According to Florida Statutes § 316.027, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident involving property damage, injuries, or death. Fleeing an accident leaves victims without medical assistance and robs them of the ability to collect information they need to seek compensation from the liable driver.
If you suffered injuries in a hit-and-run accident in Beverly Park, East Lake, or another area of Hollywood, the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine are here to help you pursue awards for your medical bills and more. Our Hollywood hit-and-run accident lawyers can assist with your insurance claims or a personal injury lawsuit.
Hit and Runs Occur Frequently in Florida
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), around 25 percent of all traffic accidents in Florida involve a hit and run. The FLHSMV Crash Dashboard reports that hit and run accidents caused nearly 2,400 injuries and 33 fatalities in Broward County in 2021.
In 2014, Florida adopted stricter penalties for drivers who flee under Florida Statutes § 316.027, known as the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act. Drivers who leave the scene of an accident involving property damage, injuries, or death will face fines from $500 to $10,000 and 60 days to 30 years in prison. However, even with harsher sentences, the number of hit and run accidents has remained steady, and many drivers go unlocated.
Who Pays for Hit and Run Accident Damages?
If police apprehend the hit and run driver, you may be able to hold them financially liable for your accident. However, many hit and run victims must turn to their own insurance provider for compensation.
Personal Injury Protection Insurance
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, meaning drivers must carry $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to pay for medical bills resulting from a car accident, regardless of liability. According to Florida Statutes § 627.736(a), PIP pays for 80 percent of reasonable treatment as long as you seek care within 14 days of your accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection
If law enforcement cannot locate the driver who caused your accident, our attorneys can seek damages under your uninsured/underinsured motorist policy. We can also help you with claims against your collision or comprehensive coverage if you hold these policies.
The Liable Driver
If police locate the hit-and-run driver, we can seek compensation from their insurance provider or via a personal injury lawsuit. Our lawyers can build a case proving they are liable for your accident, injuries, and resulting losses.
Some cases involving a hit and run also have other contributing factors, such as vehicle issues, problems with the roadway or road maintenance, or even the actions of a third-party driver. If there is another liable party, we will hold them financially responsible, as well.
Our Hollywood Hit and Run Accident Lawyers Will Fight For Fair Compensation
Insurance companies exist to make a profit, and even your own provider will aim to pay the lowest settlement amount possible. Therefore, if your insurance company reaches out with an offer, consider contacting our firm before agreeing.
The days and weeks immediately following an accident can be a whirlwind, and you may not yet know the full extent of your injuries, medical treatment, or recovery. Our lawyers can evaluate your case, calculate your current and estimated future damages, and negotiate for the most advantageous settlement available to you.
We can seek compensation for:
- Health care – We can recover your past and future medical expenses, including ambulance transportation, emergency services, hospital stays, medical procedures, rehabilitation, nursing care, medications, and more.
- Lost income – You can recoup your back pay and lost tips, bonuses, benefits, and retirement savings. In addition, if you suffered a disabling injury, we can seek damages for the loss of your future earning potential.
- Pain and suffering – These damages offer monetary awards for intangible losses and reductions to your quality of life. You may receive compensation for loss of mobility or paralysis, scarring, disfigurement, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, anxiety, physical pain, emotional suffering, and mental anguish.
- Wrongful death – If your loved one suffered a fatal injury, we can help you recover damages on behalf of their estate and surviving family members.
If we cannot secure fair awards through an insurance settlement, our Hollywood lawyers can represent you in a lawsuit. According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, you have four years to file a personal injury lawsuit and two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Our Attorneys Are Familiar With Cases Involving Serious Injuries
During more than 15 years in practice, our firm has served thousands of injury victims from across Florida. We know how a severe injury can change your life, and we understand that engaging with insurance agents or initiating legal action while recovering can be daunting. We have helped those suffering from:
- Brain injuries
- Back, neck, and shoulder injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal injuries
- Chest and abdominal injuries
- Facial injuries
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
When you hire our team, we will give you your lawyer’s phone number, provide regular case updates, and quickly return your calls and emails. You worry about getting better. We take care of everything else.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Today
Our Hollywood hit-and-run accident lawyers can represent you with no financial risk to you and your family. We collect our fee from a potential settlement or verdict. In addition, we never ask for payment up front. To learn more, call our offices for a free consultation.