A hit-and-run crash is one of the most stressful types of auto accidents; especially when the at-fault driver disappears before anyone can exchange information. In Florida, your safety should remain the top priority. Call 911, stay at the scene, and get medical attention as soon as possible. Then gather any evidence you can and report the incident to both law enforcement and your insurance company. If the fleeing driver is never located, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage may help pay for your injuries and losses.

After an Accident, It Is Important to Remember:

• Call 911, get medical care, and remain at the scene
• Gather photos, witness information, and any available video footage
• Police reports are critical for hit-and-run investigations and claims
• Florida PIP covers up to $10,000 of medical expenses regardless of fault
• UM coverage can provide a settlement for you to help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering when the at-fault driver cannot be found

What Typically Happens After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Florida?

Under Florida law, a hit-and-run occurs when a driver leaves the scene without stopping, exchanging information, or providing aid. These crashes often leave injury victims feeling confused, frustrated, and unsure whether compensation will ever be possible; especially if the other driver is not immediately identified.

Why Staying at the Scene Matters

Remaining at the scene helps:

• Ensure EMS and law enforcement can reach you quickly
• Protect valuable evidence before it disappears
• Allow officers to create an official crash report

Leaving, even temporarily, may complicate your claim and give insurers grounds to question what actually happened.

What Steps Should You Take Immediately After the Accident?

1. Call 911 and Get Medical Treatment

Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, get checked by a medical professional right away. Florida PIP laws require treatment within 14 days or you may lose your eligibility for benefits.

2. Document the Scene Thoroughly

If you’re able, use your phone to capture:

• Damage to your vehicle
• Skid marks, debris, or paint transfer
• Road or weather conditions
• Traffic signals, signs, and lighting

If you can’t take photos, ask someone nearby to help.

3. File a Police Report Immediately

Florida law requires reporting most hit-and-run crashes, especially those involving injuries. The sooner officers arrive, the better your chances of capturing evidence before darkness, weather, or traffic erase it.

What Types of Evidence Are Collected in a Hit-and-Run?

Collecting evidence quickly increases the chances of locating the fleeing driver and strengthens any UM claim you may file. Evidence may include:

• Police reports documenting injuries, damage, and statements
• Dash cam video from your vehicle or others nearby
• Traffic or surveillance footage from businesses and homes
• Eyewitness accounts describing the vehicle or direction of travel
• Photos of paint transfer, broken parts, and surrounding conditions
• Medical records tying your injuries directly to the crash

The faster this information is preserved, the stronger your case becomes.

Will a Hit-and-Run Claim Raise My Insurance Rates in Florida?

Not necessarily. In Florida, rate increases depend heavily on fault, coverage type, and your insurance company’s rules.

Important things to keep in mind:

• If you were not at fault, many insurers will not raise your premiums solely for filing a claim
• PIP benefits typically do not impact rates because they are no-fault by design
• UM claims generally do not result in surcharges

Filing a police report is essential. Without it, the insurer may incorrectly classify the crash as an at-fault event.

How Does Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage Help After a Hit-and-Run in Florida?

If the driver who caused your crash is never identified, UM coverage can act as a safety net by stepping in as if the other driver carried bodily injury insurance.

UM coverage may help pay for:

• Medical expenses not fully covered by PIP
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or long-term care
• Loss of enjoyment of life

UM is optional in Florida, but it is the ONLY way to protect yourself from uninsured or fleeing drivers. To use UM benefits in a hit-and-run, insurers typically require:

• A timely police report
• Notification of the claim as soon as reasonably possible
• Proof that another vehicle caused the crash

Even if the fleeing driver is eventually identified, UM can help bridge the gap if their insurance is inadequate.

Where Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Commonly Happen in Florida?

Hit-and-run accidents occur in many different settings, from busy highways to quiet residential communities. Each kind of location presents different challenges when it comes to evidence, liability, and available insurance benefits.

Below are common scenarios and how they typically unfold.

A Pedestrian Hit in a Crosswalk

A driver hits someone legally crossing the street and immediately speeds away. In this situation:

• Witness or dash cam footage is often crucial
• UM bodily injury coverage may help with medical costs and recovery time
• Quick reporting to police strengthens both criminal and insurance investigations

These crashes often lead to severe injuries, making prompt medical care essential.

A High-Speed Highway Hit-and-Run

A vehicle is sideswiped at high speed on I-95, I-75, or another major Florida roadway, causing a chain-reaction crash while the at-fault driver disappears.

What typically happens:

• Serious injuries surpass PIP limits
• UM coverage may help with long-term disability and pain and suffering
• Attorneys may obtain toll-road, traffic, or FHP footage

High-speed crashes are complex and often require substantial investigation.

Learning To Be More Prepared After a Hit-and-Run

Although every hit-and-run situation is different, several themes remain consistent:

• Evidence fades quickly
• Medical treatment should never be delayed
• Police reports greatly influence insurance outcomes
• UM coverage may be the only available recovery source

Understanding what to do, and what not to do, gives you more control and protects your ability to recover compensation.

Knowing these steps won’t remove the stress of a hit-and-run, but it will help you make decisions that safeguard your health, your claim, and your peace of mind.

What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

After a hit-and-run, people often make quick decisions without realizing how those choices may affect their claim. Avoid the following missteps:

• Posting photos or statements on social media
• Skipping or delaying medical treatment
• Waiting too long to file a police report
• Giving a recorded statement without legal guidance

Each of these mistakes can weaken your case or give insurers reasons to reduce or deny coverage.

Important Florida Laws That Affect Hit-and-Run Claims

Florida’s legal system has specific rules governing crash reporting, insurance requirements, and deadlines for filing claims.

Key laws include:

Florida Crash and Reporting Laws

• Florida Statutes § 316.061–062: Drivers must stop and exchange information
• Leaving the scene with injuries is a felony offense

Florida Insurance Laws

• PIP coverage (Florida Statutes § 627.736): Covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses
• UM/UIM is optional but strongly recommended

Statute of Limitations

• Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years (Florida Statutes § 95.11)

Understanding these rules early helps preserve your ability to seek compensation.

When Should You Contact an Attorney After a Hit-and-Run in Florida?

Hit-and-run cases often involve complicated investigations and challenges; especially when the at-fault driver is never found. A knowledgeable injury attorney can help:

• Locate and preserve critical evidence (footage, records, witness statements)
• Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
• Evaluate your PIP, UM, and MedPay benefits
• Protect your rights from the beginning

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. RTRLAW is here to answer your questions, discuss your options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 1-833-HIRE-RTR today for a free case review.