Hit and Run Accidents

An Orlando lawyer dedicated to helping the injured

Nobody likes being in a car accident, but what do you do when the other driver leaves the scene? You deserve financial compensation if a negligent driver caused your injuries. But in a hit-and-run accident, you won’t know the name of the driver. That makes a difficult situation even more confusing and frustrating.

Attorney Michael Cerasa of The Cerasa Law Firm LLC knows how to handle these complicated cases and can help guide you through the process. He worked for big law firms in the area where he learned how to deal with insurance companies and get results. But he gives clients the personal attention only a smaller firm can offer.

We will pursue every option for compensation

Why do drivers leave the scene of an accident? There are many reasons. The driver may not  have a license, or it expired. The driver may not have any insurance. Or the driver was doing something wrong and didn’t want to get caught – for example, driving under the influence or driving in a stolen car.

So where does that leave you? You are injured and your car may be wrecked. Medical expenses can add up fast and if you can’t work, there is less income coming in.

Depending on your situation, there are different options for recovering compensation:

• All Florida drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage on their insurance policies. So your own insurance company can help cover medical expenses up to your policy limit (the minimum is $10,000). But this coverage does not pay for property damage or other damages, such as pain and suffering.
• If you chose to buy uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM), this can also be used to pay for damages suffered in a hit-and-run accident. This includes medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. (Our firm suggests that all drivers choose this optional coverage.)
• However, in order to receive compensation, you must have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM). While UIM is intended for accidents with uninsured drivers, it also applies to hit-and-run accidents - after all, a driver who can't be found is uninsured by default. This type of coverage is optional in Florida, but we highly recommend carrying it.
• If police located the driver, you can take legal action to try to recover compensation. However, the driver may not have insurance or enough personal assets to pay for damages.

Schedule your free consultation

Attorney Michael Cerasa understands the impact an accident can have on your life. You just want to recover from your injuries and move forward. He is determined to pursue every option for compensation on your behalf. He will deal with the insurance companies and guide you through the legal process.

If you were hurt in an Orlando hit and run accident, it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. You have four years from the date of your crash to take legal action. But over time, evidence can be lost or destroyed and the memories of witnesses can fade. The sooner we can get started on your case, the better.

Learn more about how we can help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.