Hit and Run Accidents

The stress of being in an accident may increase dramatically when the crash is a hit and run. If you have been hurt in a hit and run accident, you may be able to recover monetary compensation for your harm. At the Lawrence Law Group, our experienced Jacksonville car accident attorneys can investigate the facts of your case and provide you with a thorough assessment of your claim. You can rest assured that we can advocate for your rights at every step of the way.

Under Florida law, a “hit and run” is defined as the failure of a driver to remain at the site of a motor vehicle crash and fulfill other statutory duties, when the crash in question involves a death, bodily injuries, or property damage. Drivers are expected to help an injured person get assistance and report the accident to the proper authorities.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Florida unfortunately ranks third in the country for hit and run accidents. These often occur when a driver is fearful of being arrested for DUI, a lack of insurance, or another violation. Drivers who flee the scene after causing an accident may be held legally responsible for the resulting injuries. All drivers owe others on the road a duty of care. Part of this duty includes remaining at the scene of an accident so that the injuries of a victim are not worsened. Moreover, most drivers who flee the scene did something careless or reckless that caused the crash. This may be the basis of their liability to the victim.

The regrettable reality, however, is that some drivers are never located, which makes it hard to hold them accountable for a hit and run. It is important to be aware that people who have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may be able to obtain compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills and lost wages resulting from a hit and run accident by making a claim under their own auto insurance policy.

Despite the contractual arrangement between an insurance company and a policy holder, you should be aware that your insurer is not aligned with your interests during this process. Instead, it is an adversarial party that stands in the shoes of the hit and run driver during any negotiations or litigation. Thus, rather than trusting your insurer to do the right thing for you, you may benefit from hiring a car accident lawyer who will protect your interests.

If you or someone close to you has been a victim of a hit and run accident, you can obtain a free consultation from one of our experienced Jacksonville car accident attorneys as soon as possible. At The Lawrence Law Group, our motor vehicle collision attorneys proudly represent victims throughout Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Baker, Nassau, Flagler, Putnam, Brevard, Union, Columbia, Suwannee, Hamilton, and Jefferson Counties. For a free consultation, call us at 904-632-0077 or contact us online.