St. Petersburg Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

A Brief Summary of the Following Article

• Enforcement: Contact law enforcement immediately after a hit-and-run to report the incident and provide details that could help identify the at-fault driver.  A police report is essential for documenting the accident and supporting your claim.
• Insurance: Utilize Uninsured Motorist and Personal Injury Protection coverage in Florida for compensation.  UM coverage helps with expenses when the at-fault driver is unknown, and PIP covers medical costs and lost wages regardless of fault.
• Legal Assistance: Hiring an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney is crucial for navigating legal complexities and pursuing fair compensation.  hit-and-run accident lawyer assists in investigating the incident, gathering evidence, and exploring all compensation avenues.
• Victim Support: Consider the Crime Victim Compensation Program for additional financial assistance.  If the at-fault driver remains unidentified, negotiating with your insurance company with legal representation can protect your rights and help secure a fair settlement.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) states that in 2021, there were a total of 108,155 hit-and-run crashes with 304 fatalities in Florida.  With a 17% increase in the number of hit-and-run accidents from 2020 to 2021, many government officials express concern for these growing numbers and urge people to stay at the scene of the accident.  

As a result of these concerns, Florida law harshly punishes those who flee the scene of an accident.  The severity of the accident, whether anyone is harmed, and if any serious negligence was involved contribute to the severity of punishments an individual may face.  If you suffer serious injuries in a St. Petersburg hit-and-run accident, contact Marsalisi Law for professional legal representation you can trust.  We treat all our clients like family and will fight for your rights throughout the claim process.  

4 Common Causes of Hit-And-Run Accidents in St. Petersburg, Florida

Even while most individuals are familiar with the legal implications and consequences of leaving the scene of a car accident, there are numerous reasons for people to act carelessly and flee after an accident.  Understanding the reasons will help prepare you for defense strategies the defendant’s legal team may use.

The following are common causes of hit-and-run accidents in St. Petersburg, Florida:

Uninsured Driver

Some people do not carry state-mandated automobile insurance and fear the criminal charges and fines they may face due to the accident.  When uninsured drivers realize they have caused an accident, they may panic and leave the scene.  

Drunk Driver

If an individual causes an accident while under the influence of alcohol, they may leave the scene for fear of being caught intoxicated.  They may also make unclear and thoughtless decisions due to their impaired state of mind.  Individuals with previous DUI convictions may also fear harsh sentences and possible incarceration, so they flee the scene to escape those punishments.  

Driver With Outstanding Warrants

Drivers with outstanding warrants or tickets may flee the scene to avoid being arrested by law enforcement when they run the person’s driver’s license information.  The negligent party may try to avoid points being added to their license and increased insurance rates by leaving the scene of the accident.  

Panicked Driver

Panic can make even those without any previous mistakes or real issues flee the scene of the accident.  When people are in stressful situations, there is a fight or flight reflex that may cause a person to run.  However, they must be held accountable for their actions, and fleeing the scene is a severe crime.

It is extremely dangerous to leave the scene of an accident without checking to make sure everyone is okay and to reach out to law enforcement.  Regardless of the reason for a person to flee the accident scene, those injured and who suffer damages in an accident have the right to hold the responsible driver accountable for their behavior by filing a personal injury claim and recovering maximum compensation.

Seeking Fair Compensation After a Hit-And-Run Accident in Florida

Being involved in a hit-and-run car accident can be a traumatic experience.  In Florida, like many other states, drivers are required to stop and exchange information after a car crash.  However, not all drivers adhere to this legal obligation, leaving victims with the challenge of how to seek compensation for damages.  If you have been a victim of a hit-and-run accident in Florida, here are your options for recovering fair compensation:

Contact Law Enforcement Immediately

After a hit-and-run accident, the first step is to contact law enforcement immediately.  Report the incident and provide as much detail as possible, including the make and model of the other vehicle, license plate number (if visible), and any other information that might help identify the responsible party.  A police report is crucial for documenting the incident and can be valuable evidence in your claim.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

In Florida, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is mandatory.  This coverage can be invoked when the at-fault driver is uninsured or in hit-and-run scenarios.  Your own insurance policy through your own insurance company may provide coverage for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses resulting from the hit-and-run accident.  It is essential to notify your insurance company promptly and provide all necessary documentation to ensure you have the best chance of recovering compensation that accurately reflects your damages.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage

Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, requiring drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.  PIP covers medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault.  If you have PIP coverage, it can help with immediate medical costs.  However, it might not cover all your losses, especially if the hit-and-run resulted in severe injuries or significant property damage.

Identifying the At-Fault Driver

If law enforcement is successful in identifying the at-fault driver, you can pursue a claim against their insurance or file a personal injury lawsuit.  However, this relies heavily on the information gathered by the police and witnesses.  In cases where the at-fault driver cannot be identified, other options need to be explored.

Hire an Experienced Hit-And-Run Accident Attorney

Navigating the legal complexities of a hit-and-run accident can be challenging, especially when seeking fair compensation.  Hiring an experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer is crucial.  A skilled attorney can assist in investigating the incident, gathering evidence, and pursuing all available avenues for compensation.

Crime Victim Compensation Program

In some cases, victims of hit-and-run accidents may be eligible for assistance through the Crime Victim Compensation Program.  This program is designed to provide financial assistance to victims of violent crimes, including hit-and-run accidents.  Eligibility criteria and available benefits vary, so it is important to check with the appropriate authorities.

Negotiating With Your Insurance Company

If all else fails, negotiating with your insurance company may be necessary.  Your insurance company has a duty to act in good faith and may work with you to reach a fair settlement.  However, having legal representation can be beneficial during negotiations to ensure your rights are protected.

Can I Qualify for Compensation After a Hit-And-Run Accident in St. Petersburg? 

The losses you suffer after a hit-and-run accident in St. Petersburg, Florida, may be life-changing depending on the severity of the crash, making it crucial to recover compensation to help you with the financial burden of your accident injuries and other accident-related losses.  A serious injury may cause significant financial burdens that limit your ability to recover.  A hit-and-run driver is only thinking about themselves, not thinking about your need for medical treatment or any other damage they have caused.  Car accident lawyers help people injured in traffic accidents because of someone else’s negligence pursue personal injury cases and recover maximum compensation.

With the help of an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney, you can recover the following damages after a collision: 

• Medical bills and hospital visits;
• Future medical expenses;
• Cost of prescription medication;
• Rehabilitation expenses;
• Lost wages or income;
• Property damage;
• Loss of enjoyment of life;
• Punitive damages.

Those fleeing the scene of an accident try to escape the consequences of their actions.  However, you deserve justice and compensation for your losses.  As soon as you are able, contact a hit-and-run accident lawyer to start your insurance claim.  

Should I Contact a St. Petersburg Hit-And-Run Accident Attorney?

Hit-and-run accidents come with complicated steps because the individual left the scene.  You may not even see their face before they leave, but Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi will take any information you have on the individual and will work with his connections and law enforcement to find the individual and hold them accountable.

The following are a few examples of the many ways Frank P. Marsalisi may help your claim:

• Conducting a thorough investigation;
• Working with law enforcement or private investigators to find the driver;
• Scan any potential surveillance cameras that may have captured the incident or responsible party;
• Answering questions regarding your claim;
• Gathering vital evidence and documents;
• Interviewing eyewitnesses of the accident;
• Guiding you through the medical process;
• Negotiating with insurance companies;
• Litigating the matter to trial, if need be.

Trying to handle a car accident claim on your own may risk your rights and compensation.  With professional legal representation, you can count on Marsalisi Law to provide you with the best possible outcome for your claim.  

Contact Frank P. Marsalisi for an Experienced St. Petersburg Hit-And-Run Lawyer Today

Hit-and-run accidents are disorienting and complicated.  There are a lot of steps and requirements that may be challenging to handle on your own while also recovering from your injuries.  With legal representation, you can count on our knowledge and resources to guide you through the legal proceedings.  We believe that each client and case is unique and will offer legal services tailored to your needs.  Frank P. Marsalisi has years of experience fighting for St. Petersburg residents.  

Offering legal services in both English and Spanish, you can feel comfortable discussing your case in either language.  We want to make sure you feel comfortable and stress-free throughout the process.  Schedule a free consultation by calling (727) 800-5052 or filling out our contact form today.  

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