If I’m injured in a hit-and-run in Melbourne or Brevard County, do I still have options to recover compensation?
Yes—you do. Even when the other driver flees the scene, Florida motorists injured in a hit-and-run collision may have options to pursue compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost income, and other losses, depending on the facts of the case. If you were injured—or if someone you love was killed—in a hit-and-run accident in Brevard County or the surrounding areas, Nance Cacciatore’s Melbourne hit-and-run accident attorneys can help you understand your options and develop a plan aimed at securing maximum compensation on your behalf.
Why Hit-and-Run Accidents Are Such a Big Deal in Florida
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV), almost 25% of all motor vehicle accidents in the state every year are hit-and-runs. Many of these crashes involve property damage only—but some cause serious bodily injury and death. And that’s what makes hit-and-run cases feel so unsettling: you’re dealing with injuries or loss, and at the exact moment you need accountability, the at-fault driver disappears.
Fleeing the scene of a car accident is not only a crime—it can also leave victims feeling like they have fewer paths forward. The good news is that “fewer” does not mean “none.”
What Counts as a Hit-and-Run in Florida?
Florida law requires drivers involved in accidents to stop and provide key information—name, address, driver’s license, insurance, and registration—to the other people or parties involved.
If the crash only results in property damage (including damage to a parked car), the driver who caused the accident has a duty to stop, check for damage, and do everything possible to contact the property owner and provide their information (such as leaving a note).
If the collision results in bodily injury or death, the driver has an additional responsibility to provide reasonable aid—such as calling 911.
Leaving the scene without doing these required steps is considered a hit-and-run, and it’s illegal.
What Are the Penalties for Hit-and-Run in Florida?
When hit-and-run drivers are located, charged, and convicted, they can face serious criminal penalties. Depending on the situation, offenders may face misdemeanor or felony charges, and penalties can include:
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60 days to 5 years in prison
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Driver’s license revocation for at least 3 years
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Fines ranging from $500 to $5,000 for hit-and-run accidents resulting in property damage and bodily injury
Florida also enhanced penalties for fatal hit-and-run accidents with the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act, which went into effect on July 1, 2014. Under this act, offenders face a minimum sentence of 4 years in prison up to 30 years, as well as driver’s license revocation for at least 3 years and a $10,000 fine.
Criminal Penalties Don’t Pay Your Bills (So Let’s Talk Compensation)
Even though criminal penalties are meant to punish offenders and deter future crimes, they don’t directly compensate victims for medical care, missed work, vehicle repairs, and other damages. Fortunately, Florida motorists who are injured in hit-and-run collisions may have multiple options for pursuing compensation.
The best path depends on your coverage and the specifics of what happened—so the goal is to identify what applies and build a strategy around it.
Option 1: File a PIP Claim (Florida’s No-Fault Coverage)
Florida follows a no-fault system, which means you are covered by personal injury protection (PIP) through your own insurance provider after a car accident.
PIP can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other specific monetary losses following an accident. However, PIP coverage is limited—the minimum required amount is $10,000—and PIP does not cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
So PIP can be an important starting point, but it may not fully address what you’re dealing with after a serious hit-and-run.
Option 2: File an Uninsured Motorist (UM) Claim (If You Have UM Coverage)
If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, you may be able to file a UM claim after a hit-and-run accident.
UM coverage is designed to protect you if you’re injured or your property is damaged by an uninsured motorist—or when the at-fault driver can’t be located, which is exactly what happens in many hit-and-run cases.
One important note: UM insurance is not mandatory in Florida. You only have UM coverage if you elected to add it to your policy.
Option 3: File a Lawsuit Against the Hit-and-Run Driver (If They’re Found)
If the police locate the hit-and-run driver, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. In that situation, you can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
To pursue this type of case, you will have to prove that you suffered “serious injuries” as defined by Florida law, and that the driver’s negligent or wrongful conduct caused your injuries and damages. That also means establishing that the driver was at least partly at fault for the accident.
How Nance Cacciatore Helps Hit-and-Run Injury Victims in Melbourne and Brevard County
Hit-and-run cases often come with a mix of stress and uncertainty: medical care, lost wages, vehicle damage, and the question of whether the driver will ever be found. Nance Cacciatore’s Melbourne hit-and-run accident lawyers can sit down with you to discuss the details of your case, inform you of your legal options, and help you develop a personalized strategy tailored to your unique concerns and goals.
The firm brings more than 150 years of combined experience to the cases it handles, and its attorneys are board-certified—meaning they have been nationally recognized by the National Board of Trial Advocacy for professional excellence in their field. Nance Cacciatore has been protecting the rights of Florida’s citizens since 1963 and has a history of obtaining record-breaking verdicts and nationally recognized cases.
Their team is known for an aggressive approach to litigation, preparing cases for trial and zealously representing clients in court when necessary. They are also known for compassionate client service and dedicated, one-on-one attention throughout the legal process. Beyond individual cases, the firm also strives to enact changes that make the community a better, safer place for all.
Start Your Defense Today (Free Consultation, No Fees Unless You Recover)
Being involved in a serious accident is frightening and overwhelming. When the at-fault driver flees, that stress can multiply—especially when you’re trying to figure out how to pay medical bills, recover lost wages, and move forward.
At Nance Cacciatore, the message is clear: you deserve justice, and they are ready to fight for you.
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Melbourne or the surrounding Brevard County area, call Nance Cacciatore at 321-777-7777 or contact the firm online to request a FREE consultation. Remember: there are no fees or expenses unless you receive a recovery.