Hit and Run Lawyers in Palm Bay
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Palm Bay Hit and Run Lawyers
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Being the victim of a hit and run accident in Palm Bay creates a uniquely frustrating and challenging situation. One moment you're going about your day, and the next you're left injured, confused, and facing mounting expenses while the responsible party has fled the scene. Our Palm Bay hit and run lawyers understand both the practical complications and emotional distress these situations cause, and we've helped countless local victims navigate this difficult process since our founding in 1988.
Palm Bay's expansive geography and road infrastructure contribute significantly to these incidents. The city's wide arterial roads like Babcock Street and Malabar Road, often traveled at high speeds, contrast sharply with poorly lit residential areas. Additionally, afternoon thunderstorms common to our area create sudden visibility challenges that can lead to accidents where drivers make the catastrophic choice to flee rather than take responsibility.
Understanding Florida's Hit and Run Laws and Your Rights
Florida law imposes serious penalties on drivers who flee accident scenes, including potential felony charges if injuries are involved. However, this may provide little comfort when you're struggling with injuries and the responsible driver hasn't been identified. Florida's no-fault insurance system adds another layer of complexity, though our attorneys can guide you through these challenges.
You should be aware that Florida has a strict 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including hit and run accidents. This means you have a limited window to pursue your claim. Hit and run incidents disproportionately affect pedestrians, particularly in Palm Bay's many neighborhoods lacking adequate sidewalks or lighting. Our Palm Bay pedestrian accident lawyers have extensive experience representing victims in these often catastrophic cases, particularly in areas like the Bayside Lakes neighborhood and along Jupiter Boulevard.
Our Thorough Investigation Process for Palm Bay Hit and Run Cases
When you contact our firm after a hit and run accident, we immediately launch a comprehensive investigation tailored to Palm Bay's specific environment. Our attorneys work closely with local law enforcement, leveraging their relationships built over decades of serving the Brevard community to ensure no stone is left unturned in the search for the responsible driver.
We methodically gather evidence from traffic cameras near major Palm Bay intersections such as Palm Bay Road and Minton Road, as well as from local businesses that might have surveillance footage. When hit and run accidents result in serious injuries requiring extensive rehabilitation or causing permanent disability, our Palm Bay serious injury lawyers will fight for compensation that addresses both your immediate and long-term needs.
Our team's expertise extends to accident reconstruction, witness identification, and thorough documentation of the accident scene. We understand Palm Bay's unique traffic patterns and high-risk areas, allowing us to efficiently focus our investigative resources where they'll be most effective.
Compensation Options When the Driver Can't Be Found
Even when the at-fault driver cannot be identified, you may still have pathways to compensation. Many hit and run incidents occur because drivers are intoxicated and fear DUI charges. Our Palm Bay drunk driving accident lawyers understand these complex cases and the specialized evidence needed to prove intoxication even after the driver has fled.
In cases where the driver remains unidentified, your uninsured motorist coverage becomes critically important. This coverage can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our attorneys will thoroughly review your insurance policy to identify all possible sources of recovery.
We understand the working-class nature of many Palm Bay neighborhoods and structure our services to accommodate residents' needs. This includes flexible meeting options, regular case updates, and most importantly, our contingency fee structure—you don't pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Our firm combines deep local knowledge with specialized legal expertise in hit and run cases. With over $1 billion recovered for our clients and leadership positions in national legal organizations, including Doug Beam's role as 2025 National Trial Lawyers President and Riley Beam's position as 2023 National Trial Lawyers 40 Under 40 President, we have the resources and determination to handle even the most complex hit and run cases.
Time is crucial in hit and run investigations—evidence can quickly disappear, and witnesses' memories fade. Contact our Palm Bay hit and run lawyers today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about hit and run cases in Palm Bay
What should I do after a hit and run accident?
Immediately after a hit and run accident in Palm Bay, your first priority should be seeking medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Then, contact the Palm Bay Police Department at (321) 952-3456 to file a report—this official documentation is crucial for both insurance claims and potential legal action. Try to record as many details as possible about the fleeing vehicle, including make, model, color, and any portion of the license plate you observed.
Gather contact information from any witnesses at the scene, as their testimony can be invaluable in identifying the driver. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Finally, notify your insurance company about the incident, but avoid making detailed statements until you've consulted with our attorneys who can ensure your rights are protected throughout this process.
How is liability determined in a hit and run accident?
Determining liability in a hit and run accident involves multiple investigative approaches. Our attorneys work closely with Palm Bay law enforcement to review traffic camera footage, particularly near major intersections like Babcock Street and Malabar Road. We also canvas local businesses for security footage that might have captured the incident or the fleeing vehicle. In many cases, our Palm Bay traffic accident attorneys employ accident reconstruction experts to establish exactly how the collision occurred.
If the driver cannot be identified despite these efforts, liability shifts to your insurance carrier through your uninsured motorist coverage. Florida's no-fault insurance system requires your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to cover initial medical expenses, but serious injuries often exceed these limits. Our firm handles the complex process of proving the extent of damages and navigating insurance claims to ensure you receive maximum compensation despite the at-fault party's absence.
What types of damages can I receive compensation for in a hit and run case?
In Palm Bay hit and run cases, victims may receive compensation for numerous damages including medical expenses (both current and future), lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and property damage. You may also receive compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In particularly egregious cases where the hit and run driver is eventually identified, punitive damages might be available to punish the driver's misconduct.
Our firm has extensive experience securing full compensation for Palm Bay residents, including those living in neighborhoods like Port Malabar and Lockmar Estates. We understand the unique challenges of obtaining proper compensation in hit and run cases, particularly navigating the limitations of Florida's no-fault insurance system. Even when the driver remains unidentified, we thoroughly explore all insurance coverage options, including uninsured motorist coverage, to ensure your damages are addressed comprehensively.
Can I get compensation for a hit and run accident in a no-fault state?
Yes, you can receive compensation for a hit and run accident in Florida despite its no-fault insurance system. Initially, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will pay for 80% of your medical expenses and 60% of lost wages up to $10,000, regardless of who caused the accident. However, when injuries are serious—which is often the case in hit and run accidents—you can step outside the no-fault system to pursue additional compensation.
Your uninsured motorist coverage becomes particularly valuable in hit and run cases, effectively standing in for the absent at-fault driver. For catastrophic cases resulting in fatalities, our Palm Bay wrongful death lawyers can help families navigate the complex legal process of seeking justice and compensation. The key to maximizing your recovery is understanding all available insurance coverages and properly documenting how your injuries meet Florida's threshold for pursuing claims beyond the no-fault system.
How does no cost representation for hit and run accident cases work?
Our Palm Bay hit and run lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay absolutely no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This "no recovery, no fee" structure ensures that quality legal representation is accessible to all Palm Bay residents, regardless of their financial circumstances. When we do recover compensation, our fee is a percentage of the recovery amount that we clearly explain during your initial consultation.
Additionally, our firm advances all case-related costs, including investigation expenses, expert witness fees, court filing costs, and other litigation expenses. This removes any financial barriers to pursuing your case effectively. We take on all the financial risk so you can focus entirely on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your hit and run case. This arrangement aligns our interests perfectly with yours—we only succeed when you receive the compensation you deserve.
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