Hit-and-run crashes have surged across Florida, with a 40% increase over the past decade, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Last year alone, 97,519 crashes involved a driver who chose to flee instead of staying to take responsibility. Most of these crashes resulted in property damage, but many had far more devastating consequences.
Data shows that 81,205 of these crashes damaged vehicles or property. However, 779 left someone seriously injured, and 238 took at least one life. Pedestrians and cyclists accounted for most of these deaths, a grim reminder of how vulnerable they are on Florida’s roads.
Why do hit-and-run crashes happen in Florida?
Officials point to three key reasons why drivers leave the scene of an accident instead of stopping:
Fear of consequences
Panic often sets in the moment a driver realizes they have caused a crash. The fear of arrests, fines, lawsuits, or even jail time can cloud judgment. This sometimes leads drivers to make a split-second decision to run. Some drivers may even worry about an angry confrontation with the other driver.
Those with prior legal trouble or outstanding warrants may flee to avoid further run-ins with law enforcement. In some cases, even drivers who know they were not at fault may still panic and leave, assuming that staying could still land them in legal trouble.
Road conditions
Poor visibility, bad weather, and poorly lit streets create dangerous driving conditions. Rain, fog, or darkness can make it difficult to see pedestrians, bicyclists, or even other vehicles, and a driver might not immediately realize they’ve struck something or someone.
In hit-and-run crashes involving parked cars or objects, drivers might assess the situation and decide it’s easier to take off than to stop and take responsibility. In some cases, a driver may believe they have no witnesses and hope to escape unnoticed.
Impairment
Alcohol and drugs dramatically affect a driver’s ability to think clearly and make responsible choices. An impaired driver may react on instinct and flee the scene to avoid additional charges for driving under the influence (DUI). They may not even fully comprehend the seriousness of what just happened until later.
Some impaired drivers also fear that staying at the scene will guarantee a breathalyzer test or a sobriety check and, consequently, lead to a DUI arrest. Instead of facing the music, they take off and make the situation even worse.
How is Florida working to reduce hit-and-run crashes?
In Florida, drivers who take off after a crash face harsh penalties. They risk fines, jail time, losing their license, or even prison if someone gets hurt or killed. FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner put it plainly: “FHP is committed to ensuring that individuals take responsibility for their actions and understand the serious implications of being involved in a hit-and-run crash.”
Every February, FLHSMV and its partners launch a campaign reminding drivers to stay at the scene. Stopping after a crash ensures that anyone injured gets help, allows for proper information exchange, and lets law enforcement do its job. Leaving the scene of an accident may feel like an escape at the moment, but it only makes things worse. Staying means doing the right thing for yourself and everyone involved.
What are my legal options after a hit-and-run in Florida?
If law enforcement identifies the hit-and-run driver, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against their insurance provider (if they’re insured) for damages. However, if the hit-and-run driver is never identified, you still have options for seeking compensation.
Because Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance will cover medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. PIP provides up to $10,000 in medical coverage, but it doesn’t cover pain and suffering. If your injuries and expenses exceed this amount, you may need to explore additional options.
For example, if you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, it can help in a hit-and-run case since the fleeing driver is treated as an uninsured motorist. UM can pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. While Florida doesn’t require UM coverage, it’s an important safeguard for situations like these.
For vehicle repairs, collision coverage can help cover damages even if the hit-and-run driver is never found. Unlike liability insurance, which only pays for damage you cause to others, collision coverage applies to your own vehicle repairs regardless of fault.
In cases where the hit-and-run resulted in serious injury or death, Florida’s Victim Compensation Program may provide financial assistance for medical bills, lost wages, and funeral expenses. However, this program has specific eligibility requirements. For example, you must cooperate with law enforcement and demonstrate that you didn’t contribute to the crash.
Injured in a hit-and-run? Get help from a skilled attorney
A hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling shocked, frustrated, and uncertain about what to do next. The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. has seen the physical, emotional, and financial devastation hit-and-runs have on victims and their families. Our team is here to guide you through the legal process and help you get the compensation you deserve.
We can help you with your insurance claim, whether it involves your PIP or UM policy or the other driver’s insurance company (assuming they’re caught). You should not have to deal with insurance companies or legal battles while trying to heal. Mr. Shomo and his dedicated legal team handle the paperwork, investigate the crash, and negotiate with insurers so you can focus on your recovery.
Our law firm, based in Palm Beach Gardens and serving clients throughout Palm Beach County, has a proven track record of obtaining meaningful results for accident victims. We have recovered over $85 million for our clients and are ready to support you throughout every step of the legal process.
We offer a free consultation so you can get the answers you need with no risk. If a hit-and-run driver has left you injured in Palm Beach County and uncertain about what to do next, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free case review.
“I can’t say enough about my experience working with Casey. My family suffered a sad, preventable tragedy. Casey helped guide us through the aftermath of that tragedy, including the hospitals and the insurance companies involved. He ensured that we fully understood all our options and what each would entail for our family. Above all, Casey was truly empathetic and never sought to have us pursue any resolution that wasn’t in my family’s best interest. We truly appreciated his practical and caring approach.” – Vincent D., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐