Personal Injury Attorneys for Hit and Run Cases

If you were injured in a crash and the other driver left the scene, as the victim in the hit-and-run case, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney. When the at-fault party leaves the scene of the traffic crash, it can create unique issues in the case that often result in a higher award of money damages.

If the driver of the other vehicle is eventually charged with a crime, you need to take certain actions to make sure your rights as the victim seeking financial compensation are protected during the criminal prosecution and the civil lawsuit for money damages. In addition to damages in the civil case, you might also be entitled to restitution in the criminal court ordered by the judge.

The person who left the scene might have done so because they were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their driver’s license was suspended or revoked, or they drove in a reckless manner. In some cases, the other driver leaves the scene because they have an outstanding arrest warrant for some other crime committed in the past.

Give us a call to discuss your case. We can help you see that justice is served and that the at-fault party takes responsibility for our damages, including property damage and personal injury on a civil basis and as restitution in the criminal case. The most serious cases involve serious bodily injury or even death.

Attorney for the Victim in Hit and Run Cases in Tampa, FL

We are familiar with the standard operating procedures used during the traffic crash investigation or traffic homicide investigation by local law enforcement agencies including the Florida Highway Patrol, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department.

We also know about the protections for the victims of crimes in Florida.

Call us for a free case evaluation. In these types of cases, it is particularly important that you retain an attorney at the earliest stages of the case.

Call (813) 250-0500 today to discuss your case.

The Civil Consequences after a Hit-and-Run Crash in Florida

One important consequence of a hit-and-run case is a civil injury lawsuit that can be brought by the victim who is seeking financial compensation for property damage and personal injury (including serious bodily injury or wrongful death).

In many of these cases, a driver who leaves the scene can incur punitive damages. In a civil lawsuit for money damages, punitive damages are generally available when the driver that left the scene is sued after engaging in intentional or reckless behavior that causes damages. The victim of the hit and run can also seek punitive damages when the acts of the at-fault driver are particularly egregious.

The victim in the case who initiates the civil lawsuit is called the “plaintiff.” The plaintiff is often entitled to money damages for medical and hospitalization expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

These types of claims for money damages will be determined in proportion to the harm caused and are not necessarily based on the defendant’s behavior after leaving the scene of the crash without complying with certain reporting requirements. In some cases, leaving the scene actually causes additional damages and compensation can be sought for those additional damages.

Punitive damages are calculated in an effort to effectively punish the defendant for reckless or other criminal behavior.

Hit and run cases can involve the driver or passenger in another attended vehicle, a pedestrian, or a motorcyclist. In some cases, the vehicle that leaves the scene is a commercial vehicle driven by a commercial driver.

Florida is a no-fault case which means that an injured driver can make a no-fault claim with their own insurer in addition to making a claim against the insurance company for the at-fault driver. Call us to find out more about making an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim.

Finding Attorneys for Hit and Run Victims in Tampa, FL

If you were involved in a hit and run case and the other driver left the scene of the accident, act quickly to seek out advice from an experienced attorney. Find out what you need to do right now to protect your rights to financial compensation and money damages.

Call us to find out how much your case might be worth as you seek justice through a civil lawsuit and a criminal case for hit and run.

Call (813) 250-0500 today to find out more about personal injury cases for hit-and-run cases.

This article was last updated on Tuesday, September 13, 2022.