Can you sue someone for a hit and run in Tampa, Florida?
The simple answer is “Yes, you can”
The more truthful answer is, “Yes, if you can find them.”
Under Florida’s state laws, accident victims can sue an at-fault driver if the damage is more than the Personal Injury Protection insurance coverage. You may be able to reclaim fiscal damages for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other expenses.
A hit-and-run is a particularly destructive type of car accident because the victim may be badly injured and not get the urgent medical care they need. In most cases, a hit-and-run driver doesn’t have insurance or a driver’s license or is DUI.
Unlike a normal car crash, the problem with a hit and run is that you can’t get the insurance contact information, and you will have to file a claim with your insurance company. You may have to fight to be paid through compensation awarded by a court. It could be a complex process.
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, you should take the following steps.
- Check for injuries
If a hit-and-run driver strikes your vehicle, the first thing to do is pull over to a safe place and check everyone in the car for injuries. If you are hurt, try not to move too much.
- Call the police
Call 911 immediately, report the hit-and-run and request medical assistance if anyone is injured. Please don’t leave the scene of the car crash; it is against the law. The police will want to speak to you and gather evidence about the crash. It will help in finding the driver and with your insurance claim.
- Make notes
We tend to forget details as time goes by. It is especially true after a traumatic experience. As early as possible, make notes on everything you can recall, like the color and makeup of the car or a part of the license plate.
Speak to any witnesses who saw the hit-and-run, get their contact details, if they are willing to help you later. It would help if you also used your phone to take pictures of the damage to your car, the scene around the crash, and any injuries you or the other passengers received.
- Get yourself checked by a medical professional
Even if there are no visible injuries, you should go to the Tampa General Hospital and get your check-up. Sometimes injuries, even severe ones, can show up later. You should request copies of medical reports and prescriptions. You will need them as evidence later
- Report the accident to your Car Insurance Provider
Florida is a “No-Fault” state; your insurance company will compensate you for personal injury, even when the identity of the hit-and-run driver is not known.
- Consult with a skilled Tampa car accident lawyer
A hit-and-run accident can cause devastating injury and damage that goes beyond the scope of your insurance. You will need a determined Tampa car accident lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve.