What Evidence Will I Need to Identify a Hit and Run Driver?
Hit and run accidents have become an increasingly serious problem in recent years across the U.S. Unfortunately, this has proven to be true in Florida as well, where, according to the state’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), there were 104,895 hit and run crashes in 2023 alone. These kinds of accidents are extremely dangerous and also very frustrating for accident victims, who may find themselves struggling to pay off their medical bills and vehicle repair costs on their own. This is why it’s so important for hit and run victims to preserve evidence from their crashes and so attempt to identify the hit and run driver who struck them.
Eyewitness Statements
Fleeing the scene of an accident is illegal in Florida, so those who are found guilty of doing so face significant criminal penalties. Besides this, however, such individuals can also be found liable for the damage that they caused to someone’s car. In order for this to happen, the at-fault driver must first be identified, which in turn, will require strong evidence, such as eyewitness statements. First-hand accounts of this nature (from those who saw the accident) can play a pivotal role not only in identifying the driver, but also in reconstructing the events that led up to the crash.
Photos and Video Footage
Even if eyewitnesses are only able to remember the color of a vehicle or a partial license plate of the car that caused a hit and run accident, there are other forms of evidence that can be used to help identify the at-fault party, such as surveillance footage. Recordings from nearby security cameras, cell phone recordings, or even dashboard footage can all be used to help pinpoint the identity of a hit and run driver. Even photos snapped by passerby immediately prior to or during the crash can be used to narrow down information about the driver, such as the color, style, or model of the vehicle, or even a license plate number.
Photos of Vehicle Damage
Hit and run accidents often result in a lot of physical damage to the vehicles in question, which is one of the reasons why the at-fault party may flee the scene. Others include a lack of auto insurance, driving on a suspended license, an outstanding arrest warrant, or driving under the influence. Inspections and photos of the victim’s damaged vehicle, however, can help determine the color of the at-fault party’s car and the height and width of dents and scratches can even be used to narrow down the size and even the model of the vehicle in question. This information can then help confirm a hit and run driver’s identity when matched with the damage to his or her own car.
Speak with an Experienced Florida Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you find yourself the victim of a hit and run accident, obtaining help from a legal representative can make all the difference in whether or not you are able to identify the hit and run driver who caused your crash. At Boone & Davis, our experienced Florida car accident lawyers are well-versed in the kinds of evidence you’ll need to help find the person responsible for your injuries and vehicle damage. Call us at 954-566-9919 to get started on your case today.
Sources:
flhsmv.gov/2023/02/01/hit-and-run-crashes-on-florida-roads-average-over-103000-per-year-drivers-urged-to-stay-at-the-scene/
flhsmv.gov/safety-center/driving-safety/hitrun/
