Hit-and-run car accidents are often a worst-case scenario for crash victims. Identifying a hit-and-run driver is challenging; even if they are located, they rarely have insurance coverage to pay for the victim’s damages. If you have been injured in a hit-and-run crash in Lakeland, FL, you may have several options available. An experienced Lakeland hit-and-run accident lawyer can help.
At Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, we have fought for hit-and-run victims and their families since 2001. Contact our law office in Lakeland, Florida, today to schedule a free consultation with a Lakeland hit-and-run accident lawyer to explore your legal options. Call our office at (863) 251-6196.
How Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Hit & Run Accident In Lakeland
After a serious hit-and-run accident in Lakeland, Florida, we understand how hopeless you can feel as you struggle with mounting bills and injuries while the other driver seemingly escapes all consequences. While your own insurance policy offers coverage for at least some of your medical bills and lost wages, you may find yourself fighting your own insurance company.
An experienced Lakeland personal injury lawyer can help you explore all legal avenues available to recover the compensation you need. At Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, we have more than 119 years of combined legal experience that we will put to work on your behalf. We have recovered tens of millions in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. We will give you the same tireless representation.
When you hire our Lakeland car accident attorneys, you can count on us to:
- Investigate your crash and gather evidence
- Attempt to locate the at-fault driver using various resources and techniques
- Exploring options to recover compensation, including personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
- Document the full value of damages you have suffered
- Work with experts as needed to substantiate damages and prove liability
- Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf
- Handle all communications with the insurance companies
We are ready to help you navigate the overwhelming legal landscape after your accident and fight for your rights. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free case review with a Lakeland hit-and-run accident attorney to tell us your story.
How Common Are Hit & Run Accidents In Lakeland, FL?
Hit-and-run accidents are more common than we would like to believe. In Florida, about 25% of crashes involve a hit-and-run, although most of these accidents are property damage only.
In 2023, hit-and-run crashes killed 271 people in Florida and caused 871 serious injuries. Of these fatalities, 59% were pedestrians and 17% were bicyclists.
Drivers often leave the scene of an accident because they:
- Drove without a license
- Do not have car insurance
- Are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Have a warrant out for their arrest
- Are driving a stolen vehicle
- Are scared of the consequences
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office maintains a list of unsolved hit-and-run accidents in unincorporated Polk County. The PCSO Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit is always seeking information about these unsolved fatal accidents.
How Can I Recover Compensation After a Hit & Run Crash In Florida?
Even though the at-fault driver has fled, you still have options to recover compensation for your damages.
Because Florida is a no-fault insurance state, you are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. After the accident, you can file a claim with your insurance company to recover compensation for at least a portion of your losses.
PIP insurance covers 80% of medical expenses up to your policy limit. This may be $10,000 if you did not purchase additional coverage. It also pays for 60% of your lost wages up to the policy limit. PIP insurance does not cover any other damages, including non-economic losses.
You must file a PIP claim within two weeks of your accident to receive compensation.
You may have other options for paying for your losses. Medical Payments coverage can pay for medical expenses not covered by PIP insurance. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is particularly crucial after a hit-and-run. UM/UIM coverage applies in hit-and-run crashes and covers lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.
If the other driver can be located, it may be worthwhile to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. Your lawyer can help you understand whether this is a good option. If the at-fault driver has sufficient assets, a lawsuit can help you recover money for damages not covered completely by your policy.
We’ll Fight To Recover Compensation for All Your Hit-And-Run Crash Injuries
At Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, we strive to recover maximum compensation for your injuries.
We represent victims who have suffered crash injuries such as:
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Fractures
- Chest injuries
- Organ damage and other internal injuries
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Psychological effects like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety
Our personal injury lawyers understand the devastating impact an accident can have on your life and health. We will work to gather evidence that documents your injuries and the effect on your life to pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit After A Hit & Run Accident In Florida?
You typically have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. After this statute of limitations expires, you lose your legal claim. If the at-fault driver fled the state or concealed their identity, you may have additional time.
There are also deadlines that apply to a personal injury claim with your insurance company. You must seek medical treatment within 14 days, or you will be unable to recover compensation through an insurance claim. This is called Florida’s 14-day accident law.
Contact Our Lakeland Hit & Run Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A hit-and-run accident in Lakeland, Florida, can be physically and financially devastating. Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you navigate the claims process and fight for the full compensation you are owed.
We have recovered tens of millions on behalf of accident victims like you. We are ready to give you the tireless legal representation you deserve. Contact our law office today to schedule a free consultation with a Lakeland hit-and-run accident attorney to discuss how we can help you.
