Tampa car accident lawyers handle hit-and-run cases on a case-by-case basis.
One important consideration is whether or not authorities can identify the driver who left the accident scene—it may affect how the lawyer seeks compensation for you.
Whatever the circumstances of your hit-and-run case may be, a Tampa car accident lawyer from our firm can fight for the entire financial recovery you deserve.
What Are the Goals of a Hit and Run Car Accident Case in Tampa?
Ideally, the goals of a hit and run car accident case in Tampa are to:
- Get the compensation you deserve: You are the most important consideration, and your health and financial recovery are our top priorities. Whether it’s by an insurance claim, settlement, lawsuit, or other means, we aim to get the maximum amount of compensation for you.
- Hold the hit and run motorist accountable: If law enforcement officers locate the hit-and-run motorist, we’ll work to hold them accountable. This may require filing a lawsuit against the negligent motorist.
We hope to achieve both of these goals in every hit and run car accident case, but identifying the liable motorist is a key part of the latter goal.
How Your Lawyer Seeks Compensation When Law Enforcement Doesn’t Find the At-Fault Motorist
Florida’s auto insurance requirements reflect the high number of uninsured motorists in the Sunshine State. As the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles explains, motorists in Florida must carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage.
This coverage protects you from paying out of pocket for medical bills, even if the at-fault motorist left the accident scene. You may also opt to carry additional uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage and PIP coverage limits greater than $10,000.
An attorney can explore all your available insurance coverage, including:
- PIP coverage
- UM/UIM coverage
- Collision coverage
- Any other applicable coverage
Even if law enforcement officers never identify the motorist who left your accident scene, we can seek whatever coverage you deserve from your own insurer.
How Your Lawyer Seeks Compensation When Law Enforcement Does Find the At-Fault Motorist
If law enforcement officers find the motorist who left your accident scene, we may have more options for seeking compensation. In addition to any claims we file with your own insurer, we may file a claim with the at-fault motorist’s insurer (if they have valid insurance).
Whether or not the at-fault motorist has valid insurance, we can also consider filing a lawsuit against them. For instance, we may pursue a lawsuit because:
- You can generally get compensation for a wider range of damages through a lawsuit (namely, non-economic damages like pain and suffering)
- Leaving the scene of an accident is blatant and willful negligence that may require justice beyond an insurance claim
Every hit and run car accident case in Tampa is unique, so your attorney will provide a personalized legal plan specific to your needs.
Recoverable Damages in a Tampa Hit and Run Car Accident Case
Your damages will be a crucial consideration in our legal plan. We may choose to file a lawsuit if the cost of your damages exceeds available insurance coverage. Recoverable damages in Tampa car accident cases may include:
- Medical expenses, such as ambulance transportation, imaging services, emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medications, doctor visits, and any other accident-related care
- Lost income and other professional damages, such as lost bonuses, lost benefits, and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, which may include depression, anxiety, physical pain, emotional anguish, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and similar damages
- Property damage, if your vehicle or other damaged property needs to be repaired or replaced
Sadly, our legal team in Tampa also hears from people who lost loved ones in fatal car accidents. We handle these tragic cases with the utmost professionalism, often seeking compensation for:
- Funeral expenses
- Your pain and suffering
- The decedent’s pain and suffering
- Grief counseling or other treatment you receive for pain and suffering
- Loss of spousal companionship
- Loss of parental guidance
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of the decedent’s household services
The National Safety Council confirms that the economic cost of car accidents generally increases with the severity of injuries. Our firm can conduct a detailed investigation of your damages and fight for the money you deserve.
Why Did the Motorist Leave the Scene of Your Tampa Car Accident?
The reason why the motorist left your accident scene could have an effect on our legal approach. For example, if the motorist left the scene because they didn’t have insurance, their lack of insurance may lead us to file a lawsuit against them. Motorists may also leave a car accident scene because:
- They’re intoxicated or under the influence of drugs: Drunk or drugged motorists may leave the accident scene to avoid the legal consequences of their actions. If law enforcement officers locate the motorist, we may sue them.
- They lack insurance: Driving without auto insurance is illegal in Florida. Uninsured motorists may leave an accident scene to avoid both legal and financial consequences. Lack of insurance often makes the uninsured motorist vulnerable to personal financial liability.
- They respond poorly to unfamiliar circumstances: Some motorists may flee an accident scene simply because they’re flustered. However, it is still not acceptable.
Our firm will determine, if possible, why the motorist left your accident scene. We work to gather all relevant details so we can build the strongest possible case for you.
Hire a Tampa Hit and Run Car Accident Lawyer From Our Firm ASAP
Florida Statutes § 95.11 generally requires that we file your lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident. Do not wait too long to hire an attorney, as missing this deadline may be catastrophic to your case.
Our team’s Tampa car accident lawyer is ready to handle your hit and run case. You can focus on your recovery, and we’ll handle the rest. Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for your free consultation.
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