How Often Do Hit and Run Accidents Occur?
Florida reported over 104,000 hit-and-run crashes in a recent year, resulting in 871 serious injuries and 271 deaths. If another driver fled the scene after your collision, you are a hit-and-run victim. Often, these drivers are never found.
Sadly, hit-and-run incidents have increased by 60% since 2009, increasing the odds of becoming a victim in the future. At Matthews Injury Law, our Tampa car accident attorneys represent the interests of hit-and-run victims, ensuring that your claim is not undervalued.
Criminal Penalties for Hit and Run Accidents in Tampa
A hit-and-run accident occurs whenever a driver involved in the crash does not remain on the scene or call for help. Florida imposes criminal penalties for leaving the scene of a crash without calling for medical assistance, potentially leading to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine if anyone was injured. Additionally, a hit-and-run driver will face a three-year license revocation if there were any injuries or fatalities.
UM/UIM Coverage in Tampa
If you are hurt in a hit-and-run, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can help pay for your injury-related losses, such as medical bills and lost wages. This coverage applies when the at-fault driver is uninsured, does not carry enough insurance, or cannot be found. In Florida, UM/UIM insurance is optional, and the minimum amount must match your bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage, as stated in Fla. Stat. §627.727.
Civil Action Against Hit-and-Run Accidents
If you have sustained serious injuries, significant vehicle damage, or if your vehicle was totaled, UM/UIM insurance may not be enough. When your damages exceed your insurance limits, you may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver. Although litigation can be time-intensive and costly, the potential award may cover the full extent of your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-incurred expenses.
The courts have strict deadlines regarding filing pleadings and other paperwork. Given the complexities of the judicial system, you should hire an experienced Tampa car accident lawyer to handle your case. A Tampa car accident attorney will assess your case and your current auto policy to determine the best course of action. If pursuing an insurance claim is advisable, a car accident lawyer will determine which coverage applies.
Even when insurance companies delay, an attorney enforces statutory deadlines to achieve a timely resolution of your claim. If pursuing a court case is the best option, your attorney will explain the legal process and what to expect at trial. The inability to locate the other driver should not result in you shouldering accident-related expenses.
Speak with Our Tampa Car Accident Lawyers Today
If a hit-and-run driver has impacted you, contact Matthews Injury Law. You deserve compensation for your surgeries, physical therapy, and lost income. Let our experienced Tampa car accident attorneys work for you. Schedule your free consultation online or call us at (813) 530-1000 today.