Few things are more agonizing than being hit by a driver who speeds away, leaving you injured and alone. In Port St. Lucie, hit‑and‑run accidents are a growing concern—especially on busy corridors like U.S. 1 and Spectrum Boulevard. Without the at‑fault driver identified, victims often feel powerless, unsure if they can pursue compensation. Yet Florida law and your insurance policy may still offer avenues for recovery. Talking with a personal injury lawyer serving Port St. Lucie early on can help protect your rights and preserve the evidence you’ll need to build a claim.
Even when the other driver remains unidentified, you’re not out of options. Whether it’s medical bills, lost wages, or emotional trauma, you may still be eligible to recover damages—especially if you act quickly.
Why Hit‑and‑Run Accidents Are So Complex
Hit‑and‑run crashes present a unique set of legal and insurance challenges. Without a known driver or vehicle, assigning liability becomes more difficult. Florida’s law enforcement and insurance systems rely on identifying vehicles through license plate numbers or surveillance footage, which isn’t always available. Victims may also face challenges since many insurers assume at least partial fault until proven otherwise. Adding urgency, Florida insurers require medical treatment to begin within 14 days to activate Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage—otherwise, you risk losing benefits entirely.
Yet even under these barriers, legal recovery is possible—especially when strategies like uninsured motorist (UM) claims and access to the Florida Crimes Compensation Trust Fund are used effectively.
Step 1: Report the Incident and Gather Evidence Immediately
Your first priority after a hit‑and‑run should be your health. Call 911, request medical help if needed, and ensure an official traffic crash report is filed. Law enforcement may be able to canvass the area for surveillance cameras or witnesses, and the report itself becomes essential documentation for your claim.
If you’re able, take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, street signs, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Write down descriptions such as the direction the fleeing vehicle traveled, paint color, body style, or partial plate numbers. Witness statements and nearby business video footage may also help law enforcement identify the driver.
Step 2: Use Your Insurance Wisely
Florida’s no-fault system ensures you can begin a claim under your own insurance. PIP coverage typically pays up to $10,000 of your medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault—but only if you begin treatment within 14 days. Without prompt care, you may lose eligibility.
If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, you may use it for pain and suffering, vehicle repairs, or additional medical costs. In the eyes of the law, a fleeing driver counts as uninsured. This makes UM claims a key tool when the opposing vehicle can’t be identified.
That said, insurance companies will scrutinize your UM claim closely. That’s where experienced legal representation can prevent delays and denials.
Step 3: Consider the Florida Crimes Compensation Trust Fund
The Florida Crimes Compensation Trust Fund exists to assist victims of criminal acts such as hit‑and‑runs. While it won’t replace a lawsuit or UM claim, the fund may reimburse medical expenses, mental health counseling, funeral costs, or partial lost wages—especially when other coverages are insufficient.
Eligibility criteria include filing a police report and proving the injury was not self-inflicted. A legal advocate can help you apply promptly and ensure you meet documentation or reporting deadlines.
How a Lawyer Can Build Your Case
Without an identifiable defendant, many victims think legal action isn’t possible. An experienced attorney can use a range of strategies to pursue compensation:
- Subpoena traffic cam or business surveillance footage near the accident scene.
- Interview witnesses and drivers who may have seen the vehicle escape.
- Combine medical records with evidence to support UM or PIP claims.
- Negotiate with your own insurer if they attempt to undervalue your claim.
- File a lawsuit if the driver is later identified through police investigations.
A lawyer familiar with Port St. Lucie and Florida injury law understands how to navigate both no-fault and third-party avenues to maximize your recovery.
When You Should Contact an Attorney
It’s wise to consult a lawyer early if medical treatment fails to begin promptly, your insurer questions your injuries, or you have significant out-of-pocket expenses. Attorneys step in to manage communication with the insurance company, preserve key evidence, and protect your rights as the process unfolds.
A legal professional will help you evaluate whether UM/UIM insurance, a Crimes Compensation claim, or a future third-party lawsuit offers the greatest compensation potential. They’ll also explain how Florida’s comparative negligence laws may apply—even when fault cannot be directly assigned.
You Still Have Legal Options
Hit‑and‑run accidents may feel like dead ends—but Florida law provides paths to recovery even without a known driver. By taking swift action and preserving evidence, you can pave the way to insurance or legal compensation. A personal injury lawyer serving Port St. Lucie can guide you through the process, defend against common insurance pitfalls, and secure the support you deserve.
Don’t face this alone. If you’ve been a victim of a hit‑and‑run in Port St. Lucie and have questions about your legal options, contact Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers for a free, confidential consultation.
About the Author
This blog was crafted by a legal content professional with deep experience in Florida accident law, victim advocacy, and hit‑and‑run investigations. Their goal is to break down complex legal issues into compassionate, actionable advice for injury victims. With a focus on no-fault system claims, uninsured motorist recovery, and crime victim support, their work empowers readers to make informed decisions.