Jacksonville Hit and Run Accident Attorney

Helping Victims Fight for Compensation After a Hit and Run Crash

A hit and run accident can leave victims feeling helpless and overwhelmed, especially when there are questions about who will pay for damages. Whether you were struck by a negligent driver while driving, walking, or cycling, you may still have legal options to recover compensation—even if the driver is never found.

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we help hit and run accident victims pursue justice and explore every available avenue for compensation. With over 150 years of combined experience, two Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Specialists (Tom Edwards and Eric Ragatz), and a history of recovering millions of dollars for accident victims, we have the knowledge and resources to handle even the most challenging cases.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit and run accident in Jacksonville or anywhere in Duval County, we are here to help. Call (904) 295-1050 for a free consultation.

The Reality of Hit and Run Accidents

A hit and run occurs when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without stopping to exchange information or offer assistance. In Florida, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, and penalties vary depending on the severity of the crash.

Unfortunately, even stiff penalties aren’t enough to prevent some motorists from fleeing the scene after being involved in crashes. In fact, data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), show that hit and run collisions are a serious problem statewide.

• In 2022, there were over 104,000 hit and run crashes in Florida.
• These accidents resulted in over 266 fatalities and 21,000 injuries.
• Pedestrians and cyclists are the most vulnerable victims, as they have no protection in a crash.

When the at-fault driver leaves the scene without stopping, it can make obtaining compensation more difficult—but not impossible. You may still have options to recover damages through your own insurance policy or other legal avenues.

What Should You Do After a Hit and Run Accident?

If you are involved in a hit and run, taking the right steps can increase the chances of finding the at-fault driver and protect your legal rights:

1. Call 911 immediately – Report the accident so law enforcement can investigate. If you or someone else is injured, request emergency medical assistance.
2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions may not appear right away. Getting medical treatment documents your injuries for a potential claim.
3. Gather as much information as possible – Try to remember details about the fleeing vehicle, such as: make, model, and color, license plate (even partial information can help), and any distinctive features (bumper stickers, damage, etc.)
4. Look for witnesses – Bystanders may have seen the crash or captured it on dashcams or security cameras.
5. Document the scene – Take photos of your vehicle, injuries, and any debris left behind.
6. Notify your insurance company – Inform your insurer about the accident but avoid giving recorded statements until you speak with an attorney.
7. Contact a Jacksonville hit and run accident attorney – An attorney can help investigate your case, work with law enforcement, and explore options for securing compensation.

Can You Recover Compensation If the Hit and Run Driver Is Never Found?

Yes. If the at-fault driver is never identified, you may still have several options for seeking compensation:

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

Florida law does not require drivers to carry Uninsured Motorist / Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage, but if you have this optional coverage, it can be a lifesaver after a hit and run accident.

• UM coverage acts as a stand-in for the at-fault driver’s insurance when they cannot be identified or do not have insurance.
• It can compensate for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• If you carry Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, it can help if the at-fault driver is found but does not have enough insurance to cover your losses.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance

Florida follows a no-fault system, meaning all drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. PIP coverage provides:

• 80% of medical bills, and up to $10,000 in medical expenses
• 60% of lost wages (up to policy limits)
• Up to $5,000 for funeral and burial costs
• Coverage regardless of who was at fault

However, PIP does not cover certain medical expenses, the entirety of lost wages, pain and suffering or other non-economic damages. This is why UM coverage is so valuable for hit and run victim who suffer injuries and losses in excess of what’s covered by PIP.

Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver (If Found)

If police identify the hit and run driver, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them to recover damages. In addition to medical expenses and lost wages, you may be entitled to punitive damages, which are meant to punish the driver for their reckless actions.

However, even if the driver is located, they must have sufficient insurance coverage or personal assets to cover your losses. Unfortunately, many hit and run drivers flee the scene because they are uninsured or underinsured. If the driver lacks adequate coverage, recovering full compensation may still require filing a claim through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy.

Our attorneys can investigate all possible sources of compensation, including the at-fault driver’s insurance, your own UM/UIM coverage, or other third-party liability claims, to maximize your financial recovery.

Challenges in Hit and Run Cases

Hit and run accident claims can be more complicated than typical car accident cases due to:

• Difficulty identifying the driver – Many hit and run drivers are never found, requiring victims to rely on their own insurance.
• Insurance company tactics – Insurers may dispute UM claims, arguing that the accident was not a hit and run or that there is insufficient proof.
• Limited coverage options – Without UM coverage, recovering full compensation can be challenging.

Our attorneys at Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. have extensive experience handling hit and run cases and know how to fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Compensation Can Hit and Run Victims Recover?

If you were injured in a hit and run accident, you may be entitled to recover:

• Medical expenses – Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical costs
• Lost wages – Income lost due to missed work and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
• Property damage – Repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged property
• Wrongful death damages – Funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering if a loved one was killed in a hit and run

How Our Jacksonville Hit and Run Accident Attorneys Can Help

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we know that hit and run cases require aggressive legal action. Our firm provides:

• Comprehensive investigations – Working with law enforcement, reviewing traffic cameras, and seeking witnesses.
• Insurance claim assistance – Handling UM/UIM claims and negotiating with insurers to ensure fair compensation.
• Legal representation if the driver is found – Filing lawsuits against hit and run drivers when they are identified.
• Trial-ready advocacy – If insurers refuse to pay, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.

Call for a Free Consultation: (904) 295-1050

A hit and run accident can leave you with unanswered questions and financial uncertainty, but you do not have to face it alone. At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we fight for justice and full compensation for hit and run victims.

Call (904) 295-1050 or contact us online for a free consultation. We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.