3 dead after hit-and-run in Volusia County
Daytona Beach, FL – Three people were killed early Sunday morning in Volusia County after they were struck by a wrong-way driver, who then drove away from the crash site. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the driver of a gray Toyota Tacoma was traveling the wrong way on State Route 44 in Deland, Florida, around 2:20 a.m. and crashed head-on with a Black Infinity Q50, killing three people inside. The Toyota then hit another car, but the driver managed to flee the scene.Volusia County police tried to find the hit-and-run driver with the help of a police K-9, but they were unable to find him or her.
How common are hit-and-run crashes in Florida?
Unfortunately, hit-and-run is very common in the Sunshine State. One in four car accidents in Florida is a hit-and-run. This type of accident makes it very difficult for the victims or their families to recover damages. The police are doing the best they can, but you should take matters into your own hands and speak with a seasoned Daytona Beach car accident lawyer.
If it was a minor collision, you can recover your losses under your own insurance, as Florida is a no-fault state. You may use your Personal Injury Protection coverage and/or your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage.
However, if the accident resulted in severe injury or death, your coverage may not be enough. You must find the hit-and-run driver.
How can you find a hit-and-run driver?
First of all, a word of advice. Florida police warn drivers they should never try to chase the fleeing driver. The car chase can lead to you getting into another accident.
Here is what you can do:
Write down everything you remember
Anything you remember about the other car or its driver can be useful to the police and your accident lawyers. Write down or record on your phone – the make and model of the car, license plate number (even partially), the color of the car, any unusual markings on it, etc. If you saw the driver, try to describe him or her as best you can.
Talk to witnesses
After a hit-and-run, you must call the police. While you wait, use the time to talk to all the witnesses at the scene. They may have noticed something about the car or its driver. As before, write down or record anything they have to say.
Get their names and contact info, in case your accident lawyers need to speak to them later on.
Look for pieces from the other car
If the other car was damaged to the point that small parts fell off these could be used to identify the car and its owner. Look for any small pieces, glass shards, a fallen headlight, etc. Take photos of anything you find. The police will investigate the recovered pieces and they may be able to learn more about the car.
Find a lawyer right away
If you don’t know any, get your phone and just type “find attorneys near me”. Narrow your search to those specializing in car accidents.
Your chosen Florida accident lawyers will examine the police report, talk to witnesses, and get footage from surveillance cameras in the area. They may also check local repair shops to see if anyone brought in a car matching teh description you gave them.
If you were recently injured in a car accident in the Daytona Beach area, schedule a free consultation with an experienced lawyer at Pappas & Russell PA, and let them help you recover the damages you deserve.
Contact info
213 Silver Beach Avenue
Daytona Beach, Florida 32118
Phone: (386) 254-2941
