You can pursue a claim with an Orlando hit and run accident lawyer even if the other driver fled the scene. Florida law allows victims to recover compensation through their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and uninsured motorist coverage. Tony Caggiano Personal Injury Lawyer in Orlando helps victims secure the money they need for medical bills and lost wages after a hit and run. If you have been injured in a vehicle collision where the driver left, call us at (407) 244-1212 to discuss your legal rights.
How Tony Caggiano Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After a Hit and Run Accident in Orlando
Hiring Tony Caggiano Personal Injury Lawyer gives you access to over 35 years of specialized legal experience in Central Florida. Tony Caggiano is a Board-Certified civil trial lawyer, a distinction held by fewer than 1% of attorneys in the state. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients, including a landmark $30 million jury verdict. We treat every client like family while fighting aggressively to hold negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable.
Our team focuses on evidence gathering to build a powerful legal case for every victim. We work with accident reconstruction experts and use traffic camera surveillance footage to identify fleeing vehicles. By handling all communication with insurance carriers, we allow you to focus entirely on your physical recovery. We understand the traumatic event you have endured and provide the compassionate guidance needed to seek justice.
How Common Are Hit and Run Accident in Orlando, Florida?
Hit and run accidents are a significant problem on the roads of Central Florida and across the entire state. In recent years, Florida has recorded more than 100,000 hit-and-run crashes annually, accounting for nearly 25% of all traffic events. Orlando sees a high number of these incidents due to heavy tourist traffic and crowded highways like Interstate 4. These crashes often involve distracted driving or drivers trying to avoid criminal penalties for other crimes.
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles notes that many hit-and-run deaths involve pedestrians and cyclists. In Central Florida, these incidents frequently lead to serious injuries that require immediate medical attention. Many negligent drivers flee the accident scene because they lack valid insurance. Our accident lawyers stay up to date on these local trends to better protect our community's safety.
What is My Orlando Hit and Run Accident Case Worth?
The value of your personal injury claim depends on the severity of your injuries and the available insurance. Since the other driver is missing, we first look at your own PIP coverage and uninsured motorist policy. A case involving traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries will be worth significantly more than one with minor bruising. We calculate the total cost of your medical bills, lost wages, and future care needs.
Your recovery also factors in the long-term impact on your quality of life and ability to work. If we identify the fleeing driver, we can pursue a civil lawsuit for additional victim compensation. In tragic cases where a loved one is lost, a wrongful death lawsuit can seek money for funeral costs and emotional loss. Tony Caggiano Personal Injury Lawyer works to ensure every dollar of your personal injury lawsuit is accounted for.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Hit and Run Accident Victims?
Victims of a hit-and-run accident can seek two main types of money to cover their losses. Economic damages pay for measurable costs like hospital bills, laboratory tests, and physical therapy. These damages also cover the income you lose while you are unable to work during your recovery. Non-economic damages are for things without a price tag, such as your pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
If the fleeing driver is caught, you may also be eligible for punitive damages meant to punish their reckless behavior. These damages are awarded in a personal injury lawsuit to discourage others from leaving the scene of a crash. Florida law also allows for loss of consortium claims if the accident harms your relationship with a spouse. We help you identify every possible source of victim compensation to support your healing.
Can I Recover Damages If I’m Being Blamed for a Hit and Run Accident in Florida?
Florida uses a modified comparative negligence system to decide who pays for a crash. Under Florida Statutes, you can still recover money as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. If you are 30% responsible for the vehicle collision, your total payout will simply be reduced by 30%. However, if you are more than halfway to blame, you cannot collect any money from the other party.
This rule makes it very important to have an Orlando hit-and-run accident lawyer prove the other driver's fault. Even if the driver fled, an insurance company might try to blame you to avoid paying your personal injury claim. We use crash reports and witness statements to show that the fleeing driver was the primary cause of the harm. Our team fights to make sure you are treated fairly under the state's no-fault insurance laws.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Hit and Run Accident Injuries
A hit and run often causes devastating physical harm because the fleeing driver does not stop to help. We frequently represent victims suffering from spinal injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage. Traumatic brain injuries are also common and can change a person's life forever in just a few seconds. We ensure you receive the right medical care and that every injury is fully documented for your claim.
Our firm works with medical experts to understand the full scope of your spinal cord injuries and long-term needs. We help you manage your medical reports and medical documentation to build the strongest possible case. Whether you need surgery or long-term nursing care, we fight for the funds to cover it all. Tony Caggiano Personal Injury Lawyer is dedicated to seeing you get the justice your injuries demand.
What Causes Most Hit and Run Accidents in Orlando, Florida?
Many drivers flee an accident scene because they are afraid of the legal consequences of their actions. Often, a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs and wants to avoid a DUI charge. Others may be driving with a suspended driver's license or in a stolen vehicle. Reckless driving and speeding are also the top reasons for these dangerous crashes.
Distracted driving, such as texting while behind the wheel, is another leading cause of Orlando crashes. When a driver realizes they caused a vehicle collision while looking at their phone, they may panic and drive away. Some drivers simply do not have the required pip insurance and fear the financial hit of a claim. No matter the reason, leaving the scene is a crime that we work hard to expose.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Hit and Run Accident in Florida?
Proving negligence means showing that the other driver failed to exercise reasonable care on the road. Even without the driver present, we can use evidence gathering to reconstruct what happened. We look for the license plate number, vehicle make, and model through surveillance footage from nearby businesses. Witness names and their statements provide a vital outside look at the negligent drivers' actions.
We also rely on law enforcement reports and physical evidence left at the accident scene, like paint transfers or broken glass. Accident reconstruction experts can use this data to prove the other car was speeding or ran a red light. Once we prove the other driver caused the hit-and-run accident, we can move forward with your claim. Our goal is to create a clear picture of the traumatic event to win your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Hit and Run Accident in Florida?
You must act quickly because Florida has a strict statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. For most personal injury cases, including hit and runs, you have only two years from the date of the crash. If you miss this deadline, you will lose your right to sue the negligent drivers forever. This two-year limit applies to both civil lawsuit filings and wrongful death benefits claims.
It is also important to remember the 14-day rule for your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. Under Florida Statute § 627.736, you must seek medical care within two weeks to use your own insurance for medical bills. Starting your legal case early gives your accident lawyers more time to find witnesses and save video evidence. Waiting too long can make it much harder to prove your personal injury claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit and Run Accident Claims in Orlando
Can I still get money if the hit-and-run driver isn't found?
Yes. You can use your own PIP insurance and uninsured motorist coverage to pay for your injuries and lost wages, even if the driver is never caught.
Does my insurance go up if I file a hit-and-run claim?
Under Florida law, an insurer cannot raise your rates for a claim where you were not at fault. A hit-and-run is usually considered a no-fault event for the victim.
What is the statute of limitations for hit and run in Florida?
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. It is best to start your case as soon as possible.
Will PIP cover all my medical bills after a hit and run?
PIP only covers 80% of your medical expenses up to a $10,000 limit. You will need additional coverage or a lawsuit to cover the remaining costs.
Is leaving the scene of an accident a felony in Florida?
Yes, if the crash causes injury or death, it is a felony. Drivers can face criminal penalties, including prison time and permanent license revocation, for fleeing.
Can I sue for wrongful death if the driver is unknown?
You can file a wrongful death lawsuit claim against your own uninsured motorist policy. This helps cover funeral costs and the loss of a family member’s support.
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Contact an Orlando Hit and Run Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you are the victim of a fleeing driver, you need an Orlando hit and run accident lawyer who knows how to win. The legal process in Florida is complex, especially when the at-fault party is missing from the scene. Tony Caggiano Personal Injury Lawyer has the skills and resources to track down evidence and fight for your fair payout. We are committed to helping Orlando families recover from the physical and financial trauma of a hit-and-run accident.
Do not wait to start your personal injury claim while evidence disappears. Our team in Orlando will handle the insurance carriers and the police department for you. We offer a free consultation to review your legal options and explain how we can help you get your life back on track. Call us today at (407) 244-1212 to speak with a dedicated professional who puts your needs first.
