How do hit-and-run cases work in Jacksonville — can I still recover compensation if the other driver flees?

Hit-and-run accidents are uniquely stressful. After all, one of the most unsettling aspects is that the other driver leaves the scene — and you may be left wondering: Who will pay for my injuries? Can I still recover compensation if they got away? At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we understand the confusion and fear that often follow, and we’re here to break down your options.

What Is a Hit-and-Run Under Florida Law?

In Florida, a hit-and-run incident occurs when a motorist causes a crash and fails to stop, provide aid, or exchange insurance information. Not only is this a crime, but it can also complicate civil recovery for victims. Yet even when the at-fault driver cannot be located, you are not necessarily left without options.

Your Legal Avenues When the Other Driver Is Missing

1. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

One of the most common ways to recover after a hit-and-run is through your own UM (Uninsured Motorist) or UIM (Underinsured Motorist) policy. If the other driver is never identified or lacks adequate insurance, your UM coverage may step in. This coverage can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and sometimes even property damage.

2. Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Florida requires drivers to carry PIP insurance. This no-fault coverage helps with expenses regardless of who was at fault, including:

• 80% of medical bills (up to policy limits)
• 60% of lost wages (up to certain limits)
• Funeral expenses, if tragically necessary
• However, PIP may not cover everything — especially non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, which is why UM can be so vital.

3. Filing a Lawsuit if the Driver Is Found

If law enforcement can identify the driver later on, you may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit against them. Through litigation, you can seek compensation for medical bills, future care, lost income, and even punitive damages if their behavior was particularly reckless. Keep in mind that recovering through a lawsuit requires the driver to have sufficient insurance or personal assets to cover the costs.

Challenges in Hit-and-Run Claims

Pursuing a hit-and-run claim isn’t always straightforward:

• Identifying the driver: Despite witness accounts or camera footage, many hit-and-run drivers are never found.
• Insurance pushback: Insurers may try to deny or downplay your UM claim by disputing the facts of the accident — sometimes even questioning whether it truly was a hit-and-run.
• Coverage limits: If you don’t have UM/UIM coverage, or if your policy is low, your options for compensation may be limited.

What Kind of Compensation Can You Recover?

If you’ve been hurt in a hit-and-run, you might be entitled to a variety of damages, including:

• Medical expenses, both current and anticipated future costs
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
• Property damage to your vehicle or other belongings
• Wrongful death damages, if a loved one was fatally injured

How Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. Helps Hit-and-Run Victims

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., our Jacksonville-based team has deep experience handling hit-and-run cases — even the most difficult ones. Our approach includes:

1. Thorough investigation — We collaborate with law enforcement, review security or traffic camera footage, and conduct interviews with witnesses.
2. Insurance claim support — We handle your UM/UIM claims, pushing back against insurance tactics designed to minimize what you’re owed.
3. Litigation, when necessary — If the other driver is identified and is liable, we don’t hesitate to take your case to court.
4. Trial-ready advocacy — With board-certified trial attorneys and more than 150 years of combined experience, we're prepared to fight aggressively for full compensation.

What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run?

• Call 911 immediately — report the crash and get help if needed.
• Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor; prompt treatment strengthens any claim.
• Try to gather details about the fleeing car — make, color, license plate, or any distinguishing marks.
• Look for witnesses or video footage.
• Let your insurance company know, but don’t speak to the other party’s insurer without an attorney.
• Contact a qualified Jacksonville hit-and-run attorney as soon as possible. Timing matters when collecting evidence and preserving your rights.

Personal Injury Law Firm in Duval County

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run collision in Jacksonville, Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. is ready to stand with you. Our board-certified trial lawyers combine deep local knowledge with rigorous trial preparation — and we work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us at (904) 295-1050 or online for a complimentary, confidential consultation today.