaking With Insurers

Insurance companies may look for ways to limit your payout. Before giving a statement, contact an attorney. They can guide you through your next steps and deal with the insurance company directly.

Your lawyer will also explain your policy, including personal injury protection (PIP) benefits and uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Both can help after a hit and run.

If you do not own a vehicle, PIP benefits may still be available through a household member’s policy.

Early legal support helps protect your rights and strengthens your case from the start.

Step Five: Notify Your Insurance Company

Let your insurer know about the accident as soon as you speak with a lawyer. Florida’s no-fault law allows your PIP coverage to handle medical bills and lost wages.

If the other driver remains unidentified or lacks insurance, file a UM claim. Many drivers don’t realize they have this option.

Your lawyer can deal with the insurer, review your benefits, and fight back if they try to delay or deny your claim.

What If the Police Find the Hit and Run Driver Later?

Sometimes, law enforcement locates the driver hours or days after the crash. Surveillance footage, witness tips, or traffic camera hits may lead to an arrest.

If the driver is found, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them for your damages. The fact that they fled the scene may even support a claim for punitive damages in certain cases.

Drivers who leave the scene often do so for a reason—no insurance, suspended license, or even DUI. An experienced attorney can hold them accountable on all fronts.

Why You Still Have Options If the Driver Isn’t Found

You might feel stuck if the other driver disappears. However, Florida law provides you with options through your own insurance.

Uninsured motorist coverage steps in when you’re hit by a driver with no insurance, or a driver who flees and is never identified. If you have UM coverage, you can file a claim for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Future care needs

Your insurance company won’t make this easy. That’s why working with a hit and run accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale can make the difference between a denied claim and a full recovery.

Hit and Run Accident Attorney in Fort Lauderdale: What They Do

A hit and run case takes more work than a typical crash. When you hire an attorney, you’re bringing in someone who will:

• Investigate the crash scene
• Find surveillance footage and witnesses
• Work with accident reconstruction experts
• Handle all insurance negotiations
• Calculate the full extent of your damages
• File a lawsuit if needed

Whether the driver is found or not, a hit and run accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale can help secure the support you need to recover and move forward.

How Long Do You Have to File a Hit and Run Claim in Florida?

Florida generally gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. That clock starts on the day of the crash.

However, if the at-fault driver is unknown, the timeline can get complicated. Some deadlines depend on when the driver’s identity becomes known or when your insurance denies your claim.

The sooner you act, the more evidence your lawyer can preserve—and the stronger your case becomes.

Wrongful Death After a Hit and Run in Fort Lauderdale

Hit and run crashes can end lives in an instant. If your family lost someone in one of these collisions, you may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of claim can cover funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income, and the deep emotional toll of your loss.

While no amount of money can make things right, a wrongful death claim can help protect your future and bring a measure of justice to your loved one’s memory.

Talk to a Fort Lauderdale Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Today

You don’t have to handle this on your own. A Fort Lauderdale hit and run accident lawyer can explain your rights and help you fight back.

At The Schiller Kessler Group, we’ve spent over three decades helping Florida injury victims find answers and recover what they’re owed. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Call now to schedule your free consultation. We’ll help you take the next step with clarity and strength.