Hit & Run in Florida? How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Can Help

Imagine you’re driving home one evening in Florida, and suddenly, another vehicle slams into yours, causing significant damage and injuries. The other driver speeds off, leaving you stranded and injured. Unfortunately, this scenario is more common than you might think. In Florida, hit-and-run accidents are a serious problem, but understanding your options, especially uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, can provide a crucial safety net.

The Alarming Reality of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Florida

Florida roads can be dangerous. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were 104,273 hit-and-run crashes in Florida in 2023. These crashes resulted in 271 fatalities and 871 serious bodily injuries. That means that approximately one in every four accidents in Florida involves a driver who flees the scene.

These numbers highlight a disturbing trend:

Vulnerable Road Users at Risk: Pedestrians and bicyclists are particularly vulnerable. In 2023, 159 pedestrians and 47 bicyclists were killed in hit-and-run accidents, accounting for 76% of all hit-and-run fatalities.
Low-Light Conditions Increase Risk: Over 80% of hit-and-run fatalities occur during dawn, dusk, or nighttime, when visibility is reduced.
Property Damage is Common: A significant number of hit-and-run crashes only involve property damage. In 2023, 86,987 hit-and-run crashes involved property damage only.

What Happens if You’re a Victim of a Hit-and-Run?

If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident in Florida, the immediate aftermath can be confusing and stressful. Here’s what you should do:

Stay at the Scene: Do not leave the scene of the accident. Leaving the scene is a crime in Florida and can result in serious penalties.
Call the Police: Report the accident to law enforcement immediately. Provide them with as much information as possible about the other vehicle, including the make, model, color, and license plate number (if you were able to see it).
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Gather Information: If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact information. Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and the accident scene.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident and cooperate with their investigation.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Your Safety Net

Since a hit-and-run driver is, by definition, unidentifiable at the scene, recovering compensation for your injuries and damages can be challenging. This is where uninsured motorist (UM) coverage comes in.

What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage is an optional, but highly recommended, part of your auto insurance policy that protects you if you’re injured by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver. In Florida, UM coverage essentially “stands in the shoes” of the at-fault driver, providing you with the same financial recovery you would have received if the responsible person had sufficient coverage.

Why is UM Coverage Important in Florida?

Florida has a high percentage of uninsured drivers. Studies show that over 20% of motorists in the state lack insurance. This means that if you’re involved in an accident, there’s a significant chance the at-fault driver won’t have insurance to cover your damages.

What Does UM Coverage Cover?

UM coverage can help pay for a variety of losses, including:

Medical Expenses: This includes past, present, and future medical bills related to your injuries.
Lost Wages: UM can reimburse you for lost income if you’re unable to work due to your injuries.
Pain and Suffering: You may be able to recover compensation for your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Disability Costs: If you’re disabled as a result of the accident, UM can help cover disability-related expenses.

How Does UM Coverage Work with Florida’s No-Fault Laws?

Florida is a “no-fault” state, which means that in the event of an accident, you first turn to your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. However, PIP coverage is often insufficient to cover all of your accident-related costs, especially if you sustain serious injuries. UM coverage kicks in after you’ve exhausted your PIP benefits, providing an additional layer of protection.

Important Considerations Regarding UM Coverage:

UM Coverage is Not Mandatory: While Florida law requires insurance companies to offer UM coverage, you are not required to purchase it. However, given the high rate of uninsured drivers and hit-and-run accidents in Florida, declining UM coverage can be a risky decision.
You Must Prove Fault: Unlike PIP coverage, you must prove that the other driver was at fault in order to recover compensation under your UM policy.
Time Limits Apply: In Florida, you have five years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit to recover uninsured motorist compensation.

Penalties for Hit-and-Run Drivers in Florida

Florida law takes a harsh stance against drivers who flee the scene of an accident. The penalties for hit-and-run drivers vary depending on the extent of the damage or injury:

Property Damage Only: A hit-and-run involving only property damage is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Injury: A hit-and-run involving injury is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Serious Bodily Injury or Death: If the accident resulted in serious personal disfigurement or death, the crime can be upgraded to a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Additionally, a driver convicted of hit and run with injury or death will face mandatory driver’s license revocation.

Advice

Seriously Consider UM Coverage: Given the statistics and the potential financial devastation of a hit-and-run accident, seriously consider purchasing UM coverage.
Review Your Policy: Understand the terms and limits of your UM coverage. Make sure you have enough coverage to protect yourself and your family.
Consult with an Attorney: If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, consult with a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and options.

Conclusion

Hit-and-run accidents are a serious problem in Florida, but you don’t have to be a victim. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps to protect yourself with uninsured motorist coverage, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for the unexpected.