South Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
Hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians continue to pose serious challenges for victims and families throughout South Florida. A recent early morning crash in Northwest Miami-Dade left one man in critical condition after a driver struck him near the intersection of Northwest 32nd Avenue and 95th Street, then fled without stopping to help. According to reports, Miami-Dade Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene shortly after 5 a.m. and began emergency care, but the driver responsible was already gone.
Pedestrian crashes are often severe due to the vulnerable position of the person hit. When the driver flees, the trauma is compounded by delays in treatment, lack of immediate accountability, and difficulties recovering compensation. These cases involve the initial harm caused by the impact and the emotional and financial toll of unanswered questions.
What Makes Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents So Legally Complicated
When a driver hits someone and remains at the scene, investigators can gather insurance information, interview the person involved, and piece together fault. In a hit-and-run, none of that is possible in the early stages. Without the at-fault party’s name, contact information, or insurance policy, victims are left in limbo. The damage has been done, but the path forward is unclear.
Law enforcement agencies do what they can, reviewing traffic cameras, interviewing witnesses, and checking for damage on nearby vehicles. However, even when a suspect is eventually located, there can be delays in holding them responsible or recovering any insurance payout. These delays can pile up medical bills and leave victims with no clear source of support.
Sometimes, a vehicle may be found, but no clear evidence ties it to the driver. Other times, the car is never identified at all. Victims and their attorneys must often act quickly to gather their evidence before it disappears. Time-stamped surveillance video, eyewitness accounts, and any statements made immediately after the crash can become critical.
How Florida Insurance Law Applies When the Driver Cannot Be Found
Florida law allows victims of hit-and-run accidents to pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage, often called UM coverage. This type of insurance is designed to apply when the at-fault driver is either uninsured or cannot be identified. If you have UM coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, you may be eligible to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation.
The challenge is that many people are unaware of whether they have this type of coverage. Others may face resistance from their insurer when filing a UM claim. Insurance companies sometimes treat their policyholders like adversaries, requiring extensive documentation and delaying payment. When that happens, an attorney can enforce the policy terms and push the claim forward.
Additionally, if the hit-and-run driver is later located, you may still be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them directly. This may include both compensatory and, in some cases, punitive damages, depending on the severity of the conduct. The criminal case and the civil claim are separate, meaning you do not have to wait for criminal charges to seek justice through a civil court.
What to Do If You or a Loved One Was Hit by a Driver Who Fled the Scene
After a hit-and-run, your priority is getting medical treatment and reporting the incident to the police. Even if you could not see the vehicle or the driver, filing an official report creates a record that can support your future claim. If you were transported by ambulance and unable to speak to officers, they will typically file a report based on the scene investigation.
You should also notify your insurance company, especially if you have UM coverage. Do not assume you are not covered until a professional reviews your policy. If you have difficulty getting a response or feel your concerns are being dismissed, contacting a personal injury attorney can help.
Call Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada After a Pedestrian Hit and Run in Miami
If you or someone close to you was injured in a pedestrian accident, you do not have to figure it out alone. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, our attorneys help Miami residents recover compensation after devastating accidents even when the at-fault driver has not yet been identified. We understand how to work with your insurance policy, investigate complex cases, and pursue justice on your behalf. Call Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada today at 877-448-8585 for a free consultation. You deserve answers, accountability, and the support it takes to rebuild after a traumatic crash.