Hit-and-run accidents are among the most traumatic and frustrating crashes a victim can experience. In St. Petersburg—where busy corridors like I-275, US-19, Central Avenue, 4th Street North, and Gandy Boulevard see constant traffic—a driver who causes a crash and then flees the scene leaves victims injured, confused, and unsure where to turn.
Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are far more common than most people realize. When a negligent driver escapes accountability, injured victims are often left facing serious medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. At Slater | Grant, we help hit-and-run accident victims in St. Petersburg and throughout Florida pursue compensation—even when the at-fault driver is never identified.
This article explains how hit-and-run accidents happen, what victims should do immediately, and how legal claims can still succeed despite a fleeing driver.
Complete the free case evaluation form or call us now at 813-995-6444 to speak directly with an attorney.
Why Hit-and-Run Accidents Are So Dangerous
Hit-and-run crashes are dangerous not only because of the collision itself, but also because fleeing drivers often leave victims without immediate assistance.
These accidents are especially dangerous because:
- Injured victims may not receive timely medical help
- Drivers who flee are often impaired or reckless
- Victims are denied basic accountability
- Evidence may be lost or destroyed
- Insurance complications delay compensation
Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and occupants of smaller vehicles face the highest risk of catastrophic injury.
Common Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents in St. Petersburg
Drivers flee accident scenes for many reasons—none of them justified. Common causes include:
1. Drunk or Drug-Impaired Driving
Impaired drivers often flee to avoid arrest or DUI charges.
2. Driving Without Insurance
Uninsured drivers may leave the scene to avoid financial responsibility.
3. Outstanding Warrants or License Issues
Drivers with suspended licenses or legal trouble may panic and flee.
4. Distracted Driving
Drivers who cause crashes while texting or distracted may flee to avoid consequences.
5. Fear or Panic
Some drivers flee out of fear, even though doing so makes the situation far worse.
Under Florida law, leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries or death is a serious felony offense.
Types of Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run crashes can involve:
- Car vs. car accidents
- Pedestrian hit-and-runs
- Bicycle hit-and-runs
- Motorcycle hit-and-runs
- Multi-vehicle crashes
- Parking lot collisions
Regardless of the scenario, victims still have legal options.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in St. Petersburg
Taking the right steps immediately after a hit-and-run accident can significantly impact your claim.
1. Call 911 Immediately
Report the crash and request emergency medical assistance.
2. Seek Medical Treatment
Even if injuries seem minor, head trauma and internal injuries are common.
3. Document Everything
If possible, write down:
- Vehicle description
- Color, make, model
- Partial license plate
- Direction the vehicle fled
4. Take Photos and Videos
Capture the scene, your injuries, vehicle damage, and surrounding area.
5. Identify Witnesses
Witnesses may have critical information or dashcam footage.
6. Do Not Chase the Driver
Your safety comes first.
7. Contact a Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
Early legal involvement helps preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Can You Recover Compensation If the Driver Is Never Found?
Yes. Many hit-and-run accident victims can still recover compensation through insurance coverage and legal claims.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
UM coverage often applies when:
- The at-fault driver flees
- The driver is uninsured
- The driver cannot be identified
UM claims can compensate victims for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term care
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Florida’s PIP coverage may provide initial benefits regardless of fault.
Third-Party Liability
In some cases, other parties may share responsibility, such as:
- Employers (if the driver was working)
- Bars (limited dram shop liability)
- Government entities (poor lighting or road design)
Who May Be Liable in a St. Petersburg Hit-and-Run Case?
Depending on the facts, liable parties may include:
- The fleeing driver (if identified)
- Your own insurance carrier (UM/UIM claims)
- A commercial employer
- A government entity
- Property owners (parking lot cases)
Identifying all available sources of compensation is critical.
Evidence Used in Hit-and-Run Accident Claims
At Slater | Grant, we aggressively investigate hit-and-run crashes by gathering:
- Police crash reports
- Traffic camera footage
- Surveillance video from nearby businesses
- Dashcam footage
- Witness statements
- Vehicle debris analysis
- Accident reconstruction
- Medical records
Even small pieces of evidence can make a major difference.
Common Injuries in Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run victims often suffer severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations
- Road rash
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death
These injuries frequently require long-term medical treatment.
Compensation Available to Hit-and-Run Accident Victims
Victims may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Ongoing medical care
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent impairment
- Disfigurement
Wrongful Death Damages
Families may pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Hit-and-Run Claims
Insurance companies often attempt to:
- Deny UM claims
- Minimize injury severity
- Delay investigations
- Argue lack of proof
- Push low settlement offers
Having experienced legal representation is essential.
How Slater | Grant Helps Hit-and-Run Accident Victims
At Slater | Grant, we fight aggressively for hit-and-run victims by:
- Launching immediate investigations
- Securing video and digital evidence
- Handling all insurance communications
- Identifying every available coverage source
- Accurately valuing damages
- Negotiating aggressively or taking cases to trial
Our mission is accountability—even when drivers try to escape it.
Why Choose Slater | Grant?
Hit-and-run cases require persistence, experience, and creativity. Slater | Grant offers:
- Extensive personal injury experience
- Strong insurance litigation strategies
- Personalized client support
- Trial-ready representation
- No upfront fees — you pay only if we win
We fight for victims when others flee responsibility.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
If you or a loved one was injured in a hit-and-run accident in St. Petersburg, you are not out of options.
Start by completing thefree case evaluation form or call us now at 813-995-6444.
Slater | Grant is ready to fight for your recovery, your rights, and your future.
Sources
1. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
Hit-and-run crash statistics and reporting requirements.
https://www.flhsmv.gov
2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Research on hit-and-run crashes and roadway safety.
https://www.nhtsa.gov
3. Insurance Information Institute (III)
Uninsured motorist coverage explanations and claims guidance.
https://www.iii.org
4. Florida Statutes – Hit-and-Run & Insurance Laws
Legal standards governing leaving the scene and UM coverage.
https://www.leg.state.fl.us
