{"id":43606,"date":"2026-09-13T08:28:50","date_gmt":"2026-09-13T08:28:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/car-accident-settlements-florida\/was-there-a-hit-and-run-incident-in-tampa-today\/"},"modified":"2026-09-15T07:26:21","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T07:26:21","slug":"was-there-a-hit-and-run-incident-in-tampa-today","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/car-accident-settlements-florida\/was-there-a-hit-and-run-incident-in-tampa-today\/","title":{"rendered":"Hit-and-Run in Tampa Today: Legal Rights &"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Hit-and-Run Accidents | Tampa & Florida<\/p>

Hit by a Driver Who Fled? Know Your Legal Rights<\/h1>

If you were injured in a hit-and-run crash in Tampa, you have options\u2014even if the other driver hasn't been found. CHG Personal Injury Lawyers focuses exclusively on helping accident victims recover.<\/p>

Get Your Free Case Evaluation<\/a><\/div>
Get Your Free Case Evaluation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

By CHG Lawyers \u00b7 Published September 13, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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Hit-and-Run in Tampa: Legal Rights & Compensation for Victims<\/h2>\n

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\u2014whether the driver is found or not.<\/p>\n\n

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If you or a family member was hit and left at the scene\u2014whether the driver was found or not\u2014you don't have to handle this alone. Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

What Is a Hit-and-Run in Tampa?<\/h2>\n

A hit-and-run happens when a driver hits a person, vehicle, or property and leaves without stopping or sharing contact information.<\/p>\n

Under Florida Statute \u00a7 316.027<\/a>, drivers must stop at the scene. They must exchange information and help anyone injured. Hit-and-run is a criminal offense with serious penalties.<\/p>\n

Criminal Penalties for Hit-and-Run in Florida<\/h2>\n

Hit-and-run with injury:<\/strong> Felony. Up to 15 years in prison and fines.<\/p>\n

Hit-and-run resulting in death:<\/strong> Felony. Up to 30 years in prison.<\/p>\n

Hit-and-run with property damage only:<\/strong> Misdemeanor. Up to 1 year in jail and fines.<\/p>\n

Other consequences include driver’s license suspension, civil liability, and restitution to victims.<\/p>\n

Immediate Steps After a Hit-and-Run<\/h2>\n

Call 911 right away<\/strong> if anyone is hurt. Describe the vehicle: color, size, license plate, direction, and any unique features.<\/p>\n

Get medical care immediately<\/strong>, even if you feel fine. Spinal cord injuries<\/a>, traumatic brain injuries<\/a>, and internal bleeding often don’t show symptoms for hours. Medical records from the crash day are critical evidence.<\/p>\n

Report the incident to Tampa Police<\/a> or Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office<\/a>.<\/strong> File a formal police report. This creates an official record for investigators and your claim.<\/p>\n

Get witness contact information.<\/strong> Their statements are often the strongest evidence.<\/p>\n

Take photos<\/strong> of the scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage (if safe).<\/p>\n

Write down everything:<\/strong> date, time, location, weather, road conditions, and what happened.<\/p>\n

Do not admit fault<\/strong> or apologize at the scene.<\/p>\n

Can You Get Compensation After a Hit-and-Run?<\/h2>\n

Yes. Your options depend on whether the driver is found and what insurance you have.<\/p>\n

If the Driver Is Identified<\/h3>\n

File a claim against their insurance or file a civil lawsuit. You can recover:<\/p>\n