In the shock and confusion of a hit-and-run accident, you might not know what to do and where compensation will come from. However, a lawyer can clarify your financial recovery options if the other driver fled the Tampa accident scene. Later, if you can identify the at-fault driver, you can sue them. If not, you could pursue compensation from your insurance provider.
Your right to compensation does not end because the other driver did not initially accept responsibility. Many Tampa hit-and-run accident lawyers will represent you on contingency, and a team member will review the merits of your claim at no cost or obligation. The initial consultation lets you learn about your rights and how hard a law firm will work to recover damages for you.
Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen Too Often In Tampa, FL
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) cites statistics showing that almost 105,000 hit-and-run crashes occurred on Florida roads in 2022. If you or a loved one were in one of these accidents, you have the following compensation options:
- Personal injury protection (PIP): State law requires all registered vehicle owners in Florida to purchase PIP, which pays their immediate medical bills and lost wages after an accident. You can get these financial benefits regardless of fault and without the pressure and stress of an insurance claim or lawsuit.
- File a claim with your insurer: If your insurance policy includes optional uninsured motorist coverage, an attorney can help you file a comprehensive compensation claim with your insurance company.
- File a lawsuit in a Tampa court: If witness statements, left-behind debris, and an investigation can identify the at-fault driver, you can seek compensation from their insurance company or take an uninsured driver to court.
A Tampa car accident lawyer will clarify each option and guide you toward a well-informed decision. With their guidance and support, you can regain control of your life.
Let Your Lawyer Deal With The Insurance Company–Yours Or The Other Driver’s
A primary benefit of hiring a lawyer rather than seeking damages on your own is their ability to take the details of a car accident claim off your shoulders. To bolster and support your case, your Tampa personal injury lawyer will:
- Investigate your accident and collect evidence that could identify the at-fault driver or vehicle.
- Speak on your behalf with the insurance company to avoid miscommunication.
- Accurately assess and document the monetary value of your injuries, property damage, and other losses.
- Manage all case-related paperwork, including claim forms, evidence submission, and court documents.
- Answer your legal questions and concerns, including providing ongoing and informative updates on the progress of your case.
A lawyer can negotiate a fair and appropriate settlement with an insurance company that covers your post-accident expenses and losses.
Your Lawyer Can Build A Solid Evidence Collection For Your Tampa Car Accident
Evidence is an essential part of your car accident. It can prove the accident’s cause, contributing factors, and resulting costs. Investigating the reason an accident occurred often starts with the police report. It will contain information like:
- A description of the fleeing vehicle and driver, if possible
- The accident’s date, time, and location
- A description of the sequence of events that led to the collision
- Names and contact information for any witnesses who came forward
Your case file could also include photos and footage of the following:
- The accident scene
- Your vehicle, including points of impact
- Any evidence or debris from the fleeing vehicle
Your lawyer will collect and sort your evidence. They will also compose a well-organized case file and submit it to the insurance company on your behalf.
Evidence That Proves The Accident’s Costs
To prove the expenses and losses you suffered because of the accident, your case file should also contain:
- Medical, rehab, and therapy bills
- A written prognosis for future treatment
- Employment records from all income sources
- Repair bills or replacement estimates for your damaged or destroyed vehicle
- Testimony from accident, medical, and financial experts
Your attorney will include these items in your case file and a demand letter to start the settlement negotiation process.
Compensation a Lawyer Can Request After A Hit And Run Accident In Tampa
Whether you seek compensation by tracking down the driver who fled or by filing a claim with your insurer, you can recover the following economic damages:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future lost income
- Loss of future earning ability
- Property damage or total loss
- Diminished property value
Recoverable noneconomic damages can include:
- Impairment and disfigurement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If your family lost a loved one in a car accident, you can pursue wrongful death damages. These typically include the costs of your loved one’s final arrangements and your loss of their financial support and domestic services.
Act Quickly To Protect Your Right To Compensation In Florida
No matter who you pursue for damages, if you do not file your lawsuit on time, the courts could bar you from doing so. You generally have two years to comply with the personal injury and wrongful death statute of limitations, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11(5).
Complying with the filing deadline can be complicated since several factors can affect the timeline. A lawyer can help by filing your lawsuit within the allotted time and in the appropriate court.
Get A Free Review Of Your Hit And Run Accident Case Now
If the driver who caused your accident hit and ran, you do not have to endure financial hardship. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you get compensation by filing a claim with your insurer or taking the driver to court.
Learn more about everything our law firm will do to recover damages for you if the other driver fled a Tampa accident scene. Contact our consultation team today.
