Hit-and-Run Accidents | Tampa & Florida
Hit by a Driver Who Fled? Know Your Legal Rights
If you were injured in a hit-and-run crash in Tampa, you have options—even if the other driver hasn't been found. CHG Personal Injury Lawyers focuses exclusively on helping accident victims recover.
By CHG Lawyers · Published September 13, 2026
Hit-and-Run in Tampa: Legal Rights & Compensation for Victims
A driver hit you and left. You need answers fast. This guide explains hit-and-run law in Florida, what to do right now, and how to get compensation—whether the driver is found or not.
If you or a family member was hit and left at the scene—whether the driver was found or not—you don't have to handle this alone. Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.
What Is a Hit-and-Run in Tampa?
A hit-and-run happens when a driver hits a person, vehicle, or property and leaves without stopping or sharing contact information.
Under Florida Statute § 316.027, drivers must stop at the scene. They must exchange information and help anyone injured. Hit-and-run is a criminal offense with serious penalties.
Criminal Penalties for Hit-and-Run in Florida
Hit-and-run with injury: Felony. Up to 15 years in prison and fines.
Hit-and-run resulting in death: Felony. Up to 30 years in prison.
Hit-and-run with property damage only: Misdemeanor. Up to 1 year in jail and fines.
Other consequences include driver’s license suspension, civil liability, and restitution to victims.
Immediate Steps After a Hit-and-Run
Call 911 right away if anyone is hurt. Describe the vehicle: color, size, license plate, direction, and any unique features.
Get medical care immediately, even if you feel fine. Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and internal bleeding often don’t show symptoms for hours. Medical records from the crash day are critical evidence.
Report the incident to Tampa Police or Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. File a formal police report. This creates an official record for investigators and your claim.
Get witness contact information. Their statements are often the strongest evidence.
Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage (if safe).
Write down everything: date, time, location, weather, road conditions, and what happened.
Do not admit fault or apologize at the scene.
Can You Get Compensation After a Hit-and-Run?
Yes. Your options depend on whether the driver is found and what insurance you have.
If the Driver Is Identified
File a claim against their insurance or file a civil lawsuit. You can recover:
- Medical bills and ongoing treatment costs
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability damages
Serious injuries—spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, amputation, severe burns—often qualify for substantial compensation.
If the Driver Is Never Found
File a police report immediately. Then contact your auto insurance company.
If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, you can file a claim. UM coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages when the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
Review your policy or ask your insurance company about your coverage limits.
If Someone Was Killed
The family may have a wrongful-death claim against the driver’s estate or insurance. They may also file a claim under the family’s own UM coverage.
Not sure what your next step is?
Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.
Time Limits for Hit-and-Run Claims in Florida
Florida has strict deadlines:
- Personal-injury claims: 2 years under Fla. Stat. § 95.11
- Wrongful-death claims: 2 years
Acting quickly preserves evidence and witnesses’ memories.
When to Talk to an Attorney
Consider speaking with a lawyer if:
- You or a family member suffered serious injury requiring ongoing care or permanent disability.
- The driver was found and you’re negotiating with their insurance company.
- Your insurance company is disputing your UM claim or offering less than your damages are worth.
- A loved one was killed and you’re considering a wrongful-death claim.
An attorney can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and pursue fair compensation.
What If You’re Accused of Hit-and-Run?
Do not speak to police without an attorney. Hit-and-run is a serious criminal charge. Conviction can result in jail time, fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.
Even if you didn’t realize you hit someone, leaving the scene is a crime. If you’re under investigation or charged, consult a criminal defense attorney immediately.
FAQ
Where do I find news about hit-and-run crashes in Tampa?
Check the Tampa Police Department website, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and local news outlets.
Is hit-and-run a felony in Florida?
Yes, if anyone was injured or killed. It’s a misdemeanor if only property was damaged.
What if I can’t find the driver?
File a police report and contact your insurance company to file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
You have 2 years for a personal-injury claim and 2 years for a wrongful-death claim.
Can I recover damages if the driver is never found?
Yes, through your own uninsured motorist coverage, if you have it.
Have questions about what happened?
Ask our team directly. The first conversation is free, confidential, and there is no obligation to continue.
Next Steps
If you or a family member was hit and left at the scene—whether the driver was found or not—you don’t have to handle this alone. We focus exclusively on serious personal-injury cases, including hit-and-run injuries from car accidents and other collisions.
We can review what happened, explain your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Get a free case evaluation today.
Time Matters
Hit-and-run cases involve strict deadlines for reporting, evidence preservation, and filing claims. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better your chances of protecting your rights and holding the responsible party accountable.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run
Call 911 & Report the Crash
Report the hit-and-run to police immediately. Provide a detailed description of the vehicle, driver, direction of travel, and any license plate information you remember. A police report is critical evidence for your claim.
Document Everything at the Scene
Take photos of vehicle damage, the accident location, traffic signals, and road conditions. Get contact information from any witnesses. Note the date, time, and weather. This evidence strengthens your case.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries appear hours or days later. Medical records link your injuries directly to the crash and are essential for your claim.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the hit-and-run to your auto insurer promptly. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may apply if the hit-and-run driver is never identified, helping cover your medical bills and vehicle damage.
Why You Need a Hit-and-Run Lawyer
Navigate Complex Insurance Claims
Hit-and-run cases often involve uninsured motorist coverage, police investigations, and multiple liable parties. We handle the legal complexity so you can focus on recovery.
Maximize Your Recovery
We pursue all available sources of compensation—your own UM coverage, the at-fault driver if found, and third-party liability—to ensure you're fully compensated for medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Meet Critical Deadlines
Hit-and-run claims have strict filing windows and evidence-preservation requirements. We ensure nothing falls through the cracks and your rights are protected from day one.
Handle All Communication
Insurance companies and investigators will contact you. We manage those conversations, protect your interests, and prevent statements that could harm your claim.
Common Questions About Hit-and-Run Claims
What if the driver is never found?
You may still recover through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Your insurance will cover medical expenses, lost income, and damages as if the hit-and-run driver had insurance. We'll fight to maximize that recovery.
Is hit-and-run a felony in Florida?
Yes—if anyone was injured or killed, hit-and-run is a felony. If only property was damaged, it's a misdemeanor. Either way, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the driver or through your own insurance.
Can I sue if the driver is eventually caught?
Absolutely. If police identify the hit-and-run driver, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them for all damages—medical bills, vehicle repair, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Time limits apply to hit-and-run claims. The sooner you report the crash and contact a lawyer, the sooner we can protect your rights and begin building your case. Don't wait—contact us for guidance on your specific situation.
Hit-and-Run in Tampa? We're Here to Help.
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