When a driver hits you and flees, you’re left with the injuries, the bills, and a sense that no one is being held responsible. At a time like this, you need a skilled hit and run accident lawyer in Lakeland who can help you pursue compensation from your own insurance and help you hold the at-fault driver liable if they are identified by law enforcement.
At Distasio Law Firm, we’re different from the law firms that operate like settlement mills. Our Lakeland car accident lawyers fight for everything you’re owed. As a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with over 35 years of personal injury experience, Scott Distasio knows how to stand up against large insurers and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
What Florida Law Requires After a Crash
Florida law requires drivers involved in an injury crash to stop, exchange information, and call 911 if necessary. Leaving the scene is a crime, and police reports often play a key role in your civil claim. Even if the other driver fled, you should still report the collision right away.
You also have reporting duties to your insurer. Most policies require prompt notice and cooperation. Our Lakeland personal injury lawyers guide you on what to share and help you avoid statements that could reduce your claim value.
For a free legal consultation with a Hit And Run Accident Lawyer serving Lakeland, call (813) 259 0022
Your Rights After a Hit and Run Accident
You can pursue compensation even if the other driver is never found. Florida’s no-fault system allows you to pursue compensation from your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and many victims can also file a claim under uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
If the at-fault driver is identified, you may pursue a bodily injury claim against that driver. Our hit and run car accident lawyer in Lakeland can help you identify all sources of compensation and fight for every last penny you’re owed.
Lakeland Hit And Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (813) 259 0022
What To Do After a Hit and Run in Lakeland
What you do in the hours and days after the crash can make a big difference in your recovery. If you are able, try to focus on safety and documentation while avoiding unnecessary risk. Our hit and run car accident lawyers strongly recommend that you take the following steps after a collision:
- Call 911 and request medical help and police response
- Note the fleeing vehicle’s color, make, model, direction, and any plate details
- Photograph vehicle damage, debris, skid marks, and nearby businesses or cameras
- Get witness names and phone numbers
- Seek medical care within 14 days to protect PIP benefits
- Report the claim to your insurer, then contact us before giving a recorded statement to the adjuster
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How Lakeland Drivers Can Use PIP and UM Coverage
PIP generally covers up to $10,000 in medical benefits, with 80% of reasonable medical bills and 60% of lost income, subject to policy terms. To access the full benefit, you must obtain initial treatment within 14 days. If no “emergency medical condition” is diagnosed, PIP may be limited to $2,500.
UM coverage can pay for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering when the at-fault driver is uninsured, underinsured, or unknown. In a hit-and-run, an unknown driver is typically treated as uninsured.
Our hit and run accident attorney in Lakeland will review stacking options, policy limits, and coordination of benefits to help you get the best outcome possible.
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Evidence Sources We Pursue To Build Your Claim
We often gather dashcam footage, nearby business surveillance, and residential doorbell video. We also seek traffic camera data and automatic license plate reader hits. Black box data from your vehicle, EMS run sheets, and body shop alerts can fill gaps and reveal the fleeing vehicle’s identity or support your UM claim.
No matter how serious your accident was, we’ll work hard to get the benefits you deserve and hold the at-fault driver liable when possible. Reach out to our hit and run lawyer in Lakeland today to learn more about how we’ll investigate the crash and build your claim.
Damages You Can Recover Through a Civil Claim
Available damages depend on your injuries and coverage. Economic losses include medical bills, rehabilitation, medication, home health needs, lost income, and diminished earning capacity. Non-economic damages may include pain, mental anguish, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment of life when the injury meets Florida’s threshold.
Property damage from a hit-and-run is usually addressed through your collision coverage because Florida UM typically applies to bodily injury, not vehicle repairs. If the fleeing driver is found and insured, our Lakeland hit and run accident lawyers can pursue their property damage liability coverage.
Meet With a Skilled Lakeland Hit and Run Accident Attorney for Free
You do not have to handle a hit-and-run claim alone. We investigate quickly, coordinate your benefits, and press insurers for a fair result while you focus on recovery. If you’re ready to talk, reach out to Distasio Law Firm for a free, no-pressure case review. We will evaluate your options, explain timelines, and outline a plan that fits your situation.
Our team is here to advocate for you and pursue the compensation you need to move forward. Get started on your case with our hit and run accident lawyer in Lakeland and take the first step toward a meaningful settlement.
Call or text (813) 259 0022 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form