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Hit-and-run accidents are a serious problem throughout the United States, and as your Fort Myers personal injury lawyer knows, they occur quite frequently in Florida. In fact, a recent news story tells of an accident involving a pedestrian in the city of Lakeland. Early one Saturday morning, Polk County law enforcement was contacted by a motorist who observed an adult female lying on the side of the road. When the police arrived, they found that the 20 year old victim was dead, and she appeared to have been at that location for a few hours at least. The vehicle that struck the woman was not at the scene; however, the police have asked the public to assist with the investigation by identifying the suspect's automobile. The little information known about the vehicle is that it was likely a Nissan, possibly between the 2007 through 2012 model years, and it should have damage to the front-end, as well as mirror damage on the passenger's side of the vehicle.

What Can You Do After a Hit and Run?

Statistics gathered by Florida law enforcement show that there were almost 70,000 hit-and-run accidents in 2012--17,000 of which involved injuries and 168 of which resulted in death. The bulk of these accidents involved either bike riders or pedestrians. So, what can you do if you've been hit by a motorist who has chosen to flee the scene?

One thing that accident victims can and should do is contact the local police and report the accident. Also, if serious injuries have been sustained, call an ambulance and/or seek prompt medical attention as quickly as possible. A well-versed Fort Myers personal injury lawyer will also tell you that one of the next calls an accident victim should make should be to an attorney, especially in cases involving a driver who has fled the scene. Doing so is important because hit-and-run accidents call for a thorough gathering of evidence in order to protect the victim's rights under the law. A skilled lawyer will best know how to go about re-creating the accident scene, interviewing potential witnesses and ensuring that the proper party or parties are held legally responsible for the injuries incurred.

Accident victims should note that in Florida, fleeing the scene of an accident can lead to felony charges for the person fleeing. Still, there is the possibility that the hit-and-run driver might not be located. So what happens if that is the case?

Can't Find the Driver? Let us Help You

All is not lost for the victims of accidents involving a driver who cannot be located after leaving the scene of the accident. In some instances, an injured individual might be covered under his or her own insurance. Additionally, there may be other compensation options available for victims. In order to find out what your legal options are, contact an attorney as soon as possible after the accident.

If you or someone you love has been injured by a hit-and-run driver, and you have questions about your legal rights, contact a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer at the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. right away for more information.