Hit-and-Run in Jacksonville? Here's What You Need to Do Right Now

Hit-and-Run Accident in Jacksonville, Florida: What to Do & Your Legal Rights

If you were hit by a vehicle that left the scene, you’re in a stressful situation. You may have been injured. You may have witnessed the crash. Or you’re trying to find out what happened to someone you care about. This guide explains how to find information about a hit-and-run accident in Jacksonville and what your legal options are if you were harmed.

How to Find Out If There Was a Hit-and-Run Accident in Jacksonville

The fastest way to check for recent hit-and-run incidents is the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Calls for Service database. This public database shows real-time records. You can search by date and incident type. Search for “hit and run” or “crash” entries from the date in question.

Local news outlets also report significant accidents. Check News4Jax, First Coast News, and Action News Jax.

If the crash was on a state road or highway, the Florida Highway Patrol maintains crash reports.

You can request a police report by contacting the responding agency. Provide the date, location, and case number if you have it. If you were directly involved, the responding officer should have given you a report number.

What Is a Hit-and-Run in Florida?

A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without stopping. Under Florida Statutes § 316.061, any driver must stay at the scene. They must exchange information with other parties and police.

Hit-and-run is a criminal offense in Florida. The severity depends on whether anyone was injured or killed.

Criminal Penalties for Hit-and-Run in Florida

Hit-and-run is a criminal offense. It can result in jail time. Penalties depend on the accident outcome:

• No injury: typically a misdemeanor, up to 60 days in jail and fines.
• Someone injured: typically a felony, up to 5 years in prison.
• Someone killed: typically a felony, up to 15 years in prison.

Criminal penalties are separate from civil liability. A hit-and-run driver may face both criminal charges and a lawsuit from the injured person or their family seeking compensation.

How Do I Look Up an Accident Report in Florida?

If you have a case number or report number, use it to request the full report. Contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line. You can also file a public records request with the City of Jacksonville.

If the accident was on a state road, the Florida Highway Patrol maintains those reports. If you were injured, your attorney can request the report on your behalf. Attorneys often gain access to evidence and witness statements faster.

What Should I Do If I Was Hit by a Vehicle That Left the Scene?

Immediate steps:

1. Call 911 if anyone is injured.
2. Stay at the scene if safe. Write down the location, time, and visible damage.
3. Get names and contact information from any witnesses.
4. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage.
5. Report the hit-and-run to police. Ask for a case number.
6. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Injuries often appear hours or days later.
7. Notify your auto insurance company.
8. Keep all medical records, repair estimates, and police reports.

These steps protect your health and preserve evidence for a potential legal claim.

Can I Sue the Driver in a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Yes—if the driver is identified, you may have a civil claim. You can recover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Under Florida Statutes § 768.81, Florida follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages. Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you generally recover nothing.

If the driver is never found: You may file a claim under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage protects you when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or has no insurance. Many hit-and-run victims don’t know about this critical protection. Understanding uninsured motorist coverage can be the difference between financial recovery and bearing the costs alone.

Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit for personal injury. An attorney can help you navigate the claims process, gather evidence, and pursue full compensation.

Hit-and-Run Accidents and Catastrophic Injury

Hit-and-run victims often suffer severe injuries because they have no warning. Common catastrophic injuries include spinal cord injuries, paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and severe fractures.

The financial and emotional toll is immense. Medical care, rehabilitation, lost income, and lifelong support needs can overwhelm families. Families of hit-and-run victims who are killed may pursue a wrongful-death claim against the driver.

What If I Witnessed a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Your account is crucial. Call 911 and provide a detailed description of the vehicle, driver, and direction of travel.

Note the vehicle’s color, make, model, and license plate if visible. Note any distinctive damage. Provide your name and contact information to police so they can reach you if needed.

If it’s safe, take photos or video of the scene or fleeing vehicle. Your witness statement may be critical to identifying the driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you or someone you care about was hit by a vehicle that left the scene, you’re likely facing medical bills, insurance questions, and uncertainty about what comes next. We help people in that exact situation every day.