What to Do After a Florida Hit-and-Run

Stay safe and report what you observed

Do not chase the vehicle. Request emergency help when needed and give law enforcement an accurate description. Florida law imposes stop-and-remain duties on drivers involved in injury crashes. A criminal investigation and an insurance claim involve different questions.

• Write down the time, exact location, direction of travel, vehicle description, and any partial plate.
• Separate what you actually saw from what someone else told you. Do not fill gaps with guesses.
• Ask for the investigating agency and report number. Keep later updates together.

Look for evidence before it disappears

Save original photographs, dashcam recordings, and messages. Note nearby businesses, residences, transit vehicles, or other possible cameras. Ask witnesses for contact details. A lawyer can assess appropriate preservation requests; a camera’s presence does not establish that usable footage exists.

• Keep damaged clothing, bicycle equipment, or other property when practical.
• Document symptoms and obtain appropriate medical care without waiting for the driver to be found.
• Avoid posting investigative theories or identifying an unconfirmed suspect online.

Review the actual policies

Potential coverage depends on who was injured, the vehicle involved, and the policy terms. Uninsured-motorist coverage may be relevant, but a hit-and-run does not guarantee payment. Preserve policy declarations, endorsements, notices, and insurer requests. Ask about reporting and cooperation requirements promptly.

Before signing a release or accepting an explanation that there is no coverage, have the facts and policy language reviewed. Bring the report information, photographs, medical records you already have, and all potentially applicable policies to the consultation.