Were you injured in a hit and run accident in Clearwater, FL? Hit and run accidents can turn an already stressful situation into a nightmare. If this happened to you or a loved one, you might wonder if hiring an attorney is necessary. The short answer is often yes. A lawyer can help you navigate Florida’s insurance rules, investigate your case, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
At Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, our legal team has over 119 years of combined experience and has recovered tens of millions of dollars for accident victims. We’ve built our reputation on standing up to insurance companies—even in challenging hit and run claims—and fighting to secure favorable outcomes for our clients.
Contact our Clearwater hit and run accident lawyers today for more information. We offer a free initial consultation.
How Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Hit and Run Accident in Clearwater, FL
Hit and run accidents create specific challenges. When the at-fault driver is unknown, you face hurdles in identifying them or their insurance. Yet you may still have options, like your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or other insurance avenues.
Here’s how our Clearwater personal injury attorneys can support you:
- Internally investigating your hit and run accident
- Determining your legal options
- Evaluating all of your damages
- Negotiating for a settlement
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary
Members of our legal team have been recognized by Expertise.com, The Aggressive Attorneys, and other respectable legal organizations.
Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you owe no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our priority is handling the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery. Contact our law office in Clearwater, Florida, for a free case review with one of our Clearwater car accident lawyers.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Rules for Hit and Run Accidents
Under Florida law, every motorist must carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which pays a portion of medical expenses and lost wages after an accident—no matter who’s at fault. If you’re in a hit and run, you can claim through your own PIP policy first. However, PIP has limits. It typically covers a portion of your medical bills and lost wages
For serious injuries that exceed these limits or for damages like pain and suffering (which PIP doesn’t cover), you usually need to file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver. In a hit and run, that’s only possible if the driver is identified.
If the driver isn’t located, you may rely on uninsured motorist coverage (UM) if you have it. UM coverage can pay for the shortfalls that PIP doesn’t address.
A lawyer can evaluate your policies, determine the best path, and negotiate with insurers. While you may not need an attorney for every case, it is likely in your best interest to at least reach out to a lawyer for a free consultation.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Hit and Run Accident in Clearwater?
A successful claim can help you recoup various losses, typically divided into economic and non-economic damages.
- Economic Damages: These cover actual financial setbacks, like medical bills (surgery, hospital stays, medications), lost wages, rehab costs, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages: These address intangible harm, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
In rare cases, Florida courts might award punitive damages if the at-fault driver showed grossly reckless behavior. Punitive damages are meant to “punish” the defendant for their actions rather than to compensate you, though you receive the money nonetheless.
What if the Hit and Run Driver Is Never Found?
Unfortunately, many hit and run drivers avoid detection. If that happens in your case, your focus might shift to your own insurance coverage:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): If you have it, UM/UIM can cover damages beyond what PIP pays.
- Collision Coverage: This coverage might help repair or replace your vehicle.
- Health Insurance: Your insurance policy could cover some medical expenses not picked up by PIP.
While these policies offer ways to recover damages, insurance adjusters may still aim to minimize payouts. That’s why having an attorney is crucial for building a strong claim, negotiating effectively, and demonstrating your losses convincingly.
Call Our Hit and Run Car Accident Attorneys in Clearwater for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been hurt in a hit and run accident in Clearwater, Florida, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. With over 119 years of combined experience and tens of millions recovered for accident victims, our team is committed to fighting for the compensation you need.
From investigating your collision and exploring your insurance coverage to negotiating a fair settlement—or taking your case to court if necessary—we’ll stand by you every step of the way. Call our Clearwater hit and run car accident attorneys today at (727) 493-4418 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We look forward to hearing your story and explaining how we can make a difference.
