There are few moments more disorienting on the road than watching the car that just hit you speed off into traffic. One second, you are dealing with the shock of a collision. The next time you are staring at empty pavement where the responsible driver should be, wondering how you are supposed to handle any of this when the other person is already gone.
If that happens to you, take a breath. I want to walk you through what comes next, because the situation is far more manageable than it feels in that first panicked moment. Florida law accounts for exactly this scenario, and you have more protection and more options than you might think.
First, Your Own Insurance May Be the Answer
Here is something a lot of drivers do not realize until they need it. The coverage that protects you in a hit and run is often your own.
Uninsured motorist coverage, commonly called UM coverage, is designed for situations where the at-fault driver either has no insurance or cannot be identified. A hit-and-run driver who flees the scene falls squarely into that second category. As far as your claim is concerned, an unidentified driver is treated much like an uninsured one, which means your UM coverage can step in to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
UM coverage is optional in Florida, and insurance companies are required to offer it to you when you purchase a policy. Many drivers decline it to save a little on their premiums without fully understanding what they are giving up. If you carry UM coverage, it can be one of the most valuable protections you own, precisely because it covers you in the moments when no one else will. If you are reading this and you are not sure whether you have it, now is a good time to check your policy.
How Florida Treats Hit and Run Cases
Florida takes leaving the scene of an accident seriously. A driver who flees is not just avoiding responsibility for the crash. They are committing a separate criminal offense.
Leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage is a misdemeanor. When the accident involves injury, it becomes a felony, and when it involves death, the penalties escalate dramatically and can include mandatory prison time. This matters to you as a victim because law enforcement has both the authority and the motivation to investigate these cases as crimes, not just as traffic incidents.
That said, the reality is that not every hit-and-run driver gets identified. This is exactly why your uninsured motorist coverage exists and why it becomes so important. You do not have to identify the other driver to pursue a UM claim. The coverage is built to work even when the responsible party is never found.
The Evidence That Matters Most
What you do in the minutes and hours after a hit and run can make a real difference in both the criminal investigation and your insurance claim. If you are physically able, here is where to focus.
Call 911 immediately and report the crash. A police report documenting that you were the victim of a hit and run is essential, both for any criminal investigation and for your own claim. Insurance companies want to see that you reported the incident promptly.
Write down or record everything you remember about the fleeing vehicle while it is fresh. The make, model, color, any partial plate number, the direction it traveled, and any distinctive features like dents, bumper stickers, or damage. Even small details can help investigators.
Look for witnesses. Other drivers, pedestrians, or nearby businesses may have seen what happened. Get names and contact information from anyone willing to provide it.
Search for cameras. Traffic cameras, doorbell cameras, business security systems, and dashcams from other vehicles capture far more than people realize. An attorney can help track down and request this footage before it is overwritten or deleted, which often happens within days.
Seek medical attention the same day, even if you feel okay. Documenting your injuries promptly protects both your health and your claim.
You Have Options, Even When the Other Driver Is Gone
A hit and run leaves you feeling abandoned, but you are not without recourse. Between your own coverage, Florida law, and a prompt investigation, there are real paths to recovering what you are owed.
The team at Glassman & Zissimopulos has helped people across Gainesville and North Central Florida navigate exactly these situations, and we are glad to help you understand where you stand.
Call Glassman and Zissimopulos and our team of dedicated attorneys today. (352) 505-4515 or Toll-Free at (844) 787-2543. When you call, you will speak directly with a lawyer. This is our commitment to you.