Florida has a hit-and-run problem. The Florida Crash Dashboard classified over 27% of crashes in 2022 as hit-and-runs. These crashes happen for many reasons. The hit-and-run driver may have been intoxicated or uninsured and ran to avoid facing consequences. Regardless of the reason, Jacksonville hit-and-run accidents can cause severe injuries or even deaths to abandoned accident victims.
You may wonder, “Do I need a lawyer after a Jacksonville hit-and-run accident?” After a hit-and-run car accident in Jacksonville, Florida, it’s important to understand your rights. Contact an experienced Jacksonville hit-and-run accident attorney from Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers, who can help you protect them. Call us today at (904) 396-1100.
How Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After An Accident In Jacksonville, FL
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers was founded in 2012 to provide legal representation to accident victims in Jacksonville, FL. Our attorneys have recovered over tens of millions of dollars from at-fault parties and their insurers.
After you suffer an injury, our Jacksonville car accident lawyers can help you by providing the following:
- A free consultation to review your case and determine your legal options
- A thorough investigation to gather the evidence you need for your case
- Experienced advocates to fight for a fair settlement or damage award
A Jacksonville hit-and-run crash can limit your options for injury compensation. Contact Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your legal rights and how our Jacksonville hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
How Many Hit-And-Run Crashes Happen In Jacksonville?
According to the Florida Crash Facts Report, the state had 109,646 hit-and-run crashes in 2021. This number raises several concerns. First, over 27% of the traffic crashes in Florida that year involved a driver who left the scene. According to an analysis by the AAA, the national average through 2015 was about 12%, or less than half of Florida’s rate.
Second, Florida’s hit-and-run crash rate was one of the worst in the country from 2010 through 2016. It sat at the bottom along with Louisiana and New Mexico as the three most dangerous states for hit-and-run collisions.
Additionally, in 2021, the number of hit-and-run crashes increased by over 18% compared to 2020, according to the Crash Facts Report.
Reasons You May Need A Lawyer After A Hit-And-Run Crash
Florida uses no-fault insurance. Vehicle owners must buy personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to register their vehicles. After a crash, the law limits your right to pursue an injury claim against the at-fault driver. Instead, injured people file claims with their PIP insurers. The insurer pays 80% of your medical bills and 60% of your wage losses upon claim acceptance.
You can only escape these restrictions if your losses exceed your PIP policy limits or you have a significant and permanent injury. In these cases, you can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for any unreimbursed economic damages. If you suffered a significant, permanent injury, you can also seek non-economic damages.
This system gets thrown into turmoil when you get hit by a hit-and-run driver. After a hit-and-run accident, your Jacksonville car accident lawyer can help you identify the possible claims you can pursue.
Your Insurer Denies Your Claims
It’s generally best to file a claim for compensation after a hit-and-run crash under your PIP coverage. Your insurer should pay these benefits whether the police ever identify the hit-and-run driver or not.
You can also seek benefits if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Insurers treat hit-and-run drivers as uninsured. As a result, you can also file UM claims.
If the insurer denies your PIP or UM claims, you should hire a car accident lawyer to help you present your Jacksonville hit-and-run case.
The Police Catch The Hit-And-Run Driver
If the police catch the driver, you can file an injury claim for unreimbursed losses or significant, permanent injuries. A car accident lawyer can help put together your case for an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyers After a Hit-and-Run
Jacksonville hit-and-run crashes present you with a difficult set of options. Hiring an attorney can ensure you have access to all possible solutions and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. At Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we have a proven track record of obtaining top results for our clients with our personalized, efficient approach.
Contact our Jacksonville hit-and-run accident lawyer to discuss how we can help you after a hit-and-run accident today.
