Being involved in a car accident is already a stressful experience, but it becomes even more complicated when the at-fault driver decides to flee the scene. If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Florida, don’t panic — you still have options for recovering compensation. At Czelusta Law, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of hit-and-run accidents pursue justice and financial recovery, even if the driver responsible is never found.
Start your journey toward recovery today by requesting a free consultation online. Remember, at Czelusta Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay us unless we win your case.
Injured in a Hit-and-Run? We’re Here for You.
Hit-and-run accidents can leave victims feeling helpless, especially when the responsible party leaves the scene. But you don’t have to go through this process alone. The team at Czelusta Law is here to help you recover the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
For years, Czelusta Law has been a trusted advocate for accident victims throughout Florida. We understand the difficulties you face, and we are committed to standing by your side.
Why Choose Czelusta Law After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Facing the aftermath of a hit-and-run can feel overwhelming, especially when the at-fault driver leaves the scene. However, you don’t need to navigate this situation on your own. At Czelusta Law, our team of skilled and compassionate attorneys is here to ensure your rights are protected and that you get the compensation you deserve.
When you work with us, you’re getting access to award-winning Florida trial attorneys who know the ins and outs of personal injury law. We don’t back down from a fight, and we will do whatever it takes to secure a fair outcome for you.
Our attorneys will handle all aspects of your case, including:
- Investigating the incident to track down the hit-and-run driver
- Coordinating with law enforcement for any updates on their investigation
- Conducting our own thorough investigation into the accident details
- Exploring all potential avenues of financial recovery, including insurance claims and third-party liabilities
- Analyzing your car insurance policy to ensure full coverage
- Filing claims on your behalf
- Protecting you from accusations that you share responsibility for the crash
- Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies and other parties involved
We’re fierce negotiators, but we’re also fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
What Are Florida’s Hit-and-Run Laws?
In Florida, the law is clear: if you’re involved in an accident that causes injury, death, or property damage, you are legally required to remain at the scene, exchange information, and report the accident to law enforcement. Fleeing the scene is not just unethical; it’s a criminal offense, and the penalties can be severe.
Unfortunately, some drivers still choose to leave the scene. If this happens to you, it can complicate your case, but it may also provide you with grounds for stronger financial compensation and legal action against the responsible driver.
Steps to Take If a Driver Flees the Scene
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, it’s important to act quickly and calmly. Here’s what you should do:
- Stay calm – Panicking won’t help, so focus on protecting your rights.
- Try to take note of key details about the vehicle that fled the scene — things like the make, model, color, and license plate number can be invaluable in identifying the driver.
- Call 911 immediately to report the hit-and-run and let the dispatcher know that the other driver left the scene.
- Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor — some injuries may not be immediately obvious.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.
- Direct any further communication from insurance companies or other parties to your attorney.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Drivers Leave the Scene?
There are many reasons a driver might flee after causing an accident, though none of them are justifiable. Common reasons include:
- Distracted driving – The driver may not have been fully aware of the collision.
- Driving under the influence – Some drivers flee to avoid DUI charges.
- Lack of insurance or a valid driver’s license – Fear of the consequences may cause the driver to run.
- Criminal history or warrants – Individuals with outstanding warrants may try to avoid being caught.
- Panic – Some drivers simply panic and make poor decisions in the heat of the moment.
In some cases, the driver may not even realize they hit your vehicle, especially if they were intoxicated or distracted.
Does Insurance Cover Hit-and-Run Accidents in Florida?
If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may help cover the damages. Florida law requires insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist coverage, which can help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs if the responsible driver is never found or doesn’t have insurance.
However, there are coverage limits, and if your damages exceed those limits, you may need to look for other avenues to recover the full compensation you deserve.
What if the Hit-and-Run Driver is Never Found?
Even if the driver responsible for your accident isn’t identified, or if you don’t have UM coverage—or your coverage doesn’t fully cover your losses—there are still options available to recover compensation.
You may be able to recover damages through:
- Your own insurance (if you have UM coverage)
- A third-party liability policy, such as another driver or business involved in the accident
- The hit-and-run driver, if they are eventually located
In Florida, liability can be shared among multiple parties, so if other entities contributed to your accident, they may also be held accountable.
What Types of Compensation Can You Recover?
The types of compensation you may be able to recover depend on your approach.
If you file a UM insurance claim, it will typically cover economic damages like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation or disability costs
However, non-economic damages like pain and suffering are generally not covered by uninsured motorist coverage in Florida.
If you pursue a third-party claim or file a lawsuit, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
In certain cases, a jury may also award punitive damages if the hit-and-run driver acted in an especially reckless manner.
Contact Czelusta Law Today for Help with Your Hit-and-Run Case
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run accident, the road to recovery may seem daunting. But you don’t have to face it alone. At Czelusta Law, we’re here to guide you every step of the way and help you secure the compensation you need to move forward. Call (727) 354-6401 today for a free consultation and to discuss your legal options.
