What to Know About Hit-and-Run Accident Claims in Florida
Approximately 1 in 4 vehicle crashes in Florida are hit-and-run accidents, in which a driver flees the scene instead of accepting fault or contacting emergency services. In Florida, “hit and run” is defined as the failure of a driver to remain at the site of a vehicle crash and fulfill other statutory duties when the crash involves death, bodily injury, or property damage.
The potential for a hit-and-run accident in Florida is especially likely since many drivers operate vehicles without insurance. In 2023, 104,273 hit-and-run accidents occurred, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. When a hit-and-run accident happens, you should always report it to the police. Make sure you get medical care for your injuries and file a police report.
Our Florida personal injury lawyers conduct a thorough investigation to maximize your chances of recovery for all medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering stemming from a hit-and-run crash. Kobren Law understands how to navigate the complicated Florida legal system following a collision, and we have decades of experience successfully resolving these cases.
As part of our comprehensive investigatory process to document hit-and-run cases and make a successful claim, Kobren Law will:
Review surveillance footage from nearby businesses
Interview all available witnesses
Obtain and analyze police reports
Document your injuries through medical records
Calculate your current and future damages
Identify all possible avenues of insurance coverage
Handle all communication with insurance companies
File necessary legal documents
Florida’s insurance system provides several potential sources of compensation after a hit-and-run accident. As part of your auto insurance policy, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage offers immediate help with medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. After a hit-and-run crash, your PIP coverage pays 80% of necessary medical expenses and 60% of lost wages (both up to a $10,000 limit), and reasonable travel expenses for medical appointments.
You may also be able to recover under Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, which applies when the at-fault driver is unknown or lacks adequate insurance. We’ve represented clients involved in hit-and-run crashes where the client had UM coverage and we were able to get them a full recovery. In fact, there doesn’t have to be actual contact with the phantom vehicle to make a UM claim. It’s technically not a hit-and-run but if another driver cuts someone off or does something else to cause an accident, you can still bring a UM claim.
It’s vital to contact Kobren Law following an accident. We build strong cases for hit-and-run accident victims, documenting all losses fully. If you or someone you know was involved in a hit-and-run crash, schedule a free, no obligation consultation using our online form or call us at (561) 361-8677 for immediate assistance. Kobren Law provides accident victims with clear next steps as we fight on your behalf to secure the compensation you need to recover. We don’t collect anything from you unless we win your case.
Kobren Law’s experienced lawyers are here to answer your questions and fight for your rights to a full medical and financial recovery after an accident. Click here to email Matthew Kobren, Esq. and click here to email Nicole Miller, Esq.