What if a hit-and-run driver can’t be located after an accident in Tampa, Florida?

Hit-and-run accidents aren’t a rare occurrence in Florida. In fact, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) says nearly 25% of all accidents that transpire in the state involve a hit-and-run.¹ While some hit-and-run drivers are identified immediately after a collision, others aren’t located until a few days later. Unfortunately, there are times when a hit-and-run driver may never be identified.

So, what should a driver do who has been involved in an accident with a motorist who fled the scene in Tampa?

Victims of hit-and-run accidents are encouraged to:

File an accident report with their local police agency. This should be done if the police did not respond to the scene of the accident.
Contact a Tampa, FL car accident lawyer. A lawyer can review a victim’s insurance policy and determine what types of coverages are available for them to use.
File an insurance claim. Once a car accident victim is aware of what coverages they have available for use, with the help of their lawyer, they may want to file an insurance claim with their carrier.

What types of insurance coverage will pay for a hit-and-run accident?

There are a few types of auto insurance that generally can be used in the event of a hit-and-run crash. These include:

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

All drivers in the State of Florida are required to carry PIP coverage. PIP can be used regardless of who caused the accident and will generally pay up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages. In order for a driver to obtain coverage for medical care using PIP benefits, they must receive medical treatment within 14 days after their accident.

Important: Because most drivers are unaware of the deadlines that exist when it comes to recovering insurance benefits, they are encouraged to contact an attorney in Tampa, FL as soon after the accident as possible to become more informed on what these are.

Uninsured Motorist Bodily/Property Injury Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage may also help a driver afford the accident-related expenses they incurred as a result of a hit-and-run.² As the name suggests, uninsured motorist coverage pays when a driver is involved in an accident with another motorist who is not insured. And because there is no driver to hold liable for the hit-and-run accident, those who opted to purchase this coverage may be entitled to use it.

Medical Payments Coverage

If a driver added medical payments coverage to their policy, they may be able to use it after a hit-and-run accident in Tampa. Medical payments coverage will help a driver pay for some or all of their medical bills, depending on what their limits are, after a hit-and-run collision.

The Reyes Firm is Here to Help Victims of Hit-and-Run Accidents Recover the Compensation They are Due

If a driver was involved in a hit-and-run in Tampa and they are looking to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc., The Reyes Firm is here to help. The attorneys at this firm will ensure a victim understands their right to compensation and will fight to get them the maximum amount they are entitled to.

The Reyes Firm can be reached at:

3302 North Tampa Street

Tampa, Florida 33603

Phone: (833) 422-3329

Website: www.thereyesfirm.com

Sources: