Being injured in a car accident is stressful enough — but when the driver who caused it speeds away without stopping, it can leave victims feeling like they have nowhere to turn. In Florida, drivers are legally required to stop, exchange information, and render aid after an accident. When a driver flees the scene instead, victims are often left wondering how they’ll pay for medical bills and vehicle repairs.
At Medina Law Firm, we help hit and run accident victims throughout the Tampa Bay area understand their options and pursue every available avenue for compensation, even when the at-fault driver is never found.
If you’re able to safely do so:
Police investigate hit and run accidents using available evidence such as traffic and surveillance camera footage, paint transfer or vehicle debris left at the scene, witness descriptions, and, in some cases, tips from the public. While not every hit and run driver is identified, this evidence can also play an important role in supporting your insurance claim, whether or not the driver is ultimately found.
Many people assume that if the at-fault driver isn’t found, they’re simply out of luck. That’s often not the case. Depending on your policy, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can step in to cover damages in a hit and run, since the fleeing driver is effectively unidentified or uninsured. An attorney can review your policy and help determine what coverage may apply to your situation.
Depending on the circumstances and available coverage, victims may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repair or replacement costs, and pain and suffering. If a loved one was killed in a hit and run accident, surviving family members may also be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Hit and run cases require a different approach than a typical accident claim — often involving uninsured motorist coverage, insurance company pushback, and, if the driver is later identified, a possible claim against them directly. Medina Law Firm brings decades of trial experience to navigating these cases, with clients working directly with their attorney throughout the process.
The driver who hit me was never found. Do I still have a case?
Often, yes. Uninsured motorist coverage, if you have it, may allow you to recover compensation even without identifying the at-fault driver. An attorney can review your policy to determine your options.
Will my insurance rates go up if I file a claim after a hit and run?
This depends on your policy and provider. An attorney can help you understand your rights and how to approach the claims process.
How long do I have to file a hit and run accident claim in Florida?
Deadlines vary depending on the circumstances of your case and the type of claim involved. Because these time limits can be strict, it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
If you were injured in a hit and run accident, don’t assume you’re without options. Contact Medina Law Firm today for a consultation.
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