Injured in a Hit-and-Run in Brevard County? Here’s What You Can Do Next
Melbourne, United States – January 26, 2026 / Nance | Cacciatore /
Florida motorists injured in a hit-and-run in Melbourne or Brevard County may still have ways to pursue compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost income, and other losses, even when the at-fault driver flees. Hit-and-run crashes are a major issue in Florida; the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV) reports that almost 25% of motor vehicle accidents each year are hit-and-runs, ranging from property-damage incidents to crashes causing serious injury or death.
Florida law requires drivers involved in an accident to stop and provide identifying and insurance information, including name, address, driver’s license, insurance, and registration. For property damage—such as a parked car—the driver must stop, check for damage, and attempt to contact the owner, including leaving a note with information if necessary. When a crash causes bodily injury or death, the driver also has a duty to provide reasonable aid, such as calling 911. Leaving without fulfilling these duties is illegal and considered a hit-and-run.
If a hit-and-run driver is found and convicted, penalties can include misdemeanor or felony charges, 60 days to 5 years in prison, driver’s license revocation for at least three years, and fines from $500 to $5,000 for property damage and bodily injury cases. For fatal hit-and-runs, Florida’s Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act (effective July 1, 2014) increases consequences to a minimum of four years up to 30 years in prison, license revocation for at least three years, and a $10,000 fine. However, criminal penalties do not pay a victim’s medical expenses or replace lost wages, so financial recovery often depends on insurance and civil claims.
Compensation options described include filing a PIP claim under Florida’s no-fault system, which can cover medical expenses and certain lost wages but is limited (minimum $10,000) and does not cover pain and suffering. If a driver has uninsured motorist (UM) coverage—optional in Florida—a UM claim may apply when the at-fault driver can’t be located. If the hit-and-run driver is identified, a personal injury lawsuit may be possible, including economic and non-economic damages, but it requires proving serious injury under Florida law and establishing fault. Nance Cacciatore’s Melbourne hit-and-run attorneys offer case reviews, strategy development, and a free consultation with no fees unless there’s a recovery.
Contact Information:
Nance | Cacciatore
525 N Harbor City Blvd
Melbourne, FL 32935
United States
Sam Cacciatore
(321) 777-7777
https://nancelaw.com/
Original Source: https://www.nancelaw.com/injured-in-a-hit-and-run-in-brevard-county-heres-what-you-can-do-next/
