The Legal Process for Hit & Run Car Accidents in Miami
A car accident is already a frightening and stressful experience, but when the other driver flees the scene, it adds another level of fear, frustration, and uncertainty. If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run in Miami, you may be wondering: What happens next? Who will pay for the damage? Can I still get justice?
At Joya Injury Law, we believe no victim should be left feeling powerless after a hit-and-run crash. You have rights, and with the right legal guidance, you can hold the responsible party accountable, even if their identity isn’t immediately known. Here’s what you need to know about the legal process, your options, and how to protect your future.
What Is a Hit & Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver causes a collision and then leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information, offer help, or wait for law enforcement. These cases can involve:
- Collisions with another vehicle
- Pedestrian or bicyclist injuries
- Damage to parked cars or property
In Florida, fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime. But even when criminal charges are pursued, victims must take civil action on their own to recover damages. That’s where the legal process begins.
Step 1: Report the Crash Immediately
After a hit-and-run accident, your first priority is safety. Call 911 right away to report the crash and get medical assistance if needed. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor, both for your well-being and to support your legal claim later.
The police will create an official accident report, and that document will be vital when filing insurance claims or building your case.
Step 2: Gather What Evidence You Can
Any detail could help identify the driver or strengthen your case. If possible, try to:
- Write down the other vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate (even partial)
- Take photos of the scene, damage, and any injuries
- Speak to witnesses and collect their contact information
- Look for security cameras nearby that may have captured the incident
Even without the at-fault driver’s identity, this evidence can make a big difference when you pursue compensation.
Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company
Florida is a no-fault state, meaning your own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance typically covers initial medical expenses and lost wages after a crash. In hit-and-run situations, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may also come into play, if you have it.
Insurance policies can be tricky to navigate, especially when dealing with an unknown driver. That’s why it’s critical to work with a legal team that understands how to manage hit-and-run claims effectively.
Step 4: Consult a Hit-and-Run Attorney
Even when the driver can’t be identified, you may still be entitled to compensation. A skilled hit and run accident lawyer in Miami will:
- Investigate the crash
- Help locate potential suspects (through camera footage, witness reports, or forensic evidence)
- Navigate complicated insurance claims
- Pursue additional compensation for pain, suffering, and future medical care
At Joya Injury Law, we’re committed to giving victims a voice, whether the at-fault driver is known or not. We handle every step of the process so you can focus on healing.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for compensation that covers:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing treatment or therapy
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
If the driver is eventually identified and found guilty of fleeing the scene, you may also be awarded punitive damages to punish their reckless behavior.
Don’t Let Time Work Against You
Florida law gives you four years to file a personal injury claim, but when it comes to hit-and-run cases, time is especially critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses move. Surveillance footage can be lost. The sooner you act, the better chance you have of building a strong case.
Even if you feel unsure about your next steps, Joya Injury Law offers free consultations to help you explore your options and understand your rights.
You’re Not Alone in This Fight
A hit-and-run crash can leave you feeling abandoned, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. You deserve support, answers, and accountability.
Let Joya Injury Law, your trusted Miami personal injury law firm, guide you through the legal process with care, clarity, and determination. We’ll stand by your side, fight for your recovery, and help you move forward with strength and confidence.
Justice is possible, even when the other driver disappears. Let’s take the first step together.
