Hollywood Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers
Hit-and-run accidents are among the most devastating and frustrating crashes that occur on Florida roads. When a driver causes a collision and flees the scene, the injured victim is left without First Aid or other assistance, without an exchange of insurance information, and without anyone to call for help. These crashes are not only traumatic but also complicated from a legal and insurance standpoint. Victims may face physical injuries, financial strain, and uncertainty about how they will recover damages.
At Ansel & Miller, our attorneys take hit-and-run cases seriously. We combine decades of experience with investigative resources to pursue justice for our clients. Whether by working with law enforcement, hiring private investigators, or leveraging uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, our Hollywood hit-and-run accident lawyers fight to secure compensation and hold negligent drivers accountable, including pursuing punitive damages in appropriate cases.
The Scope of the Hit-and-Run Problem in Florida
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), more than 100,000 hit-and-run crashes occur in Florida every year. These collisions result in:
- Over 20,000 injuries annually
- Roughly 1,000 incapacitating injuries
- Several hundred deaths
These numbers demonstrate how widespread and dangerous hit-and-run accidents are in our state. Too often, victims suffer catastrophic injuries without immediate aid because the responsible driver abandoned them at the scene. In life-threatening cases, those lost minutes before emergency responders arrive can mean the difference between survival and tragedy.
The law requires every driver to remain at the scene, render reasonable aid, and exchange information after a crash. Fleeing the scene is not only irresponsible; it is a crime in Florida. Yet despite harsh penalties, thousands of drivers still choose to run rather than face the consequences of their actions.
Why Hit-and-Run Accidents Are So Dangerous
In any traffic accident, victims may rely on the other driver to call for help, administer aid, or, at the very least, provide insurance information so that medical bills and property damage can be covered. In a hit-and-run crash, all of that is stripped away.
Victims may be left alone, unable to move, and without immediate assistance. This is particularly dangerous when accidents occur late at night, in rural areas, or in conditions where the injured person is not quickly discovered. Beyond the physical harm, victims face financial uncertainty because the at-fault driver cannot be immediately identified. That means no insurance policy to turn to, at least not right away.
How Ansel & Miller Pursues Justice in Hit-and-Run Cases
Our firm takes a proactive approach in representing hit-and-run victims. While the criminal side of the case is handled by law enforcement, we focus on the civil side, which is about recovering compensation for your injuries and obtaining justice in that way. This approach may involve several key strategies:
Working with Law Enforcement
We coordinate with police officers and state investigators who are pursuing the fleeing driver. Law enforcement may use surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, vehicle debris, or even forensic evidence to identify the person responsible.
Employing Private Investigators
In some cases, especially when the police investigation stalls, we can turn to private investigators. These professionals know how to canvass neighborhoods, track down witnesses, and follow leads that might otherwise be overlooked.
Pursuing Punitive Damages
Once the hit-and-run driver is identified, we can seek not only compensatory damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering but also punitive damages. These are meant to punish particularly reckless conduct, and few actions are more reckless than leaving an injured person on the road without assistance.
Our ability to pursue these different avenues increases the likelihood of holding the at-fault driver accountable, even in the most challenging cases.
The Role of Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage in Hit-and-Run Crashes
When the driver cannot be found or is never identified, victims are not left without options. This is where uninsured motorist (UM) coverage becomes crucial.
What Is UM Coverage?
UM coverage is a type of auto insurance that protects you when you are injured by a driver who has no insurance or who flees the scene of a crash. Even though the other driver cannot be located, Florida law treats a hit-and-run accident as an “uninsured motorist” event. In other words, your UM coverage steps in to fill the gap left by the fleeing driver’s absence.
Is UM Coverage Required in Florida?
Unlike some states, Florida does not require drivers to carry UM coverage. Drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability, but UM is optional. Unfortunately, too many drivers choose not to add UM coverage to their policies in an attempt to save money.
This decision can have devastating consequences. Without UM coverage, a hit-and-run victim may only have access to their limited PIP benefits, which generally cover just a portion of medical expenses and lost wages. By contrast, UM coverage can provide substantial additional protection, including compensation for long-term medical needs, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
How UM Works in a Hit-and-Run
If you are struck by a driver who flees the scene, your UM policy essentially “stands in” for the missing driver. Instead of filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer, you bring the claim against your own insurance company. The coverage can apply to:
- Medical bills that exceed PIP coverage
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering damages
- Future medical costs for long-term care
UM coverage applies not only when you are driving your own vehicle but also if you are injured as a passenger, pedestrian, or bicyclist in a hit-and-run crash.
Why You Still Need a Lawyer — Even When Working With Your Own Insurer
Many people assume that if they are bringing a claim under their own UM policy, the process will be easy and straightforward. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Insurance companies, even your own, are not on your side when it comes to paying large claims. Their goal is to minimize payouts, and UM claims are no exception.
Insurers may:
- Dispute the extent of your injuries
- Argue that your medical treatment was unnecessary
- Attempt to undervalue lost wages or future damages
- Delay the claims process in hopes you will settle for less
That is why legal representation is essential. At Ansel & Miller, we know how to build strong claims, present compelling evidence, and push back against insurance companies when they attempt to limit compensation. Our firm ensures that you receive the full value of your UM coverage, not just what the insurance company wants to pay.
Comprehensive Representation for Hit-and-Run Victims
Every hit-and-run case is unique. Some involve drivers who are eventually identified and can be pursued directly. Others remain unsolved, requiring reliance on UM benefits. In both situations, Ansel & Miller is prepared to take aggressive action on your behalf.
We understand the stakes. Hit-and-run victims often face severe injuries, mounting bills, and a sense of injustice. Our team has the resources, experience, and dedication to deliver results. Whether that means coordinating with law enforcement, conducting private investigations, or litigating against an insurance company, we fight to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact Ansel & Miller
Hit-and-run accidents are a widespread and devastating problem in Florida. With over 100,000 crashes annually and thousands of injuries, too many families suffer because of drivers who flee the scene instead of taking responsibility. Victims are left without immediate aid and face an uphill battle in seeking justice.
At Ansel & Miller, we are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and ensuring victims have access to compensation, whether through the at-fault driver’s insurance or by pursuing uninsured motorist claims. Even when the driver cannot be found, you still have options, and we are here to guide you through them.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Florida, contact Ansel & Miller today. Our attorneys stand ready to fight for your recovery and your future.