Hit and Run in Florida: What Are Your Options?
Being hit by a driver who speeds off leaves you hurt, angry and unsure who pays for any of it. The good news is that in Florida, your medical care doesn't depend on finding the other driver. Here is what to do at the scene, and how your own coverage works.
At the scene
Get safe and call 911. Report it as a hit and run. In Florida, leaving the scene of a crash that injures someone is a serious crime, and police treat these reports seriously.
Write down everything you remember right away: plate number (even partial), make, model, color, damage to their car, and which way they went.
Look for witnesses and cameras. Ask bystanders for their names and numbers. Note nearby businesses, traffic cameras and homes with doorbell cameras.
Photograph the scene, your vehicle, the debris and any injuries.
Get the police report number before you leave. Your insurer will ask for it.
Your PIP pays first, no matter who caused it
Florida is a no-fault state. Your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) pays toward your medical bills and lost wages up to your policy limit, usually $10,000, whether or not the other driver is ever found. Passengers in your car and members of your household are generally covered the same way.
There is one catch. You must get initial medical care within 14 days of the accident to use your PIP benefits. Many people wait while police search for the driver, and lose that window. Don’t. Here’s how the 14-day rule works.
Uninsured motorist coverage
If your injuries go beyond what PIP covers, check whether your policy includes uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. UM is optional in Florida, but if you have it, it can apply when the at-fault driver can’t be identified. Coverage terms and requirements vary, so call your insurer and read your policy. An attorney can also explain your options, if you choose to talk to one.
Why you should get checked even if you feel okay
The shock of a hit and run floods your body with adrenaline, which can mask pain for hours or days. Whiplash, back injuries and concussions often show up later. An early exam documents your injuries close to the date of the crash and gets you treated before problems settle in.
We can see you this week
Dr. Laura Hochstein, D.C., and our team at six clinics across Miami-Dade and Broward see accident patients without an appointment. We bill your PIP insurer directly, and you can start care with or without an attorney.
For a full checklist, see what to do after a car accident in Florida.
This article is general information, not legal or medical advice. For questions about your policy or a claim, talk to your insurer or an attorney.