Hit-and-run accidents are a growing problem throughout Florida, and not helping matters is that their victims often have a far more frustrating time attempting to recover fair compensation because the at-fault party is unknown. The good news, though, is that you still have options if you are the victim of a hit-and-run crash in Florida. Here’s everything you need to know.
Hit-and-Runs in Florida: By the Numbers
Florida experiences more hit-and-run crashes than the majority of other states across the country, and Florida’s accident numbers have been on the rise for the last decade. In fact, since 2015, experts estimate that over one million hit-and-run crashes have taken place in the Sunshine State.
In 2023, over 100,000 hit-and-run accidents took place in the state, and though the number dipped down to approximately 97,000 in 2024, that still represents roughly 25% of all crashes in the state that year.
Florida’s Hit-and-Run Accident Laws
Although it experiences an extensive number of hit-and-run crashes, Florida has strict hit-and-run laws.
For instance, according to Florida State Statute 316.027, leaving the scene of a crash that involves bodily injury is a third-degree felony. If the victim experiences serious physical injuries, the individual who left the scene will be charged with a second-degree felony. And if the accident involved a fatality, the offender is guilty of a first-degree felony.
Why Do People Leave Hit-and-Run Scenes?
Unfortunately, there are several common reasons why tens of thousands of at-fault drivers leave the scene of Florida accidents every year. These include the following:
DUI
Individuals who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol may flee the scene of a hit-and-run accident to escape the consequences of being caught. That is especially the case regarding incidents between them and pedestrians or cyclists, as they may be able to conceal the damage to their vehicle and quickly leave the scene.
Criminal Activities
Drivers with outstanding warrants or those who are engaged in criminal activity might leave the scene to avoid arrest, believing that if they stay at the scene, their criminal activities will be discovered.
No Insurance or License
If a driver doesn’t have a license or insurance, they may choose to flee instead of face the consequences of their actions.
Fear
Some drivers simply make impulsive decisions while under stress, such as leaving the scene of the accident or lying about being involved in the crash altogether.
None of these reasons are valid excuses for leaving another person injured and alone after a crash.
Abandoning a person who has suffered severe injuries is especially malicious and heartless, and Florida law enforcement officers work hard to identify the perpetrators of hit-and-run cases so that the at-fault parties can be held accountable.
What to Do if You’re the Victim of a Hit and Run Accident
Suffering injuries in a hit-and-run crash can leave you feeling overwhelmed and panicked. However, you should do your best to stay calm, especially in the first few hours following the incident. In some cases, you may hold the key to solving the hit-and-run accident and identifying the at-fault driver. Here’s what you need to do:
If the Scene Is Safe, Stay Put
Take a deep breath and try to remain as calm as possible, then take a look around and determine whether you are in a safe location or need to move. Do your best to get out of harm’s way if you are physically able to do so. While on the scene, you should also gather as many details as possible. Take photos and gather witness information if you’re able. If you feel like you sustained an injury, document that as well.
Share What You Know
After ensuring your immediate safety following the accident, call 911 immediately. While you will be understandably panicked, try to listen to the dispatcher’s questions and answer them clearly. They are trained to ask questions in a specific order so they can gather important information and dispatch officers to your location as quickly as possible.
Convey everything you know about the suspect’s vehicle. Do your best to describe what it and its driver looked like, and if you know what part of their vehicle hit you or your car, provide these details. Suppose that the other vehicle rear-ended your car; that would imply that the front of the suspect’s vehicle is damaged, which can help responding officers look for the offender.
It’s important, however, that you refrain from guessing if you are unsure about certain details, such as its color or direction of travel.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, it’s important to see a doctor. Some injuries sustained in hit-and-runs may not be immediately noticeable, and both the adrenaline and stress of the incident could numb feelings of pain. Let a medical professional assess you and perform diagnostic tests. Doing so not only ensures you get prompt care for your injuries but can also provide valuable evidence for your case.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company and let them know what happened. Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means your personal injury protection (PIP) policy should cover medical expenses regardless of who caused the crash. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is also essential in hit-and-run crashes, as it helps cover damages when the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
Talk to a Lawyer
Hit-and-run cases are nothing if not complex. An auto accident attorney can help guide you through the following processes:
- Investigating the accident and working with law enforcement
- Filing claims against your insurance provider to secure compensation
- Pursuing legal action against the responsible party, if found
If the at-fault driver can be identified, your personal injury lawyer will negotiate with their insurance company on your behalf and pursue compensation or work on a settlement.
How Schrier Law Group Can Help You with Your Car Accident in Florida
Hit-and-run accidents can be devastating, leaving you with both emotional trauma and severe injuries. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a hit and run accident in Florida, you don’t have to face the related challenges alone; the personal injury lawyers at Schrier Law Group are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury accident lawyer.
