South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog
Proving fault for a hit and run accident claim can be difficult without the help of a licensed lawyer on your side. If your claim is viable, a good lawyer will know what evidence to look for and how to obtain it. He or she can also help you properly preserve the evidence for later use. This is especially important in complex cases that may end up going to trial.
If you or a loved one was the victim of a hit and run crash in Miami, we recommended contacting Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers to set up a complimentary, initial review of your claim. Our experienced attorneys have more than four decades of combined legal experience, which includes cases resulting from hit and run crashes.
Below, we discuss the types of evidence needed to prove a hit and run claim and how you and your attorney can preserve the value of your claim. Knowing your legal options from a licensed lawyer could help you seek the fair amount of compensation you may need to make a full recovery.
Common Types of Evidence in a Hit and Run Accident
As the plaintiff, it is up to you and your attorney to gather enough evidence to back your claim. An experienced attorney knows which clues to look for when investigating a hit and run case. However, there are some ways you could help preserve some evidence to maintain the full value of your claim.
Some of the more common types of evidence you may need to prove your hit and run accident claim might include:
Accident Reports: Notifying the local authorities and obtaining a police report following a hit and run can be very beneficial for your case. If the at-fault driver violated any traffic laws, the officer may have issued a citation, which may be included in the report. For example, if the other driver was found to have been speeding, driving recklessly, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The officer reporting to the scene can also offer assistance to keep you and others safe from further harm.
Pictures and Video: If you were hurt as a result of a hit and run accident, it is important to take pictures of your injuries at the time of the crash and during the recovery process. If your vehicle was damaged due to the accident, take pictures and video of the damages to both vehicles, if possible. Be sure to take pictures of the other vehicle’s license plate number or write it down for your reference. You should also try to capture any other clues that might help tell the story, such as nearby traffic signs or signals, notable landmarks, skid marks, broken glass or any other damages related to the crash.
Sometimes accidents are caught on video in real-time, as they occur. Be sure to look around the accident scene for any nearby traffic or surveillance cameras that may have captured the footage. Your lawyer may be able to legally obtain a copy of the video to submit as evidence to help support your claim.
Witness Information: Sometimes there may be individuals near the accident scene who may have witnessed the events leading up to the crash. Be sure to record their names, addresses, and phone numbers if they agree to provide a statement in your favor. You can also ask permission to record a witness statement on video using your cellphone. Having a credible witness could make a significant impact to the outcome of your claim and he or she may help locate the driver who left the scene of the accident.
Medical Documentation: If you or someone you care for was injured in a hit and run accident, it is critical to preserve copies of all healthcare bills, diagnostic reports, and other medical documentation related to the injuries and recovery process. Since injuries usually require expensive medical treatments, you will want to recover these costs by saving copies of all related medical documentation to submit as evidence and avoid paying out-of-pocket.
Physical Evidence: Sometimes collecting pieces of physical evidence may help improve your chances of having a successful hit and run accident claim. Ripped, torn, or bloody clothing should be preserved and sealed in a plastic bag or container if you or a loved one is ever involved in an accident. If you notice broken pieces of car parts from the other vehicle, you should try to collect them once the police are done with their investigation. Having these clues could help your lawyer and the police find the other driver, who may have left the scene of the accident illegally.
Expert Witnesses: Oftentimes, a hit and run accident case can be difficult to prove without the help of a well-trained professional, who can use advanced technology and intricate pieces of evidence to determine fault for a hit and run accident. This individual is a neutral third-party, who has extensive knowledge and experience about certain aspects related to the physical evidence in a car crash case. For example, a forensics expert may be able to identify the other vehicle by collecting pieces of paint and investigating skid marks or tracks left behind. If your claim goes to trial, the expert witness could testify on your behalf, which may help improve your chances of recovering the rightful amount of compensation you may deserve.
If you have a valid claim, Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers can hire a reputable Expert Witness on your behalf to help ensure you are getting the professional help you need. The Expert Witness could be the deciding factor in complex cases when intricate details are needed to prove fault.
Interrogatories and Depositions: If you cannot agree on a settlement offer with the insurance companies involved, you may need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. This means you and your lawyers can put together questions for the defendant and have the answers recorded by a court reporter with your attorney present, in what is known as an interrogatory. A deposition is another form of questioning that takes place under oath in a court setting. The defendant could be found guilty of perjury, if he or she fails to answer the questions truthfully in either situation.
Contact an Attorney With a Proven History of Success
Hit and run accident victims are often left with hefty medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of income from missing work, and property damage. This is why it is imperative that you speak with a knowledgeable hit and run accident attorney who has a proven history of success.
At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, we offer a no-cost, initial review of your hit and run accident claim without any obligations . Altogether, our accomplished attorneys have helped our clients recover more than $100 million in successful verdicts and settlements.
We have handled more than 6,000 cases combined, while receiving over 600-plus, five-star reviews and testimonials. Our compassionate attorneys are active members in supporting the local community, as we aim to protect the rights of accident victims throughout the Miami, Florida area and beyond (by appointment).
Contact our firm today to ask any legal questions you may have regarding your hit and run accident claim. Allow our team of friendly professionals guide you through the complexities of the litigation system, so you can rest assured knowing that your rights to pursue compensation are legally protected.
Call Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers today at (561) 800-8000 to schedule your initial appointment, which is at no cost to you. You can also fill out a free online evaluation form to get the process started or you can chat with an online representative to learn more.
Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers never settle for less when we fight to protect the rights of our clients.