Florida Hit-and-Run Accidents: How to Recover Compensation
Quick answer: After a hit-and-run accident in Florida, call 911, document the scene, and seek medical care within 14 days. Florida law offers multiple ways to recover compensation, including Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, and legal action if the driver is found.
Being struck by a driver who flees the scene is disorienting. Medical bills begin to mount, your vehicle may be undrivable, and you’re left asking who will pay. Florida hit-and-run accidents leave victims in a difficult position, but state law provides clear pathways to recovering compensation, whether or not the driver is ever identified.
Knowing what to do in the minutes and days after a hit-and-run can make a significant difference in your ability to recover damages. The car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Amanda E. Wright can help.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run in Florida?
Acting quickly protects both your health and your legal rights.
Call 911 Right Away
Report the crash to law enforcement as soon as possible. An official police report is required to process insurance claims and apply for state benefits, so this step cannot be skipped.
Document Everything You Can Remember
Write down any details about the fleeing vehicle: make, model, color, partial license plate number, and the direction it traveled. Even a partial plate can help investigators track down the driver.
Gather Witnesses and Look for Camera Footage
Ask bystanders what they saw and collect their contact information. Check whether nearby businesses or traffic cameras may have captured footage of the incident. This evidence can deteriorate or become unavailable quickly, so act fast.
See a Doctor Within 14 Days
This is one of the most critical steps after a Florida hit-and-run accident. Under Florida law, you must seek medical attention within 14 days of the crash to preserve your Personal Injury Protection benefits. Missing this window means losing access to those benefits entirely.
How Can You Recover Compensation After a Hit-and-Run in Florida?
Florida law offers four main compensation pathways for hit-and-run victims.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
Florida operates as a no-fault state. That means your own PIP policy pays 80% of your medical bills and 60% of your lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident or whether the other driver is ever found. PIP coverage applies automatically, as long as you meet the 14-day medical treatment requirement.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
If you purchased optional UM coverage, your insurance company steps in as if they were the at-fault driver. UM coverage may compensate you for bodily injury damages, including additional medical expenses, lost income, and qualifying pain and suffering that are not covered by PIP.. This coverage is particularly valuable in hit-and-run cases where the driver is never identified.
Filing a Lawsuit Against the Driver
If law enforcement locates the fleeing driver, you can pursue a personal injury claim against them directly. This pathway allows you to seek full compensation, including vehicle repairs, ongoing medical care, lost income, and emotional distress.
Florida Attorney General Victim Compensation Program
If the driver is never identified and you do not have UM coverage, you may still have options. The Florida Attorney General Victim Compensation Program provides financial assistance to victims who have no other source of recovery. Eligibility requirements apply, so it is worth reviewing the program’s guidelines or speaking with a legal professional.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Hit-and-Run Accidents
What happens if the driver is never found in a Florida hit-and-run?
You can still recover compensation through your own PIP coverage and, if you purchased it, your UM coverage. If neither option is available, you may apply through the Florida Attorney General Victim Compensation Program.
Does Florida require UM coverage?
No. Uninsured Motorist coverage is optional in Florida, but it provides important financial protection in hit-and-run situations. According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, insurers are required to offer UM coverage, though policyholders may waive it in writing.
Can I sue a hit-and-run driver in Florida?
Yes, if law enforcement identifies and locates the driver, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover full damages, including medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
How long do I have to file a claim after a hit-and-run in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident, following changes made under HB 837 in 2023. It is best to consult a legal professional as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time.
Talk to the Law Offices of Amanda E. Wright Today
If you or someone you know has been injured in a Florida hit-and-run accident, do not navigate the recovery process alone. The Law Offices of Amanda E. Wright offers free consultations to help victims understand their legal options and pursue the compensation they deserve. Contact our team today to get started.
