How to Handle Hit-and-Run Accidents in South Florida: Your Legal Options

A hit-and-run accident in South Florida can leave victims facing shock, stress, and uncertainty about what comes next. Having an experienced South Florida personal injury lawyer on your side can make a critical difference. Skilled legal counsel can help by gathering evidence, negotiating with insurers, and protecting your rights throughout the process. Victims deserve a dedicated South Florida hit-and-run lawyer who will fight tirelessly for fair compensation and ensure they never face these challenges alone. At Mannello Law Group, we are committed to guiding South Florida hit-and-run victims toward justice and recovery.

Step 1: What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run in South Florida

When another driver flees the scene of a hit-and-run accident, your safety must come first. Seek medical attention right away and call 911 to report the crash. Early documentation of your injuries helps ensure you receive proper care and preserves your legal options.

• Note the fleeing vehicle’s make, model, color, and partial plate numbers
• Write down the driver’s description and direction of travel
• Photograph the scene: skid marks, debris, and surroundings
• Collect witness names, phone numbers, and statements

Prompt action preserves vital details and strengthens your claim. These records support both the police investigation and your compensation efforts.

Step 2: Reporting Your Hit-and-Run Crash to South Florida Police

Florida law requires reporting property-damage crashes over $500 within ten days, and injury crashes within three days. Contact the Davie Police Department at (954) 693-8200 (or the appropriate police department) to file your report and request a full copy. This official record documents officer observations and witness accounts, essential for insurance and civil claims.

Our South Florida hit-and-run attorney team helps you obtain and review the report, ensuring all details support your case. If updates or corrections are needed, we guide you through the process to ensure nothing is missed.

Step 3: Collecting Key Evidence for Your Hit-and-Run Claim

Building a strong claim depends on comprehensive evidence. Start by photographing every aspect of the scene and damage. Detailed visuals clarify liability, while firsthand accounts reinforce your case with insurers or courts.

• Photos of vehicle damage, road marks, and environmental conditions
• Notes on streets, intersections, traffic signals, and landmarks
• Written or recorded witness statements with contact details
• Requests for surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses

Act quickly to preserve physical evidence. Our South Florida hit-and-run attorney team organizes these materials into a clear case file, presenting an undeniable narrative of what happened.

Understanding Your Insurance Options: PIP, UM Coverage & Crime Victims’ Fund

Florida’s no-fault PIP coverage pays up to 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages, subject to limits, but excludes pain and suffering. When the at-fault driver is unidentified or uninsured, your UM coverage applies, allowing you to seek full economic and non-economic damages. If the crash involved violent conduct, you may also qualify for the Florida Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund for medical expenses, counseling, and lost income.

Our South Florida hit-and-run attorney team guides you through every application, handles insurer negotiations, and challenges denials. We pursue every available benefit so you can focus on healing.

Legal Remedies & Deadlines: Civil Claims with a South Florida Attorney’s Assistance

Florida’s deadlines are strict: two years from the crash for injury lawsuits and four years for property damage claims. Missing these deadlines can forfeit your rights. We file a UM claim first; if coverage falls short, we pursue a civil suit against any responsible parties or additional insurers. At Mannello Law Group, our Davie, FL personal injury attorneys negotiate aggressively and, if needed, litigate to obtain a fair settlement or verdict on your behalf.

Penalties for Hit-and-Run Drivers and How We Hold Them Accountable

Florida law treats hit-and-run offenses seriously:

• Property damage only: Second-degree misdemeanor, up to 60 days in jail, and fines.
• Injury: Third-degree felony, potential prison time, and higher fines.
• Fatality: First-degree felony, substantial prison terms, and severe penalties.

Criminal convictions punish offenders but do not compensate victims. Our Davie hit-and-run lawyer team partners with prosecutors to integrate criminal outcomes into your civil case, strengthening your claim and maximizing recovery.

Talk to a South Florida Personal Injury Attorney for Answers

When you choose Mannello Law Group, our Davie, FL personal injury lawyers act quickly to protect your rights and pursue full compensation. Call us at 954-606-6606 or complete the online form to schedule a free case review. Whether you need help with reporting deadlines, insurance claims, or civil litigation, your South Florida hit-and-run attorney stands ready to guide you with clarity, compassion, and commitment.