J. Stanford Morse, P.A.
3131 66th Street North Suite #2
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
FAX: 727.347.0179

We Speak for the Injured. We Speak for Their Families.

Personal Injury attorney

Hit and Run Accidents

Victims and families of victims of hit and run accidents deal with devastating injuries that often result in permanent disability or death. The traumatic effects of a motor vehicle accident impacting lifestyle, relationships, employment and finances are increased by the psychological trauma of unanswered questions. Why would anyone intentionally leave the scene of an accident? In cases of fatalities, the victim’s family members are left with a lack of closure and in some instances the inability to work through the grieving process.

On a national level, government statistics indicate that almost eleven percent of all vehicle accidents are hit and run car accidents. Nearly 700,000 hit and run car accident cases are reported each year in the United States. National Highway Safety Administration which administers and reports on traffic statistics nationwide reports a fifteen percent increase in the number of hit and run car accidents since 1998.

Most alarming of all are the statistics that show Florida ranking third-highest in the nation with an average 3,300 hit-and-run accidents annually. Only Texas and California ranked higher.

Despite the impact of hit and run accidents on the victims and their families, national statistics indicate hit and run accidents are increasing in number. What could account for this alarming increase?

Factors That Contribute to Hit and Run Accidents

Almost everyone agrees that the most often cited cause of a driver leaving the scene of an accident is panic. Often, the driver is innocent of any crime and only compounds the problem by failing to remain at the scene.

Drivers with prior records of traffic infractions including reckless driving, driving at excessive speeds or who have exhibited a total disregard for traffic laws are more likely to leave the scene of an accident in order to avoid arrest or additional fines. This includes drivers with criminal records or outstanding warrants.

Of particular concern is the alarming rise in the number of unlicensed and uninsured drivers in the state of Florida. This increase is believed to be a contributing factor to the increase in the number of hit and run accidents. The high incidence of uninsured drivers may be related to economic conditions which also contribute to the rise in the number of hit and runs. In tough times, people tend to have lapses in insurance coverage due to inability to pay.

Florida Law Governing Hit and Run Accidents

Florida law is clear on a driver's responsibility to stop and remain at the scene following a car crash. Violators of this requirement may face felony charges, revocation of their driver’s license, court ordered community service and other civil or administrative fines.

Factors Affecting Penalties in Hit and Run Accidents

The amount of personal injury incurred as a result of the accident
The amount of property damage
Past criminal history of the hit and run driver
Number of prior incidents of hit and run driving
The driving record of the offender

What to Do If You Find Yourself a Victim of a Hit and Run Car Accident

Clear thinking at the time of accident is essential to protect your rights and interests.

Assess any physical injury that may have been caused in the accident to either yourself or your passengers.
Call the police to the scene immediately.
To the best of your ability, provide the police with a detailed description of the vehicle(s) and any information your recall about the driver of the vehicle(s). Make sure it is written down and included in the police report.
All witnesses to the hit and run car accident should be identified, contact information collected and their witness statements included in the police report.
If possible, document the accident with photographs. Most cell phones have cameras which will allow you to document the scene.
Immediately after the accident debrief by writing a detailed account of your recollection of the events and circumstances leading up to the accident. Recall as much detail as possible.
Contact a reputable law firm to protect your rights.
Report the accident to your insurance company. Don’t delay in reporting the accident as there may be time limitations for filing your claim.

Hit and Run Accidents | Insurance Coverage

After a hit and run car accident you may be faced with physical and/or property damage losses. These may or may not be covered by your insurance company. Some insurance policies don’t cover damages that involve an uninsured, underinsured, or hit and run car accident motorist.

If you have suffered a personal injury in an automobile accident with a driver who either does not have insurance, does not have enough insurance, or who was a hit and run driver, you may still be able to recover damages for your injuries under what is known as uninsured motorist coverage.

It is important to know whether or not your plan includes coverage for these types of accidents. The personal injury law permits you to file a claim with your own insurance company to recover for injuries caused by drivers with insufficient or no insurance.

In some instances, before you are able to make such a claim you must fill out a police report describing the accident and promptly report the accident to your own insurance company. In all cases, you should act immediately, as time limitations may prohibit you from collecting compensation for your injuries or property damage.