Hit-and-run accidents are among the most frightening and frustrating motor vehicle crashes a victim can experience. In Tampa, these accidents are unfortunately common on busy roads like I-275, Hillsborough Avenue, Dale Mabry Highway, Nebraska Avenue, and throughout downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. When a driver causes a crash and flees the scene, victims are often left injured, shaken, and unsure how they will pay for medical bills and other losses.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Tampa, you still have legal options. Even when the at-fault driver is never identified, compensation may still be available. At Slater | Grant, we help hit-and-run victims understand their rights and pursue every possible avenue of recovery.
This guide explains what to do after a hit-and-run accident, how compensation works, and how an experienced Tampa personal injury attorney can help.
Complete the free case evaluation form or call us now at 813-995-6444 to speak directly with an attorney.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver causes a crash and leaves the scene without:
- Stopping
- Providing contact information
- Rendering aid
- Reporting the accident
Hit-and-run crashes may involve:
- Vehicle-to-vehicle collisions
- Pedestrians struck by cars
- Bicyclists hit by motor vehicles
- Parked vehicle damage
Under Florida law, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious criminal offense—especially when injuries are involved.
Why Hit-and-Run Accidents Are So Common in Tampa
Several factors contribute to the high number of hit-and-run crashes in Tampa, including:
- Heavy traffic congestion
- Alcohol and drug impairment
- Uninsured or underinsured drivers
- Fear of arrest or deportation
- Suspended or revoked licenses
- Outstanding warrants
While fleeing drivers may think they can escape responsibility, victims still have ways to pursue compensation.
Common Injuries in Tampa Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents often result in severe injuries, particularly when pedestrians or cyclists are involved.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Soft tissue injuries
- Lacerations and road rash
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death
Because medical care is often delayed during hit-and-run incidents, injuries may be more severe.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Taking the right steps after a hit-and-run accident is critical to protecting your health and your legal rights.
1. Call 911 Immediately
Request medical assistance and report the hit-and-run to law enforcement. A police report is essential.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a medical professional. Medical records are crucial evidence.
3. Gather Information (If Possible)
If you can, try to remember or record:
- Vehicle color, make, or model
- License plate numbers (even partial)
- Direction the vehicle fled
- Time and location of the crash
4. Look for Witnesses
Witnesses may have seen the fleeing vehicle or captured details you missed.
5. Document the Scene
Take photos of:
- Your injuries
- Vehicle damage
- Debris or skid marks
- Surrounding area and nearby businesses
6. Avoid Speaking With Insurance Companies Alone
Insurance adjusters may attempt to limit payouts. Speak with an attorney first.
7. Contact a Tampa Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
Early legal involvement improves your chances of recovering compensation.
How Can You Recover Compensation If the Driver Fled?
Many victims assume they cannot recover compensation if the at-fault driver is never found. This is not true.
Several avenues may be available:
1. Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
In Florida, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage often applies to hit-and-run accidents.
UM coverage may compensate you for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical care
This coverage applies even if the at-fault driver is unknown.
2. Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Florida is a no-fault state. Your own PIP insurance may cover:
- 80% of medical expenses
- 60% of lost wages
However, PIP benefits are limited and often insufficient for serious injuries.
3. Identifying the At-Fault Driver Later
In some cases, law enforcement or private investigations uncover the fleeing driver through:
- Traffic cameras
- Surveillance footage
- License plate readers
- Witness tips
If the driver is identified, you may pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them.
4. Third-Party Liability
If unsafe road conditions, poor lighting, or a defective vehicle component contributed to the crash, additional parties may share liability.
How Fault Is Proven in Hit-and-Run Cases
Even without the at-fault driver present, evidence can still establish liability. At Slater | Grant, we gather:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera footage
- Surveillance video from nearby businesses
- Accident reconstruction analysis
- Vehicle damage patterns
- Medical records
This evidence strengthens your claim and supports insurance recovery.
Compensation Available to Hit-and-Run Victims
Depending on your coverage and injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Ongoing medical care
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
- Scarring or disfigurement
Wrongful Death Damages
If a loved one was killed, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death compensation.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Hit-and-Run Claims
Insurance companies often challenge hit-and-run claims by:
- Disputing whether another vehicle was involved
- Arguing insufficient evidence
- Minimizing injury severity
- Delaying claim processing
- Offering low settlements
Having an experienced attorney ensures insurers meet their obligations.
How Slater | Grant Helps Hit-and-Run Accident Victims
At Slater | Grant, we fight for hit-and-run victims by:
- Conducting independent investigations
- Working with law enforcement
- Securing video and digital evidence
- Reviewing insurance policies
- Maximizing UM and PIP benefits
- Handling all insurance communications
- Negotiating aggressively
- Filing lawsuits when necessary
We leave no option unexplored.
Why Choose Slater | Grant?
Hit-and-run cases require persistence, experience, and strategic thinking. Slater | Grant offers:
- Extensive experience with complex accident claims
- Aggressive legal advocacy
- Personalized client support
- Trial-ready representation
- No upfront fees — you pay only if we win
We stand with victims when others run.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident in Tampa, do not assume you are out of options. You may still be entitled to significant compensation.
Start by completing the free case evaluation form or calling us now at 813-995-6444.
Slater | Grant is ready to fight for your rights and your future.
Sources
1. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
Hit-and-run statistics, crash reporting requirements, and victim resources.
https://www.flhsmv.gov
2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Research on hit-and-run crashes and roadway safety data.
https://www.nhtsa.gov
3. Insurance Information Institute (III)
Explains uninsured motorist coverage and hit-and-run claims.
https://www.iii.org
4. Florida Statutes – Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Legal requirements and penalties for hit-and-run offenses.
https://www.leg.state.fl.us
