What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Hit and Run Accident in Florida?

The time you have to file a hit-and-run lawsuit in Florida is limited. If your loved one passed away because of a hit-and-run accident, you generally have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11. The same statute indicates that you also generally have two years from the date of your accident to bring a personal injury lawsuit.

A lawyer from our firm can inform you about how these statutes – and others – apply to your potential case. 

Hit-and-Run Accident Cases May Take Longer Than Your Average Car Accident Case

Victims of hit-and-run accidents may feel more pressed for time when seeking compensation. It can take a while for the police to identify the other driver if they even can. This can delay the claims process as adjusters struggle to determine liability for the accident. 

Regardless of these potential delays, the statute of limitations still applies. You can protect your right to compensation by starting work on your case as soon as possible. 

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Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Florida

There are a few things you can do after a hit-and-run accident to help move your case along. 

Consider Hiring a Lawyer from Our Firm

One of the potential benefits of hiring our lawyers is that they can work to locate the hit-and-run driver. They can also make you aware of important deadlines, such as statutes of limitations, and gather the necessary evidence to file a claim or lawsuit.

Seek Medical Attention

You should receive the medical care that you need immediately after your accident. Medical documentation of your injuries can help:

• Prove that you suffered losses as a direct result of your accident
• Determine your damages so you can begin seeking fair compensation
• Prevent an insurance adjuster from claiming you worsened your injuries, which can delay negotiations

Without evidence of your losses, you cannot move forward with your claim or lawsuit. Make sure you follow through with your doctor’s appointments and be proactive with your treatment plan. 

Report Your Accident

You must report any accident that results in injury or death to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). If the police come to the scene of the accident, they can file a crash report. You should also notify your insurance provider of the accident as soon as possible. 

Potential Injuries from a Hit-and-Run Accident That You May be Suffering

Hit and run accidents can cause severe, life-threatening injuries. When a driver leaves the scene of an accident, their victims may be incapacitated and unable to call for help. A serious injury could worsen by the time help arrives. 

Some injuries that may occur from a hit-and-run accident include:

• Whiplash, which could be the result of rear-end collisions
• Harm to internal organs
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

Drivers should always stay at the scene of an accident and call the police immediately, especially if someone is hurt. They have a chance to save someone’s life by doing so. There is no excuse for putting a fellow motorist or pedestrian in more danger by fleeing the scene. 

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Why Choose Our Law Firm for Your Hit-and-Run Case

Whether you plan is to initiate an insurance claim or lawsuit, a lawyer from our firm can act quickly on your behalf. They can determine how long you have to take legal action and see if any exceptions apply to your case.

Our firm helps victims of hit-and-run accidents, and we can provide specific support for these cases. For example, we can help:

• Determine what types and amounts of coverage your insurance policy provides, such as uninsured motorist coverage (UM)
• Monitor whether the police apprehended the individual who fled the scene of your accident
• Keep an eye on the statute of limitations as we negotiate for fair compensation
• Answer your questions and concerns in a timely manner

Your lawyer can also handle all paperwork and communications associated with a claim or lawsuit. They can assume the same responsibilities if your loved one passed away and you plan to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.

For a free legal consultation call (855) 529-0269

Possible Compensation That You Could Recover

The types of compensation that you may recover depend on the type of action you bring when pursuing compensation. 

An Insurance Claim

Your personal injury protection (PIP) policymay generally pay for property damage, some portion of lost wages, and medical costs. If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you may be able to seek more compensation. 

A Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you can identify the other driver, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them. You could collect compensation for the above losses, as well as:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life
• Other non-economic losses

A lawyer from our firm can apply a dollar amount to these losses. 

A Wrongful Death Lawsuit

A wrongful death lawsuit may yield coverage for losses such as:

• Funeral expenses 
• Loss of inheritance for the income your loved one provided
• Your loved one’s medical expenses
• Your loved one’s pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium for the companionship your loved one offered

No amount of compensation can replace your family member, but it can help you adjust in their absence. 

Call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers for Help After Your Hit-and-Run Accident

If you are pursuing compensation after a hit-and-run accident in Florida, the team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can help. We provide responsive legal services, and we can handle your case in a timely manner. 

Call us today at (855) 529-0269 for a free consultation.

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