Don't Let a Hit and Run Accident Leave You Stranded: Insights from a Florida Attorney

A Hit and Run Accident Can Be Devastating -- Here Are Some Tips to Guide You in the Event of a Hit and Run Accident in Florida

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A hit and run accident can leave you feeling angry, confused, and completely overwhelmed. One moment you are driving, walking, or riding your bike, and the next you are hurt, your vehicle is damaged, and the at-fault driver has disappeared.

You may be asking:

• What do I do if the other driver left the scene?

• How can I make a claim if I do not know who hit me?

• Will my own insurance help me, or am I stuck with the bills?

At The Law Offices of Carolina Nunez, P.A., we regularly represent victims of hit and run crashes throughout Florida. Our goal is to protect your rights, preserve key evidence, and pursue every dollar of compensation available under Florida law. We serve all of Florida -- and we offer virtual consultations.

Our car accident attorneys have fought hard for clients that have been victims in hit and runs and ultimately demanded that the insurance companies provide the maximum possible compensation.

Hit and Run Accidents Are Not Just “Car vs. Car”

Hit and run crashes are not limited to two vehicles. They often involve:

• Pedestrians struck in crosswalks, parking lots, or on the shoulder

• Bicyclists pushed off the road or sideswiped

• Motorcyclists hit by drivers who never even stop

• Parked-car and parking-lot collisions where the other driver flees

In many cases, the at-fault driver leaves the scene because they are:

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Driving without a valid license or registration

• Driving without required insurance

• Worried about arrest warrants, immigration issues, or other consequences

No matter why they ran, you still have rights.

Your Legal Rights After a Hit and Run in Florida

If you are injured because of someone else’s negligence, your right to pursue a civil claim is separate from any criminal case the State of Florida may bring.

Under Florida law:

• Leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage only is a criminal offense under Fla. Stat. § 316.061.

• Leaving the scene of a crash involving injury or death is a more serious crime under Fla. Stat. § 316.027, and can result in felony charges, fines, and possible prison time.

Criminal charges against the hit and run driver (if they are caught) do not automatically pay your medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Your compensation usually comes through insurance:

• PIP (Personal Injury Protection) under Fla. Stat. § 627.736 may cover a portion of your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault.

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, under Fla. Stat. § 627.727, can help when the at-fault driver is unknown, uninsured, or does not have enough coverage.

Since hit and run crashes often involve unknown drivers, it is critical to understand and use all possible coverages on your policy.

Steps To Take Immediately After a Hit and Run Accident

If you are involved in a hit and run crash, your actions in the first minutes and hours can greatly affect your claim. Here are practical steps to follow:

1. Call 911

• Report the crash and request police and medical assistance.

• Tell the dispatcher it is a hit and run and provide any details you remember (direction of travel, vehicle color, partial plate, etc.).

• The police report will document the incident and may help later with UM/UIM or other insurance claims.

2. Seek Medical Attention Right Away

Even if you think your injuries are “minor,” get evaluated as soon as possible:

• Some injuries (whiplash, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries) may not show up immediately.

• Prompt treatment creates a clear medical record linking your injuries to the crash.

• Delays in treatment give insurance companies an excuse to argue that your injuries are not related to the accident.

3. Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You Can Do So Safely)

Evidence disappears quickly after a hit and run. If you are able:

• Take photos and video of:

  • All vehicles involved

  • Debris, skid marks, and property damage

  • Your visible injuries

  • Surrounding businesses or homes that may have cameras

• Write down anything you remember about the other vehicle:

  • Color, make, model

  • Approximate damage

  • Any part of the license plate

• Get contact information for any witnesses:

  • Names, phone numbers, email addresses

  • Ask what they saw and whether they captured photos or video

4. Report the Crash to the Police and Your Insurance Company

• Make sure the hit and run is formally reported to law enforcement.

• Notify your insurance company that it was a hit and run.

• Be careful with recorded statements – insurance adjusters may try to limit your claim or get you to say something that can be used against you later.

• This is why you should hire an experienced car accident attorney.

When you hire our car accident law firm, we handle communications with the insurance companies so you can focus on healing.

How Our Firm Helps Hit and Run Victims

Our car accident attorneys:

• Review your PIP and UM/UIM coverage and looks for every possible policy that may apply.

• Get the police report, videos, and witness statements while evidence is still available.

• Document your injuries, medical treatment, and wage loss so the claim is backed by records, not just your word.

• Negotiate with insurance and file a lawsuit if necessary to pursue full, fair compensation.

Talk to a Florida Hit and Run Attorney

You do not have to figure this out alone while you are in pain or worried about bills.

The Law Offices of Carolina Nunez, P.A., our dedicated and awarded car accident attorney represent hit and run victims in Winter Park, Orlando, Daytona Beach, Stuart, Gainesville, and throughout Florida.

• Call (407) 900-FIRM

• Or request an online accident case review through our website

• We offer virtual consultations statewide.

• We also offer bilingual service for clients that need it.

If you were injured in a Florida hit and run accident that was not your fault, do not stay silent. Let us review your coverage, deal with insurance, and fight for the compensation you deserve.