What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Tallahassee
Being involved in any type of car accident is stressful, but when the other driver flees the scene, the situation becomes far more complicated. Victims of hit-and-run accidents often face not only physical injuries and vehicle damage but also a sense of frustration and injustice. You may wonder how you’ll pay for your medical bills or repairs when the person responsible for your crash is nowhere to be found.
At The Corry Law Firm, we understand how frightening and disorienting a hit-and-run accident can be. Our Tallahassee personal injury attorneys have helped countless victims across North Florida recover the compensation they deserve — even when the at-fault driver couldn’t be identified.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Tallahassee, here’s what you need to know about protecting your rights, your health, and your financial future.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents
A hit-and-run accident occurs when one driver causes or is involved in a collision and then leaves the scene without stopping to provide information, render aid, or contact law enforcement. Under Florida Statute § 316.061, drivers involved in any crash resulting in injury, death, or property damage are legally required to stop immediately and stay at the scene.
Leaving the scene of an accident in Florida can lead to serious criminal penalties, including jail time, heavy fines, and a revoked license. Despite these laws, hit-and-run crashes are alarmingly common across the state.
Hit-and-Run Statistics in Florida
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV):
- Roughly one in four traffic accidents in Florida involve a hit-and-run driver.
- In 2023 alone, there were over 104,000 hit-and-run crashes reported statewide.
- More than 250 fatalities and 20,000 injuries resulted from these accidents.
- Many of these cases occurred in urban areas like Tallahassee, where heavy traffic and busy intersections increase the risk of collisions.
These numbers reflect a serious problem — and for victims, the impact can be devastating. The lack of accountability leaves many unsure of where to turn for help.
Why Drivers Flee the Scene
There’s no justifiable reason for leaving the scene of an accident, but drivers do it for many reasons, including:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Lack of insurance or a valid license
- Fear of arrest or legal consequences
- Panic or confusion in the aftermath of a crash
- Outstanding warrants or previous driving offenses
- Unawareness that an accident occurred (less common, but sometimes cited in minor collisions)
Regardless of their reason for fleeing, hit-and-run drivers can and should be held accountable. Even if the driver isn’t found, Florida law provides legal options for victims to recover compensation through their own insurance coverage.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Move to Safety
The first few moments after a hit-and-run accident are critical. Your top priority should be your safety and the safety of anyone else involved. If your vehicle is in a dangerous location, try to move it to the shoulder of the road or another safe area.
Once you’re safe, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if you feel “fine,” it’s important to remember that adrenaline can mask pain — injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or whiplash might not be immediately obvious.
Seeking prompt medical attention isn’t just vital for your health; it also creates documentation of your injuries, which is essential when filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit later.
Step 2: Call the Police Immediately
After ensuring safety, the next step is to contact law enforcement. Florida law requires that all accidents involving injury or death be reported to the police. In the case of a hit-and-run, their involvement is even more crucial.
When officers arrive, they will:
- Secure the accident scene
- Document the damage and injuries
- Interview witnesses
- Gather any available surveillance or dashcam footage
- File an official police report
Be sure to provide as much information as possible about the fleeing vehicle, such as:
- The make, model, color, and approximate year
- A partial or full license plate number (if available)
- Direction the vehicle was heading
- Physical description of the driver
- Any unique features (bumper stickers, dents, decals, etc.)
This information can help investigators track down the driver and may strengthen your insurance claim.
Step 3: Document the Scene
If it’s safe to do so, gather evidence yourself before leaving the scene. Use your phone to take photos and videos of:
- Your vehicle’s damage
- Skid marks, debris, or vehicle parts left behind
- Traffic lights, signage, or intersection layouts
- Your injuries
- Any property damage nearby
Eyewitness testimony can also make a major difference in identifying the at-fault driver. Ask anyone who saw the crash to stay until police arrive, or at least get their names and contact information.
Additionally, check for nearby surveillance cameras. Many Tallahassee businesses, gas stations, and neighborhoods (especially in areas like Midtown, Apalachee Parkway, and Tennessee Street) have security cameras that might have recorded the incident.
Step 4: Seek Medical Care
Even if you didn’t require emergency transport, see a doctor as soon as possible. Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance law requires you to seek medical care within 14 days of the accident to qualify for coverage.
Keep copies of all medical bills, diagnostic tests, prescriptions, and doctor’s notes. These records will serve as key evidence when pursuing compensation for your injuries.
Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve filed a police report and received medical attention, you’ll need to report the accident to your insurance company. Florida is a “no-fault” state, which means that after an accident, your PIP coverage pays for certain medical expenses and lost wages — regardless of who was at fault.
What PIP Covers:
- Up to $10,000 in medical expenses (80% of reasonable medical bills)
- 60% of lost wages if you’re unable to work
- $5,000 in death benefits (for fatal accidents)
- Coverage for services you can no longer perform, such as housekeeping or childcare
If the hit-and-run driver is never found, your own insurance can help bridge the gap — but the process can be complicated. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, even to their own policyholders.
That’s why it’s wise to consult an experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer before speaking in depth with an insurer. Anything you say could later be used to reduce or deny your claim.
Step 6: Review Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
If the hit-and-run driver cannot be identified, you may still be able to recover compensation through your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage, if included in your policy.
UM coverage protects you when:
- The at-fault driver has no insurance
- The driver flees the scene and cannot be found
- The driver’s insurance limits aren’t enough to cover your damages
Unlike PIP, which is limited to medical expenses and lost income, UM coverage can also compensate you for pain and suffering, future medical care, and long-term disability.
Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t always make it easy to access UM benefits. Having an attorney from The Corry Law Firm handle your claim can ensure your rights are protected and your compensation is maximized.
Step 7: Keep Records of All Expenses
From day one, start keeping detailed records related to the accident. This includes:
- Medical bills and treatment plans
- Vehicle repair estimates
- Tow truck or rental car receipts
- Lost wage documentation from your employer
- Correspondence with insurance companies
The more thorough your documentation, the stronger your case will be if you need to file a lawsuit or pursue additional compensation.
Step 8: Contact a Hit-and-Run Lawyer in Tallahassee
While Florida’s insurance system is designed to help accident victims, navigating it alone can be overwhelming — especially after a traumatic event. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can make all the difference in your recovery, both physically and financially.
At The Corry Law Firm, our Tallahassee hit-and-run lawyers will:
- Investigate the accident by collecting police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage.
- Work with law enforcement to help identify the fleeing driver.
- Handle insurance negotiations to ensure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to under PIP and UM coverage.
- File a personal injury lawsuit if the driver is located and you’re eligible for additional compensation.
- Calculate your total damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
We understand how stressful it is to deal with medical recovery and financial uncertainty at the same time. Our goal is to handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on healing.
What If the Driver Is Found?
If the police locate the hit-and-run driver, they may face criminal charges for leaving the scene of an accident. The severity of the charge depends on the circumstances:
- Property damage only: Second-degree misdemeanor (up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine)
- Injury: Second- or third-degree felony (up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine)
- Death: First-degree felony (up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine)
In addition to criminal penalties, the at-fault driver may also face civil liability for your injuries and losses. With the help of an attorney, you can pursue a lawsuit seeking compensation for:
- All medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Punitive damages (in cases of egregious negligence)
Even if the driver doesn’t have significant assets or insurance, your lawyer can help explore other avenues for recovery.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years, or you may lose your right to pursue compensation.
However, certain factors — such as delayed discovery of injuries or pending criminal investigations — can affect the timeline. Consulting a lawyer soon after the accident helps ensure all deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.
The Emotional and Financial Impact of a Hit-and-Run
A hit-and-run crash leaves more than just physical scars. Many victims experience:
- Anxiety or PTSD related to driving again
- Anger or frustration over the lack of accountability
- Financial stress due to medical bills, car repairs, and missed work
- Loss of trust in the justice system
At The Corry Law Firm, we believe victims deserve not only financial recovery but also closure. We take pride in guiding our clients through the legal process with compassion and determination.
Preventing Hit-and-Run Accidents
While you can’t control other drivers’ actions, you can take steps to minimize your risk:
- Always stay alert and undistracted behind the wheel.
- Avoid aggressive driving and keep a safe following distance.
- Drive defensively, especially at intersections and late at night.
- Install a dashcam — it can capture critical evidence if another driver flees.
- Make sure your insurance policy includes UM coverage, which is invaluable in hit-and-run cases.
Why Choose The Corry Law Firm?
For decades, The Corry Law Firm has been a trusted advocate for injury victims in Tallahassee and throughout North Florida. We know how to navigate Florida’s insurance laws, negotiate with adjusters, and fight for fair compensation in and out of court.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Local Expertise: As a Tallahassee-based firm, we understand the local courts, insurers, and law enforcement systems that impact your case.
- Proven Results: Our attorneys have secured significant recoveries for accident victims throughout the region.
- Personalized Representation: We treat every client like family, providing clear communication, compassion, and individualized attention.
- No Fees Unless We Win: You won’t pay anything unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
When you’ve been hurt by a hit-and-run driver, you deserve a team that will fight relentlessly to protect your rights. That’s what The Corry Law Firm delivers.
Conclusion: Take Action After a Hit-and-Run in Tallahassee
A hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling helpless — but you don’t have to face it alone. Between PIP coverage, uninsured motorist protection, and potential civil claims, there are legal paths to recovery. The key is to act quickly, document everything, and get professional legal help as soon as possible.
At The Corry Law Firm, we help Tallahassee residents recover after serious accidents. Our experienced attorneys will handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing and moving forward.
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run, contact The Corry Law Firm today for a free consultation. Let us help you seek justice, recover compensation, and reclaim peace of mind.