Hit and Run Car Accident Question

I don't get this. FL has signs all over saying to move out of the lanes of traffic if you are in an accident. :confused3 Perhaps the problem arises if you go too far from the scene.

I think OP completely left the scene.

But the law--I'm not an expert...but it seems more geared to the girl who left:

316.027 Crash involving death or personal injuries.--

(1)(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in a crash resulting in injury of any person must immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the crash, or as close thereto as possible, and must remain at the scene of the crash until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of s. 316.062. Any person who willfully violates this paragraph is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(b) The driver of any vehicle involved in a crash resulting in the death of any person must immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the crash, or as close thereto as possible, and must remain at the scene of the crash until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of s. 316.062. Any person who willfully violates this paragraph is guilty of a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(2) The department shall revoke the driver's license of the person so convicted.

(3) Every stop must be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary, and, if a damaged vehicle is obstructing traffic, the driver of the vehicle must make every reasonable effort to move the vehicle or have it moved so as not to obstruct the regular flow of traffic. Any person who fails to comply with this subsection shall be cited for a nonmoving violation, punishable as provided in chapter 318.

(4) A person whose commission of a noncriminal traffic infraction or any violation of this chapter or s. 1006.66 causes or results in the death of another person may, in addition to any other civil, criminal, or administrative penalty imposed, be required by the court to serve 120 community service hours in a trauma center or hospital that regularly receives victims of vehicle accidents, under the supervision of a registered nurse, an emergency room physician, or an emergency medical technician pursuant to a voluntary community service program operated by the trauma center or hospital.



In another search--the law is clarified as injury to ANOTHER party--it doesn't say anything about injury to self.

I just cannot see how OP did anything wrong. As I said--I had serious damage to my vehicle and they only came out b/c I got extremely hysterical on the phone as I conveyed what happened. I am not sure police would haev come unless I said that I needed them.

And while this is not published law, I did find this interpretation:

When any kind of motor vehicle accident occurs, state traffic laws require the drivers involved to follow certain procedures immediately after the incident. In most states, the specific procedure that must be followed depends on whether the accident:

•Caused damage to property only (i.e. hitting a parked vehicle); or
•Caused injuries to others (i.e. another driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian); or
•Resulted in a person's death (i.e. another driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian).
Typically, state traffic laws require that any driver involved in an accident stop his or her vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so, and exchange identification and contact information with any other driver involved in the incident.

If a driver collides with an unattended vehicle or other stationary property, most states mandate that he or she make a reasonable effort to identify the property owner and alert them as to what happened by, for example:

•Taking down the vehicle's license number if a parked car is damaged, or
•Leaving a written notice at the scene (with the driver's identifying information) if other property is damaged.
After an accident involving injuries, drivers usually have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to help any injured person -- including calling for assistance from emergency medical services -- and to report the accident to local law enforcement.

Any driver who fails to fulfill their duties after being involved in an accident can receive a traffic ticket, at a minimum. In some cases, especially when an accident causes injury or death, a driver who leaves the scene of an accident can be subject to serious criminal charges such as "felony hit and run."

Since the other driver left--she is the one who committed a felony.

The OP left only after the other driver fled (perhaps not realizing she was injured :confused3). and then did as she was supposed to--she reported the accident when she could.

Methinks the police officer she dealt with was being a jerk.
 
At 2pm today I was involved in a Hit and Run Car Accident. I was stopped at a red light and a girl bashed into the back of my car. I hit my head on the steering wheel and then again on the headrest. The light turned green and we both went right. I pulled over thinking we'd both get out, access damage, exchange info, etc. Well, she didn't pull over, she sped away. :mad:

My car's bumper has scratches and the paint chipped off. It's dented but other than that my car is okay. Thank goodness.

I went to the Police Department and they told me that nothing could be done since she and I both left the scene of the accident and I didn't catch her tag number. I completely understand this. They gave me a form to fill out to send to my insurance company and told me they'd check the traffic cameras.

I went to the hospital (per my Dad's request) and was told that I had a concussion. Now I just feel like total, utter crap. I know I got really lucky that I didn't get hurt even worse but ugh..

My question (sorry for being long winded!): has this happens to anyone else and if so, did they ever find who did it via looking at traffic cameras? Also, any tips on dealing with a concussion is appreciated (already talked to my DR- Tylenol, no sleeping, no laying down, no physical activity, etc but any other tips from DISers would be great!).

Thanks in advance!

I was involved in an incident that was somewhat similar. The best thing that happened in my case was the witnesses. They were helpful and knew the car, the plate info, etc. Everything worked out in the end.

I wish the best of luck to you and hope you feel better soon.

Jason
 
I would second at least checking with the school. Were you able to get anything , the car model and color? At both colleges I attended, in order to get a parking decal you had to submit all your car information to the security. So if she is a current student, they may be able to look up the information in their database and at least narrow the field. Then maybe the police could follow up and look for a car with damage. I don't know for sure if this would work- it's all wild conjecture- but it might be worth a shot.
 
Just wanted to advise you that is actually is a collision claim, not a comprehensive. It would be a not-at-fault, but in Florida you can still have insurance premiums increase for this, depending on your carrier and probably your claims history. Your regular collision deductible would apply. In some states, this might have qualified for uninsured motorist property damage coverage, but this coverage is not offered in Florida as far as I know.

As for your injury, your PIP coverage would pay first. I think it's up to 10k in FL. Then would be any UMBI or medpay coverage, but judging from your diagnosis, I'm guessing it's not going to be over the PIP limit.

Also, your car might be more damaged than you think. Bumper covers are made of plastic, and are meant to just reflex when hit. The impact bar, energy absorber, some brackets, any of these may be damaged but they're completely hidden under the bumper cover. Since she hit you with enough impact to have your head hit the steering wheel, it is a definite possibility that there is hidden damage.

Good luck. Things like that make you lose faith in people a bit.

REALLY????? That makes no sense. Why would you have to take the repercussions of a hit and run?? Odd way to classify this I think. I know for a fact in MN it would be considered a comprehensive claim and not chargeable. Florida has sucky insurance laws :lmao:. Oh, and our basic PIP is 40K too.
 

At 2pm today I was involved in a Hit and Run Car Accident. I was stopped at a red light and a girl bashed into the back of my car. I hit my head on the steering wheel and then again on the headrest. The light turned green and we both went right. I pulled over thinking we'd both get out, access damage, exchange info, etc. Well, she didn't pull over, she sped away. :mad:

My car's bumper has scratches and the paint chipped off. It's dented but other than that my car is okay. Thank goodness.

I went to the Police Department and they told me that nothing could be done since she and I both left the scene of the accident and I didn't catch her tag number. I completely understand this. They gave me a form to fill out to send to my insurance company and told me they'd check the traffic cameras.

I went to the hospital (per my Dad's request) and was told that I had a concussion. Now I just feel like total, utter crap. I know I got really lucky that I didn't get hurt even worse but ugh..

My question (sorry for being long winded!): has this happens to anyone else and if so, did they ever find who did it via looking at traffic cameras? Also, any tips on dealing with a concussion is appreciated (already talked to my DR- Tylenol, no sleeping, no laying down, no physical activity, etc but any other tips from DISers would be great!).

Thanks in advance!

Are you asking for legal, medical, or what if advise? Legal, call a lawyer, medical, do what the doctor said, what if advise, stand back, because you will get plenty from the dis-board.:rotfl2:
 
I don't know what I was supposed to do at the scene either. I guess then the officer would've filled out the report instead of me? :confused3 I asked DFi but he just finished Police Academy and doesn't quite know all of the standard procedures yet..

I will definitely write everything down- great suggestion. Thanks!

When you are in an accident, especially hitting your head, pull off the roadway. If the other person drives away try to get a discription to give 911, they will look for the car and where the damage would be. Often they can spot the car. A report filled in and medical care provided. You should have either allowed a transport to the hospital, or called someone to move your car and transport you via a personal vehicle.

the police begin their hit and run invest. The traffic camers can be tagged for the time and reviewed/ From the distance they came and where they went to.

But, just driving away is not the best thing. Especially for witnesses, etc. There is too much fraud and red flags in the world of insurance.
You df should know this leaving the academy.....he must be very young.

Every parent tells a child pull over call 911. Do not do an exchange of info, they will lie....
If you are in a parking lot, especially. call the report may not be taken per private property, but the PD will run the drivers license for ID, under suspension, proper ownership and insurance information.

Take care and I hope that you feel better with no long term effects.
di
 
I would second at least checking with the school. Were you able to get anything , the car model and color? At both colleges I attended, in order to get a parking decal you had to submit all your car information to the security. So if she is a current student, they may be able to look up the information in their database and at least narrow the field. Then maybe the police could follow up and look for a car with damage. I don't know for sure if this would work- it's all wild conjecture- but it might be worth a shot.
All I know about the other driver is that it was a white female UF student that had brown hair. Her car was white and old.

I'm assuming that the only thing that would narrow down my search would be that she had an older, white car but I'm sure that would still leave me with a list of a hundred names on it! :headache: But hey, it is worth a shot!
Are you asking for legal, medical, or what if advise? Legal, call a lawyer, medical, do what the doctor said, what if advise, stand back, because you will get plenty from the dis-board.:rotfl2:
:rotfl2:That's what I love about the DIS- I got all sorts of advice- advice I didn't even think to ask for! :grouphug:

UPDATE: DFi had the Police look at the tapes but he said you can't see much since it was pouring rain. They didn't catch a tag number. That's okay. I just want my car fixed and to feel better.

I'm feeling a bit better today- just head pain, weak, etc. I do feel like I lose my train of thought more frequently than before though! I will certainly keep an eye on this though.

Thanks again to all who replied!! :goodvibes
 
Hi,

I'm just checking in to see how youa re doing and I see you put up an update!

Thanks!


I hope you feel better soon.:flower3:
 
Rora! Oh no! Sorry to hear that.:hug:

Sheesh! I'd hardly call pulling down the road a bit "leaving the scene of the accident." Isn't it a pretty average thing for people to get out of the way so they aren't blocking traffic?:rolleyes:

I have no advice, but I hope it all works out for you. And as for the other driver.......KARMA!:mad:
 
Hi,

I'm just checking in to see how youa re doing and I see you put up an update!

Thanks!


I hope you feel better soon.:flower3:
:hug: Thanks so much!!

Rora! Oh no! Sorry to hear that.:hug:

Sheesh! I'd hardly call pulling down the road a bit "leaving the scene of the accident." Isn't it a pretty average thing for people to get out of the way so they aren't blocking traffic?:rolleyes:

I have no advice, but I hope it all works out for you. And as for the other driver.......KARMA!:mad:
Agreed!! I don't understand it either but I certainly don't want to argue with the Police!! :rolleyes1:lmao:

And, you're right Karma will come through for me!

Thanks again, everyone!
 
You are lucky they even tried to investigate it! My experience in the hit and run area were less than good. I was hit by a lady. Luckily I got a good look at her she was coming towards me in a crowded parking lot and just sideswiped my car and kept going. I jumped out and got her tag number and called the police. Two hours and several more phone calls later...they showed up and took the info down. Only because we knew some police officers we got them to look up her information. I did a photo line up and picked out her picture. I thought she would be arrested and I would force her to reveal her insurance info...NOPE!

They made one attempt to visit her home. She didn't answer the door so that was it. Nothing was done...oh, they told me there was a warrant out for her, but until she was pulled over or got in some other kind of trouble they would do nothing. I gave up and fixed my car under my policy. Two years later she actually did get arrested and finally was made to pay me my deductible as part of her plea agreement. I never thought I'd see a dime of that money! Sorry I sound so bitter. I have been a victim of several crimes like this (also a drunk driver, no insurance) the judicial system is really lacking around here. oh yeah, this was in the school parking lot and it was another student's mom! Her kid was in the car during the incident and he looked horrified. I felt sorry for the kid...
 
At 2pm today I was involved in a Hit and Run Car Accident. I was stopped at a red light and a girl bashed into the back of my car. I hit my head on the steering wheel and then again on the headrest. The light turned green and we both went right. I pulled over thinking we'd both get out, access damage, exchange info, etc. Well, she didn't pull over, she sped away. :mad:

My car's bumper has scratches and the paint chipped off. It's dented but other than that my car is okay. Thank goodness.

I went to the Police Department and they told me that nothing could be done since she and I both left the scene of the accident and I didn't catch her tag number. I completely understand this. They gave me a form to fill out to send to my insurance company and told me they'd check the traffic cameras.

I went to the hospital (per my Dad's request) and was told that I had a concussion. Now I just feel like total, utter crap. I know I got really lucky that I didn't get hurt even worse but ugh..

My question (sorry for being long winded!): has this happens to anyone else and if so, did they ever find who did it via looking at traffic cameras? Also, any tips on dealing with a concussion is appreciated (already talked to my DR- Tylenol, no sleeping, no laying down, no physical activity, etc but any other tips from DISers would be great!).

Thanks in advance!

:grouphug:
A hit and trun is just that, they hit you and they ran. It is not your responsibility to track them down for goodness sakes. The Police have that job, if they are so inclined and it is reported to them. If no tag they have less resources thats all.
DOCUMENT your damages, take a pix of car and ANY damage, scratch, scuff etc.. Be sure to document date/time, etc.........
Did you have any out of pocket for meds? Document it.
File a Police Report, and get a copy. Contact and report to your carrier.
If you moved your car after impact, to get out of a dangerous situation, like being struck again on a roadway, that does not invalidate anything....SOmetimes Police make me :confused3 WOnder.
I do not know fla law: is it a no fault state??
It is a hit and run and if it is a no fault state your medical, out of pocket, wage loss is all covered under your insurance policy.
As far as injury, glad you went to get checked out. No medical advise here, just wish you a speedy recovery and glad to hear you are Okay other than that. By the way....It would not be unusual to be sore elsewhere hours or days later. Best of Luck OP!
 
You are lucky they even tried to investigate it! My experience in the hit and run area were less than good. I was hit by a lady. Luckily I got a good look at her she was coming towards me in a crowded parking lot and just sideswiped my car and kept going. I jumped out and got her tag number and called the police. Two hours and several more phone calls later...they showed up and took the info down. Only because we knew some police officers we got them to look up her information. I did a photo line up and picked out her picture. I thought she would be arrested and I would force her to reveal her insurance info...NOPE!

They made one attempt to visit her home. She didn't answer the door so that was it. Nothing was done...oh, they told me there was a warrant out for her, but until she was pulled over or got in some other kind of trouble they would do nothing. I gave up and fixed my car under my policy. Two years later she actually did get arrested and finally was made to pay me my deductible as part of her plea agreement. I never thought I'd see a dime of that money! Sorry I sound so bitter. I have been a victim of several crimes like this (also a drunk driver, no insurance) the judicial system is really lacking around here. oh yeah, this was in the school parking lot and it was another student's mom! Her kid was in the car during the incident and he looked horrified. I felt sorry for the kid...

Debbie, what a nightmare. Glad you are OK!! :hug:
 












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