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Thousands of people suffer injuries and losses in hit-and-run car crashes every year in Florida. The hit-and-run car accident cases are quite challenging to handle for the victims. According to the latest report, more than 97,000 hit-and-run crashes occur every year. The data shows only how catastrophic the accidents are. Vehicle accidents are common in Florida on a yearly basis; therefore, it’s vital to be aware of your rights and responsibilities after a collision. Under the Florida Law, the victim is rightful in receiving fair compensation from the liable party for the losses and injuries incurred. At Injury Assistance Law Firm, our car accident attorneys in Winter Haven guide you with robust legal support through the complex litigation process and help you win the maximum compensation for the injuries suffered in a hit-and-run car accident. 

Chances of Hit and Run Cases in Florida 

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), 104,273 hit-and-run crashes were reported in 2023. Hit-and-run car accident cases may involve more than one vehicle, but the victims suffer severe injuries. Bicycle riders and pedestrians are most vulnerable on the roads due to their open exposure to road hazards and a lack of safety gear or protection. The accidents might also be fatal. The chances of mishaps increase in low-light conditions or on roads with poor maintenance. If you or anyone you know has been involved in a hit-and-run car accident claim, connect with Injury Assistance Law Firm to know what steps you need to take instantly. 

Florida Law: Road Responsibilities & Penalties 

Under Florida law, any driver involved in a crash on public or private property that results in property damage, physical injury, mental trauma, or death holds the legal duty to stop immediately at the scene. Leaving or escaping the scene can result in severe punishment and penalties. 

If the driver leaves the scene, the penalties vary depending on severity:

• Property damage: Leaving the scene is considered a second-degree misdemeanour, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
• Physical injuries and mental trauma: Leaving the scene becomes a second or third-degree felony. Upon conviction, the driver faces licence suspension for a minimum of 3 years, up to 5 years’ imprisonment, and a fine of up to $5,000.
• When death happens: It is a first-degree felony, with a mandatory minimum of 4 years in prison, up to 30 years, and a fine of up to $10,000. 

Recent legal updates in 2025 have backed Florida’s hit-and-run enforcement further. For instance, new legislation has implemented automatic license suspensions of up to 5 years, active use of traffic cameras, and automated license-plate readers to track fleeing drivers. After an accident, the involved parties must dial 911 and wait for law enforcement to intervene, even at “minor” crash scenes. 

From a victim’s perspective, the law works in various ways - 

• The more serious the violation (damage, injury, death), the stricter the law enforcement tools are. The law has a strong basis for establishing fault and pursuing accountability.
• In the event that the responsible driver leaves the accident scene, a criminal prosecution can support a civil claim for compensation. The strict penalties and investigative tools may increase the chances of the at-fault driver being identified and held accountable.
• For insurance purposes, when a driver flees, victims often need to rely on uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or pursue subrogation. Florida law enforcement works against the odds in recovering damages.
• The Florida statute of limitations, share of accountability, and insurance timelines all add to the prompt action. When the victims are aware of the legal duties and penalties, they understand why staying on the scene and preserving evidence is crucial.

Why You Need A Skilled Car Accident Attorney After a Hit and Run Case 

Identify and Establish the Responsible Party

The primary objective of the hit-and-run car accident cases is to identify the at-fault driver. The step, once executed successfully, can increase the victim’s chances of winning fair compensation. The victim can pursue a direct insurance claim or file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. The Winter Haven car accident lawyers at Injury Assistance Law Firm employ step-by-step strategies to identify the driver. Under the recent statutes, traffic cameras and plate readers are used to track fleeing drivers. The attorneys collect the evidence and use it during the lawsuit when required.  

Separating the Criminal and Civil Aspects of the Case

Knowingly leaving the scene after a car accident is a crime in Florida. The liable party may be subject to parallel criminal and civil proceedings. A car accident attorney coordinates with public prosecutors, keeps the evidence, and explains to the victim how the criminal case may impact the civil claim.  For instance, the FLHSMV “Stay at the Scene” campaign emphasizes that a hit and run isn’t just an accident; it’s a crime. 

Dealing with Insurance and Underinsured/Uninsured Scenarios

The fleeing driver is often uninsured, and it is often impossible to identify or locate them. A skilled car accident attorney helps the victim explore uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, file claims within the required deadlines, negotiate with insurance companies, and prepare for a lawsuit if necessary. The attorney also handles property damage, bodily injury, pain & suffering, future medical costs, and lost wages. All these aspects make the case very complicated when the other party is missing or criminally charged.

Fighting for the Maximum Compensation and Preserving the Victim’s Rights

Hit-and-run accident victims may face delayed treatment, complex injuries, and higher expenses. The car accident attorney makes sure that evidence (medical records, diagnoses, future care) gets documented and the victim’s party meets Florida’s statute of limitations when filing a compensation claim. After a hit-and-run case, a seasoned attorney prevents you from making mistakes like signing away rights too soon, underestimating future impairment. In Florida, once the at-fault driver flees, it becomes difficult to prove the fault. An attorney carefully organizes the resources and expertise to build a strong case.

Recent News & Legal Trends 

According to the recent updates in Florida’s hit-and-run landscape, there is an increasing urgency for victims. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were more than 97,902 hit-and-run crashes in 2024, with around 250 deaths.
The Lilly Glaubach Act requires auto-repair shops to collect crash reports before they repair the vehicle. They must submit estimates to law enforcement and mandate the use of front license plates to help identify fleeing drivers. You also need to act promptly if you’ve been hit in a hit-and-run to leverage the most of law enforcement in your favor. 

What Steps to Take When You Are a Hit-and-Run Case Victim in Florida? 

• Seek immediate medical attention.

• Dial 911 to report the accident. The FLHSMV instructs drivers to stay on the scene and seek urgent medical services.

• Document the evidence and proofs. The victim’s party must take photos of the damages and injuries, the scene, time, and place, and collect the contact information of the witnesses. 

• Report the mishap to the insurance company and ask about uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
• Connect with an expert car accident attorney in Winter Haven at Injury Assistance Law Firm. Our attorneys can collect and preserve evidence, interview witnesses and other involved parties, and start building your case.

Final Takeaway

Under Florida’s statute of limitations, the victim’s party has two years from the date of the hit-and-run crash to file a compensation claim. The sooner it is, the better. Even in cases where the at-fault driver is not identified, an experienced attorney can explore alternative avenues, such as pursuing punitive damages and subrogation, to continue the case. Our car accident attorneys at Injury Assistance assist the victims with sharp legal knowledge and insights on their way to justice and fair compensation. Contact us if you or anyone you know has suffered the same. 

Car Accident Attorney After a Hit-and-Run Accident FAQs