Failing to stop after a motor vehicle collision is against the law in Florida, and those who do so can be held legally and financially accountable. Unfortunately, sometimes, it is impossible to locate the liable driver after a hit and run accident, which can leave those harmed wondering where to turn to recover their losses.
A Gainesville car accident lawyer with Bogin, Munns & Munns is here to help you explore your legal options after a hit and run crash. We can assist with claims against your auto insurance policy and investigate your accident to determine if there are at-fault parties who may owe you compensation. Let us help you get started today with a risk-free consultation.
Recovering Damages After a Gainesville Hit-and Run-Accident
You have several avenues for pursuing compensation after a hit and run in Gainesville, FL, even if authorities never find the liable driver. Options our personal injury attorneys can help you explore include the following:
A Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Claim
Florida follows a no-fault insurance model, which means drivers must carry PIP to pay for damages after an accident, regardless of who caused the crash. PIP compensates a percentage of your medical expenses and provides death benefits in the event of a fatal collision.
Note: Your insurer will only pay for damages up to your policy’s limits.
An Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Claim
UM/UIM coverage is optional in Florida. However, purchasing this type of protection is encouraged because the state has a high rate of uninsured drivers and hit and run crashes. If you have UM/UIM, it will pay for injuries and property damages caused by a hit and run driver.
A Collision Coverage Claim
Collision coverage pays vehicle repair or replacement costs after a wreck. If you still owe money on your car, your lender likely requires that you have collision insurance.
An Insurance Claim or Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you have severe injuries or medical expenses above your PIP coverage, you can step outside the no-fault system and seek compensation from a liable party. If police locate the driver who fled, our Gainesville hit and run accident lawyers can file a claim against their auto insurance provider if they carry bodily injury liability (BDL) or have the mandatory minimum in property damage liability (PDL).
There may also be other at-fault parties who bear financial responsibility, including a third-party motorist, a driver’s employer, a vehicle or auto parts maker, or a property owner. We can also pursue damages with a personal injury lawsuit if the liable party is not insured or their insurer refuses to offer you a full and fair settlement.
Seeking compensation with a liability claim or through legal action allows you to recover economic and non-economic damages not available through PIP, including the following:
- Medical bills that exceed your PIP coverage
- Medical treatments not covered by PIP
- The total value of your lost wages, earnings, and employment benefits
- Loss of your future income and earning potential if you suffered a permanent or disabling injury
- Vehicle and personal property damages
- Monetary compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, emotional suffering, and diminished quality of life
- Wrongful death damages not provided by PIP death benefits
- Medical, funeral, and burial costs that exceed the deceased’s PIP coverage
To consult with an experienced hit and run accident lawyer serving Gainesville
855-780-9986
Our Gainesville Hit and Run Accident Lawyers Can Start on Your Case Immediately
You’ll want to get started on your hit and run car accident case as soon as possible—this allows us ample time to investigate your crash, negotiate a settlement, and potentially find the driver who fled the scene.
Regardless of how you proceed, you must resolve your case before the statute of limitations expires to receive compensation. In 2023, legislation shortened your time to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida from four to two years. If you do not settle your claim before the deadline, you cannot take legal action to get the money you deserve. Florida Statutes § 95.11 also gives a two-year window for filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Bogin, Munns & Munns’ accident attorneys can help you get started the same day you reach out. Our legal team can:
- Investigate your accident to establish liability
- Prove your claim for compensation and your right to step outside the no-fault system
- Identify and calculate your damages
- Cooperate with law enforcement if we uncover evidence that could help locate the hit and run driver
- Prepare and file your insurance claims and all related paperwork
- Handle case-related phone calls, emails, and meetings
- Aggressively negotiate for the maximum settlement possible
- Pursue a lawsuit and represent you at trial if necessary
What To Do After a Hit and Run Collision in Florida
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that one in four crashes in the state involves a hit and run. While many collisions of this type cause property damages only, injuries can also occur. When they do, leaving the scene can lead to a delay in victims receiving medical care.
If you suffered injuries or your vehicle sustained property damages in a hit and run collision, you should do the following:
- Report the accident. Contact the police to report your hit and run. The accident report will be a critical piece of evidence for your case.
- Seek medical attention immediately. You should see your doctor immediately after your accident if you have not already. Some injuries, like whiplash, can take hours, days, or longer to present. Getting medical care protects your health and creates a record of your claims.
- Communicate cautiously with insurers. Insurance agents, even yours, will look for reasons to deny claims or reduce settlements. Do not accept fault for your crash, agree to give a recorded statement, or take their initial offer, which may be less than you deserve.
- Think about hiring legal help. Consider working with our Gainesville hit and run accident lawyers. We can take the legal burden of your case off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on getting back on your feet.
Gainesville Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me
855-780-9986
Our Bogin, Munns & Munns Gainesville Accident Lawyers Can Help
Contact Bogin, Munns & Munns today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about working with our Gainesville hit and run accident lawyers. We can take your case on contingency, ensuring that our services will cost nothing upfront or out of pocket, and provide 24/7 legal help.
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