What to Know After a Fort Lauderdale Hit-and-Run Injury
A hit-and-run accident can be one of the most frustrating and frightening experiences for drivers in Fort Lauderdale. In these situations, the at-fault driver leaves the scene without providing contact information or assisting injured victims. This can leave victims dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and financial losses while the responsible driver is nowhere to be found.
Hit-and-run crashes occur more often than many people realize in Broward County. Busy traffic corridors such as I-95, Sunrise Boulevard, Broward Boulevard, Federal Highway, and Oakland Park Boulevard frequently see accidents where drivers panic and leave the scene.
If you were injured in a hit-and-run crash, understanding what to do next and what legal options may be available can help protect both your health and your ability to recover compensation.
What Is Considered a Hit-and-Run Accident in Florida?
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a crash leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or assist injured individuals.
Florida law requires drivers involved in accidents to remain at the scene and provide:
- Name and contact information
- Vehicle registration information
- Driver’s license details
- Reasonable assistance to injured persons
Leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries is a serious offense under Florida Statutes §316.027.
Drivers who flee after causing injuries may face criminal charges in addition to civil liability.
Why Drivers Leave the Scene
There are many reasons drivers may flee after causing an accident.
Some of the most common include:
- Driving without insurance
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving without a valid license
- Fear of legal consequences
- Panic after causing the crash
Regardless of the reason, leaving the scene of an accident places injured victims at greater risk and can delay emergency assistance.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
The moments immediately after a crash are important for protecting both your safety and your legal claim.
Call 911 Immediately
If you are injured or your vehicle has been damaged, call emergency services right away. Law enforcement officers can respond to the scene and begin investigating the incident.
A police report is often an important part of any insurance claim.
Try to Remember Details About the Vehicle
If possible, try to remember important information about the fleeing vehicle, such as:
- Vehicle make and model
- Color of the vehicle
- License plate number or partial plate
- Direction the vehicle was traveling
Even partial information can help investigators locate the driver.
Look for Witnesses
Witnesses may have seen the vehicle or recorded details that you did not notice during the accident.
Try to collect contact information from anyone who may have witnessed the crash.
Take Photos of the Scene
Photographs can help document important details such as:
- Vehicle damage
- Debris on the roadway
- Skid marks
- Nearby traffic signals or intersections
This evidence may help investigators understand how the accident occurred.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System
Even when the at-fault driver leaves the scene, injured victims may still receive compensation through Florida’s no-fault insurance system.
Under the Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law, drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
PIP benefits typically cover:
- 80% of medical expenses
- 60% of lost wages
- Up to $10,000 in benefits
Florida law requires accident victims to seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident in order to qualify for these benefits.
Because PIP coverage applies regardless of fault, it may provide immediate assistance after a hit-and-run crash.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Hit-and-Run Accidents
In many hit-and-run cases, the fleeing driver is never identified. When this happens, victims may rely on Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage.
UM coverage is designed to protect drivers when the at-fault driver:
- Has no insurance
- Has insufficient insurance
- Cannot be identified, such as in hit-and-run accidents
This coverage may help pay for damages such as:
- Medical expenses beyond PIP coverage
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical treatment
Because hit-and-run drivers often lack insurance, UM coverage can be extremely valuable in these cases.
When Injuries Are Serious
Some hit-and-run accidents result in severe injuries that go beyond the limits of PIP coverage.
Under Florida Statutes §627.737, victims may pursue additional compensation when injuries involve:
- Permanent injury
- Significant loss of bodily function
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
If the responsible driver is eventually identified, the victim may pursue a personal injury claim against that driver.
How Hit-and-Run Drivers Are Investigated
Law enforcement agencies in Fort Lauderdale often investigate hit-and-run accidents using a variety of methods.
Investigators may review:
- Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses
- Traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Debris or vehicle parts left at the scene
- Vehicle paint transfer evidence
In some cases, investigators are able to identify the vehicle or driver involved in the crash.
Challenges in Hit-and-Run Injury Claims
Hit-and-run accidents can present several challenges for injured victims.
These may include:
- Difficulty identifying the at-fault driver
- Limited insurance coverage if the driver cannot be found
- Delays in the investigation process
- Disputes with insurance companies about coverage
Because these cases often involve complex insurance issues, obtaining legal guidance can be helpful.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Hit-and-run accident cases often require thorough investigation and careful handling of insurance claims.
A Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney can help by:
- Investigating the accident
- Identifying potential witnesses or surveillance footage
- Assisting with uninsured motorist claims
- Communicating with insurance companies
- Negotiating settlements
- Filing lawsuits if the driver is identified
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no upfront legal fees and attorneys are paid only if compensation is recovered.
Protecting Your Rights After a Fort Lauderdale Hit-and-Run Accident
Being injured in a hit-and-run accident can feel overwhelming, especially when the responsible driver leaves the scene. However, victims still have options for seeking compensation and protecting their rights.
Taking steps such as reporting the accident, seeking medical care, documenting the scene, and gathering witness information can strengthen a claim.
If you were injured in a Fort Lauderdale hit-and-run crash, speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Most Fort Lauderdale personal injury law firms offer free consultations and no upfront fees, allowing accident victims to focus on recovery while their legal team works to protect their interests.