St. Petersburg Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
If you’re involved in a car accident, one of the few comforts that you may have is in knowing that there is compensation to be recovered by filing an insurance claim. However, if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident where the driver responsible for your accident flees the scene, you may be wondering whether or not you can still pursue compensation, as well as who will pay for your injuries. At the law office of The Pawlowski//Mastrilli Law Group, our experienced St. Petersburg hit and run lawyers can help. Reach out to us today to learn more about your legal rights if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run crash.
Who Pays for Damages in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
One of the key benefits of Florida’s no-fault insurance system is that regardless of fault in an accident, each driver’s own insurance coverage, in the form of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, will pay for damages suffered by the policyholder. This means that if you are in a crash in Florida that is caused by a hit-and-run driver, you can turn to your own insurer for compensation; indeed, even if the crash wasn’t a hit and run, your own insurer would be responsible.
Note that PIP insurance in Florida covers medical costs, funeral and burial expenses if a crash results in death, and up to 60 percent of lost wages, subject to a $10,000 limit. PIP coverage does not pay for property damage expenses.
But What If My Injuries Are Serious?
Under the no-fault law, drivers are permitted to step outside of the no-fault system and bring forth a claim against an at-fault driver if their injuries meet Florida’s serious injury threshold. Unfortunately, if the crash was a hit-and-run accident, this may prove impossible. Instead, negotiating with your insurance company, identifying other potentially liable parties, and even negotiating your medical bills and debt may all help to ensure that you are compensated.
Our lawyers will work hard to identify the hit-and-run driver as well as any other sources of compensation. In addition, we can also represent you in all settlement negotiations with your own insurance company, and advise you regarding the next steps to take.
You Deserve to Be Compensated After a Hit-and-Run Crash
While leaving the scene of an accident in Florida that results in injuries or property damage is certainly a crime, it does happen. If the at-fault driver is caught, they could face criminal penalties and civil penalties. If the hit-and-run driver is apprehended, our lawyers will make sure that your case against them is strong, improving your chances of recovering your full compensation award. However, even the driver is not identified, there may be other sources of compensation available, including through your own policy.
To learn more about what steps to take after being involved in an accident with a hit-and-run driver and how our lawyers can help, call our team serving St. Petersburg today or send us a message at your convenience.
