How We Can Help
Our firm takes a proactive, aggressive approach to hit-and-run cases in Tampa, including:
- Investigating the accident thoroughly: Working with law enforcement, reviewing accident reports, and seeking out surveillance footage or eyewitnesses could help identify the fleeing driver.
- Assisting with Florida PIP claims: Helping you deal with the personal injury protection (PIP) process, which should cover part of your medical expenses regardless of fault.
- Handling uninsured motorist (UM) claims: Filing a claim against your own UM/UIM coverage if the at-fault driver cannot be located.
- Attempting to negotiate with auto insurance companies: Dealing with auto insurance adjusters who might have tried to minimize your recovery if you weren’t represented by a lawyer.
- Preparing your case for trial, if necessary: Litigating in court to pursue every avenue of recovery available under Florida law.
We understand the complex interplay between Florida’s no-fault insurance laws and uninsured motorist coverage, and we know how to make the system work for you.
The Serious Problem of Hit-and-Run Accidents
Florida consistently ranks among the worst states in the nation for hit-and-run crashes and uninsured drivers. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there are more than 100,000 hit-and-run crashes in Florida each year, which cause more than 250 fatalities and more than 850 serious injuries, on average. Hillsborough County reports some of the highest rates of hit-and-run accidents in the state.
Reasons why drivers commonly flee the scenes of car accidents include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving without a valid license or insurance
- Fear of arrest or legal consequences
- Panic or reckless disregard for others
Regardless of the reason, fleeing the scene is a criminal offense that should be taken seriously. Survivors of hit-and-runs and the families of the deceased deserve to be compensated for their injuries and losses, but the criminal justice system doesn’t guarantee any sort of compensation. A civil claim must be pursued separately from any criminal action against the driver.
Your Legal Options After a Hit-&-Run Accident in Florida
Florida law requires every driver to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which is designed to cover a portion of your medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, even if the other driver is unknown or at fault. However, PIP often falls far short of covering the full cost of injuries that occur in serious crashes.
At that point, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage comes in. If you carry UM on your auto insurance policy, it can cover additional damages when the at-fault driver cannot be identified, such as what typically occurs in hit-and-run accidents.
UM can help cover:
- Medical bills beyond your PIP limits
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term rehabilitation costs
If the hit-and-run driver is later identified, you may also have the right to pursue a personal injury claim directly against them or their auto insurer, seeking additional compensation for your injuries and losses. Either way, taking quick legal action after the crash is recommended.
Compensation
Depending on your coverage and the facts of your case, you may be able to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses, both immediate and ongoing
- Lost wages and future loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
At Stallworth Law, we fight to recover every dollar you are owed. Whether it comes from the at-fault driver, your own insurance company, or both, we don’t slow down or back down from a challenge.
Time Limits
Florida law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims, including hit-and-run accident claims. As of 2023, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in Florida is two years from the date of the accident.
Additionally, most insurance policies require you to report a claim, including a UM claim, promptly after the accident, often within a few days. Missing these deadlines can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.
Reach Out Today — We Fight for Hit-and-Run Victims
If you’ve been hurt in a hit-and-run accident in Tampa, you need a law firm that will stand with you, fight for you, and make your case a priority. At Stallworth Law, we bring personal experience, aggressive counsel, and compassionate support to every case we handle. Attorney Mark Stallworth understands the fear and frustration that follow a serious crash because he’s been there himself. Let us put our insight and resources to work for you, just as we have for countless others throughout the years.
Call (813) 851-2286 today for a free, no-obligation consultation, so we can explain your options after a hit-and-run in Tampa.