St. Augustine Hit & Run Accident Attorney
Hit & Run Accidents in Florida
Hit-and-run accidents are some of the worst types of motor vehicle accidents. Drivers who cause motor vehicle collisions and then leave the scene of the accident without providing contact information are not only breaking the law, but they are also leaving victims with seemingly no recourse when it comes to recovering compensation.
Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be devastating and, unfortunately, they are becoming more and more common throughout Northeast Florida. The good news is that you likely have one or several avenues of compensation available to you after a hit-and-run accident, even if the hit-and-run driver is never identified.
It is vital for victims of such incidents to pursue justice, demand just compensation, and, when possible, hold the perpetrator responsible for their actions. The legal team at Canan Law can help.
Contact us online or call (904) 849-2266 to request a free consultation with one of our St. Augustine hit-and-run accident attorneys.
On This Page:
- Can You Still Recover Damages After a Hit & Run?
- Types of Compensation You Can Recover
- Hit & Run Accident FAQ
- What To Do After a Hit & Run Accident
Can You Still Recover Compensation for Damages After a Hit & Run?
Victims of hit-and-run accidents in Florida have several options when it comes to recovering compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. First, under Florida’s no-fault system, you can file a personal injury protection (PIP) claim through your own insurance provider.
Here are some things you should know about PIP in Florida:
- PIP coverage is mandatory in Florida; all motorists must carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage to legally drive
- You must seek medical attention within 14 days (two weeks) of the accident to be eligible to file a PIP claim
- PIP covers up to 80% of your medical expenses and up to 60% of your lost wages; it does not cover any non-economic losses, like pain and suffering
While PIP coverage offers some relief to victims of hit-and-run accidents, it is often not enough to fully compensate injured individuals for the losses they have endured.
Another possible avenue of compensation after a hit-and-run accident is uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Although UM/UIM insurance is not mandatory in Florida, you may choose to have this coverage (as well as bodily injury coverage) added to your policy.
UM/UIM insurance covers you if you are hit by someone who does not have the minimum required liability insurance or who only has the minimum liability coverage, and this is insufficient. In Florida, drivers are only required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in property damage liability and PIP, which is often not enough to cover the full cost of an accident victim’s injuries and other damages. By choosing to add UM/UIM insurance to your auto insurance policy, you can ensure that you are better protected in the event you are involved in a hit-and-run or injured by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
Types of Compensation Available to Hit & Run Accident Victims
We can help if you were the driver or passenger of the vehicle in a hit-and-run accident. We also can assist owners of a car that is hit while unoccupied or unattended. Additionally, if you were hit while walking or cycling by a driver who fled the scene, we can help you fight for compensation.
Our attorneys have experience helping hit-and-run accident victims obtain compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle damage
- Punitive damages
If your loved one was killed in a hit-and-run accident, we can help you determine if you are entitled to wrongful death damages, such as funeral/burial expenses, lost income and support, and loss of love, companionship, guidance, and counsel.
We have the experience to successfully pursue all types of damages, from tracking down the owner or operator of the fleeing vehicle to dealing with insurance companies to filing uninsured motorist claims on your behalf; we can help you.
For a free consultation, call us at (904) 849-2266 or contact us online.
Hit & Run Accident FAQ
-
Q:What are the consequences for a hit-and-run driver?
A:For leaving a fatal crash, a hit-and-run driver faces a 30-year prison term and/or fine of up to $10,000. If the driver leaves injured persons behind, they may face 5 years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine. In cases where there is only damaged property and no injuries, the hit-and-run driver may face 60 days in jail and/or a fine of
Our legal team specializes in a wide variety of practices and we are ready to fight & advocate on your behalf.
What to Do After a Hit & Run Accident
After any motor vehicle accident, you are likely to feel shaken up and may need emergency medical attention for your injuries. The shock of the accident is often compounded when the other driver flees the scene, and it can be difficult to know what to do next.
Remember CRASH:
- Call law enforcement;
- Remain calm;
- Attain vehicle, witness and driver information;
- Sketch the scene; and,
- Help the injured.
There are a few important steps you should take after a hit-and-run accident to protect your rights and better your chances of recovering compensation for your damages. Specifically, gathering as much information as you can about the person/vehicle that hit you can be incredibly helpful in assisting law enforcement in their investigation.
If possible, try to record the following information after a hit-and-run accident:
- The make and model (or type) of the other vehicle
- The color of the other vehicle
- Any distinguishing characteristics, including damage from the accident, that can help identify the vehicle
- The license plate number (full or partial) of the other vehicle
- A description of the driver who hit you, including their sex, approximate age, hair color, etc.
- The exact date, time, and location of the crash
- How the accident occurred
- The names and contact information of any witnesses who saw what happened (including other drivers, nearby business owners/patrons, etc.)
Remember, your safety and well-being are the most important thing. Always check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 if necessary. You should also call the police and report the hit-and-run; have law enforcement officers come out to the scene of the accident to file an official police report. Provide them with any information you were able to gather about the hit-and-run driver.
In the hours and days following the accident, make sure to take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you believe your injuries were minor, always see a medical professional after any motor vehicle accident. Your doctor can check for underlying injuries and provide a treatment plan. Always follow your doctor’s orders and recommendations. If you wish to file a PIP claim, you must seek medical attention within 14 days of the accident.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Depending on your policy, you may be required to report the accident within a certain timeframe. Make sure to review your auto insurance policy and report the crash as soon as possible. However, refrain from making any official statements, written or otherwise, about what happened. DO NOT ADMIT FAULT.
- Contact an Attorney: The best way to protect your rights and your ability to recover compensation after a hit-and-run accident is to contact an experienced attorney who can help you understand your various options and advocate for you. At Canan Law, we are ready to go over all available avenues of reimbursement on your behalf.
Anyone with information about hit-and-run crashes can report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477). Or, you can text “Tip231 plus your message” to 274637.
Decades of Combined Legal Experience Helping Our Community
Our attorneys have collectively been serving the communities of St. Augustine, St. Johns County, and Northeast Florida for many years. We represent victims of hit-and-run accidents, drunk driving accidents, rear-end collisions, distracted driving crashes, and many other types of motor vehicle accidents.
We also serve families who have lost a loved one due to the carelessness of another driver. We care about our community, getting compensation for victims, and preventing such incidents from occurring again. Our lawyers can thoroughly review the facts of your case and work tirelessly to help you achieve the results you are seeking.