Hit and Run Accidents Lawyer in Boca Raton, Florida

Hit and Run Accident Lawyers in Boca Raton, Florida

Hit-and-run accidents are on the rise, and whether you are a pedestrian or fellow driver, you could become a victim. If you are involved in a hit and run accident, you need an attorney who can defend and protect your rights. We also represent victims of car accidents and specialize in uninsured motorist claims.

When a driver flees the scene of an accident, victims are often left dealing with serious injuries, property damage, and no clear path to compensation. Florida law requires all drivers to stop and exchange information after an accident, but unfortunately, many drivers panic and flee. Our experienced attorneys know how to track down hit-and-run drivers and identify all available sources of compensation for victims.

Understanding Hit and Run Accidents

A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without providing contact information, rendering aid to injured parties, or reporting the accident to authorities. This is a serious crime in Florida with both civil and criminal consequences.

Types of Hit and Run Accidents

• Vehicle-to-Vehicle: A driver hits another car and flees the scene
• Pedestrian Accidents: A driver strikes a pedestrian and leaves without helping
• Bicycle Accidents: A vehicle hits a cyclist and drives away
• Motorcycle Accidents: A car collides with a motorcycle and flees
• Parking Lot Incidents: A driver damages a parked vehicle and leaves without leaving information
• Property Damage: A driver crashes into fences, mailboxes, or other property and leaves

Why Drivers Flee the Scene

Drivers leave accident scenes for various reasons:

• Driving Under the Influence: Fear of DUI charges
• No Insurance: Driving without required insurance coverage
• Suspended License: Operating with a suspended or revoked license
• Outstanding Warrants: Avoiding arrest for other crimes
• Panic: Fear of consequences leads to poor decisions
• Distraction: In some cases, drivers don’t realize they caused an accident

What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident

Taking quick action after a hit-and-run can help identify the driver and protect your rights:

1. Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries
2. Call 911 Immediately: Report the hit-and-run to police right away
3. Document Everything: Take photos of your injuries, vehicle damage, and the accident scene
4. Gather Information: Try to note the vehicle’s make, model, color, license plate, and direction of travel
5. Find Witnesses: Get contact information from anyone who saw the accident
6. Look for Surveillance: Check for nearby security cameras that may have captured the incident
7. Seek Medical Attention: Get examined immediately, even for seemingly minor injuries
8. Notify Your Insurance: Report the hit-and-run to your insurance company
9. Contact an Attorney: Speak with a hit-and-run accident lawyer before giving recorded statements

Florida Hit and Run Laws

Florida takes hit-and-run accidents seriously with strict penalties:

Criminal Penalties

• Property Damage Only: Second-degree misdemeanor, up to 60 days in jail
• Injury to Another Person: Third-degree felony, up to 5 years in prison
• Serious Bodily Injury: Second-degree felony, up to 15 years in prison
• Death: First-degree felony, up to 30 years in prison

Driver Obligations

Florida law requires drivers involved in accidents to:

• Stop immediately at the scene or as close as possible
• Provide name, address, and vehicle registration to other parties
• Show their driver’s license upon request
• Render reasonable assistance to injured persons
• Report the accident to law enforcement if there are injuries or significant damage

Compensation After a Hit and Run Accident

Even if the hit-and-run driver isn’t found, you may still recover compensation:

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage typically covers hit-and-run accidents. This coverage compensates you for injuries when the at-fault driver can’t be identified or doesn’t have insurance.

Available Damages

• Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
• Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery
• Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional trauma
• Property Damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement (through collision coverage)
• Permanent Disability: Compensation for lasting impairments
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one was killed in a hit-and-run

Investigating Hit and Run Accidents

Our attorneys work diligently to identify hit-and-run drivers:

Evidence Collection

• Reviewing police reports and accident scene investigations
• Obtaining surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras
• Interviewing witnesses to get vehicle descriptions
• Analyzing paint transfer and vehicle debris at the scene
• Working with accident reconstruction experts
• Checking for damaged vehicles at local body shops

Social Media and Public Appeals

Sometimes publicizing hit-and-run accidents through social media and news outlets can generate tips that lead to identifying the driver.

Challenges in Hit and Run Cases

Hit-and-run cases present unique challenges:

• Unknown Driver: Difficulty recovering compensation when the at-fault party can’t be found
• Insurance Disputes: Your own insurance company may contest your UM claim
• Limited Evidence: Lack of driver information makes proving the accident difficult
• Time Constraints: Evidence disappears quickly after accidents
• Coverage Gaps: Not all policies have adequate UM coverage

An experienced hit-and-run attorney can overcome these obstacles and maximize your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Our Boca Raton Hit and Run Attorneys

If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Boca Raton, whether as a driver or pedestrian, you need an attorney who can defend and protect your rights. Our experienced legal team knows how to navigate the complexities of hit-and-run cases, work with law enforcement to identify fleeing drivers, and maximize your recovery through insurance claims.

Contact us at our conveniently located office: 10055 Yamato Rd Suite 509, Boca Raton, Florida 33498, United States. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.