January 2019

Statute of Limitation of Personal Injuries in Car Accidents

A statute of limitations is a law that limits the time a person has to file a complaint for a lawsuit. In Tampa and the rest of Florida, if the lawsuit involves a claim for a personal injury, then the plaintiff (the one filing the claim) has four years from the date of the accident to file.

This means anyone involved in an accident on January 1, 2016, will usually have until January 1, 2020, to file. You can file on that day, but if you wait until January 2, 2020, then a judge can throw out the suit. Due to not filing on time. Very few exceptions exist.

Be sure to speak to an attorney to have them go over your options as soon as possible when injured. If your injury happened in the Tampa, Florida area, contact us today for a free consultation.

Purpose of a Statute of Limitations

In each state, that state’s legislature passes a law determining the statute of limitations for different types of legal claims. The reason for the limit is that as more time goes by, the more difficult it is to find witnesses and evidence that could assist the jury in determining what happened. The limit is on the plaintiff because he or she controls filing the case. Whereas the defendant has no ability to hurry up the claim.

Exceptions to Filing by the Deadline

There are situations that stop or “toll” the time running on the statute of limitations. If any of these apply, then the clock stops running and then continues if the situation changes back. Some of these circumstances are:

• Incapacitation: If incapacitated from injuries, such as a coma, then the time for filing stops until the person is out of the coma or dies.
• Out of the state: If the person who committed the act leaves the state after the case has been filed, then it stops until he or she returns.
• Concealment: If the defendant attempts to hide from the person who wants to file a claim, then the time stops.
• False Name: If the defendant uses a false name to attempt to prevent the plaintiff from locating the defendant.

How it Works

On the day of the accident or personal injury, the plaintiff has four years to file a claim. If you file the claim even one day after the four years are up, then the court can dismiss the case. And no claim can be made for damages from the defendant.

However, if one of the exceptions happens—like the defendant leaves the state for two years—then the statute of limitations time could stop accruing, and may not pick back up until the person returns to the state.

Contact a Tampa Auto Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured in an auto accident or by some other person’s negligence, you need to see an attorney right away to discuss when the deadline is for your case.

Don’t wait until the last minute as then something might happen and the deadline might pass. Call the Tampa Auto Injury Lawyers at 844 RHINO-77 or 844 879 3213 to talk to our personal injury team who can advise you on Florida’s personal injury laws.

No Fault Insurance in Tampa Florida

Florida has a “No Fault” personal insurance system meaning that the law requires each driver to have a $10,000 personal injury protection policy (PIP). This means that when someone in Florida is involved in a car accident, all medical bills and lost wages up to $10,000 must be paid from the injured person’s own PIP which pays 80 percent for medical bills and 60 percent of lost wages.

It works like this: You get into an auto accident that is your fault. Then your PIP pays medical bills (80%) and any lost wages (60%) up to $10,000.

Let’s say it’s the other driver’s fault. Then not much has changed as you still have to use your own PIP insurance to pay for your medical bills and lost wages up to $10,000. However, what about those bills and/or lost wages beyond $10,000?

Exceptions to PIP Insurance

Florida law allows for exceptions to having to use your own PIP. This means that if one of these exceptions applies, then you can sue the other driver. These exceptions are:

• Medical bills/lost wages greater than $10,000.
• Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function.
• Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, other than scarring or disfigurement.
• Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement.

This means that if you have any amount of medical bills for a “significant and permanent loss of bodily function” then you can sue for those damages regardless of the amount of the medical bills. When you do sue, you can get “special damages” for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and inconvenience because of bodily injury, sickness, or disease. You have to prove that the defendant was negligent and that these injuries arose from the accident.

How it Works:

Let’s say you are in an automobile accident that is not your fault and you have $5,000 in medical bills and $5,000 in lost wages. Then even though it’s someone else’s fault, you have to use your PIP insurance to pay for your medical bills and lost wages. So for $5,000 in medical bills, your PIP will pay $4,000 leaving you to pay $1,000. For your lost wages from being out of work, your PIP will pay you $3,000.

Let’s say that out of those $5,000 in medical bills, $4,000 was for a significant and permanent injury. Then you can sue the other driver for those $4,000 plus any special damages such as pain and suffering.

Now let’s say that your medical bills were $20,000. But they weren’t considered significant and permanent, and you weren’t out of work. In this case, you must use your own PIP for the first $10,000 (you would still owe $2,000 after PIP paid $8,000). After, you can sue the other driver for the remaining $10,000 plus pain and suffering and all other special damages. One thing to keep in mind when you sue for anything not covered by your PIP insurance, Florida is also considered a Comparative Fault state. Meaning that if you were somewhat at fault, the amount paid from the other driver gets reduced by that percentage.

Always Call a Tampa Auto Accident Lawyer

If you are seriously injured in an auto accident, speak to a Tampa Auto Accident Lawyer. Call the RHINO Lawyers at 844 RHINO-77 or 844-879-3213 to talk to our personal injury team who can advise you on Florida’s personal injury laws.

Comparative Fault in Tampa Florida

When someone is in an auto accident, many times one person is completely at fault. In these cases, the fight is over how much money the injured person will receive. They base the compensation on the amount of their losses. Prior to comparative fault laws, the law required that the at-fault person pay 100 percent of the damages. However, if the injured person was partially to blame, (called contributorily negligent) then that person would get zero compensation.

Many felt this wasn’t fair. Since it’s not usually so black and white as to how much each person was at fault. Plus if a plaintiff (the person bringing the lawsuit) was even 1 percent at fault, they would get nothing. So what would be fair?

In the 1960s, the idea of dividing fault between the parties emerged. Today all but four states in the U.S., assign a percentage of fault in the accident to each party. As a result, each person pays their own percentage of fault for the plaintiff’s injuries. They call this comparative negligence or comparative fault.

Injured? Before reading further please note that you may contact us for a free consultation where we will provide legal advice. Below is simply legal information and one should not take it as advice. Also, many case settlements happen outside of court.

Types of Comparative Fault

There are two primary approaches to comparative fault. One is a pure comparative fault, and the other is a modified comparative fault. Tampa and the entire State of Florida uses a pure comparative fault system.

Pure Comparative Fault
In this system, the court will assign fault to each responsible person (ie: the drivers in an auto accident). Then each person is responsible for the plaintiff’s damages up to their percentage of fault. For example, if the court finds the plaintiff to be 20 percent at fault and the defendant 80 percent at fault, then each would pay that percentage of the plaintiff’s damages. If the damages were $100,000, then the plaintiff would get 80 percent of the damages or $80,000.

Modified Comparative Fault
In these states, they assign fault to each party. However, if a plaintiff brings a lawsuit against a defendant, and the jury finds that the plaintiff is more than 50 percent at fault, then he or she may not recover anything. It works like this: Let’s say there is $100k in damages, and one driver believes the other is more at fault than the other. If this driver sues, then he or she is the plaintiff and the other is the defendant.

If the jury finds that the plaintiff was 55 percent at fault, then the plaintiff would lose the lawsuit and collect nothing.

It Gets Complicated

In most accidents, both drivers sustain damage, and in many of these, both have medical injuries. So what if driver A is somewhat at fault but driver B is mostly at fault and A sues B for damages? Then the court will assign blame and the plaintiff will recover his or her assigned percentage. For example, if the plaintiff has $100,000 property and medical damages, and the defendant is 60 percent at fault, then the plaintiff would get $60,000. Sounds simple right? But what about the defendant’s damages? What if the defendant sustained $20,000 damages in car repairs and medical injuries? Does the defendant get any “credit” for those damages?

Unless the defendant countersues, then the answer is no. In a lawsuit, the court can only look at the claims for damages made by the plaintiff, and if the defendant wants the court to consider his or her property damages and medical bills, then the defendant will have to countersue. If that happens, it gets complicated.

In simple form, the court will look at each case—the claim and the counterclaim—and then award each person an amount to pay the other. Thus if the court awards the plaintiff in the original lawsuit $60,000 (60% of $100,000) and then in the defendant’s counterclaim, it awards the defendant $8,000 (40% of $20,000) then the defendant would get an $8,000 credit because the plaintiff was 40 percent responsible for the defendant’s injuries.

It must also be considered that Florida is a “no fault” insurance state meaning that each person must have a $10,000 policy for medical bills and lost wages. This means they pay all medical bills and lost wages up to $10,000 from the injured person’s own policy regardless of who is at fault. There are exceptions so you should learn what those are before you settle with any insurance company.

Contact a Tampa Auto Injury Lawyer

This might sound a bit complicated, so the best thing to do if you are injured is to get an attorney to help you. Even if you don’t hire the attorney, it would be wise to at least consult with one to let you know what you’re up against. It may turn out to be a simple, straight forward case, but be aware that any personal injury case in Florida can be complicated. Call the Tampa Auto Accident Attorneys at 844 RHINO-77 or 844 879 3213 to talk to our personal injury team who can advise you on Florida’s personal injury laws.

Six-Car Pileup in St. Petersburg Ends Tragically

A pileup crash that involved six cars killed a woman. The crash happened on Sunday afternoon, January 27, 2019, on 49^th Street. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the woman was a passenger in a taxicab that rear-ended a Chevy Tahoe that was pushed into a Ford Escape. The Escape hit Kia Optima which then hit a Hyundai Santa Fe. The paramedics took the Taxi driver and passenger to a local hospital in serious condition. Tragically, the passenger died later at the hospital.

Pile-up Crashes

Multi-car crashes happen in two ways, chain-reaction, and pileup collisions. A chain-reaction crash happens on a freeway where a collision between two cars causes other cars to collide. In a pileup crash, cars arriving on stopped cars are unable to slow down in time and plow into the cars in front of them. Sometimes the stopped cars are there because they were in a previous accident.

Every collision is dangerous. But in a pileup, secondary crashes can subject some vehicles to multiples hits. In many cases, a person survives the first crash with little injury. Yet, then is seriously injured or killed in the subsequent crashes.

According to the American Automobile Association, the best thing to do when you are involved in a crash where there is a possibility of a secondary collision is to stay in your vehicle with the seatbelt on. This is because once you get out, you are no longer protected by your vehicle. However, if there is another reason to leave the vehicle like you smell leaking gas or see smoke or flames, then you are better off getting out of the vehicle and to a safe location.

How is Fault Determined in a Pileup Crash?

Immediately following an accident, fault doesn’t seem to be very important. Especially, when compared to the need for safety and treatment. Yet, after many of the injured suffer with medical bills and other financial losses that can become substantial.

Then the issue of fault will become important. In serious crashes, traffic investigators will process the scene to determine what happened and then will issue a report giving their opinion as to what happened, and typically these reports do not give a conclusion as to who was at fault.

In pileup crashes, complicate finding fault. As in many cases, a car might be a victim for one impact and at-fault for another. This leaves the parties, their insurance companies and possibly the courts to figure out who bears financial responsibility.

Another problem motorists involved in a pileup crash face is that the insurance company will often try to point the finger of blame toward everyone but their client and will attempt to use the accident report to validate their position.

Do I Need an Attorney?

The answer is yes! After any serious injury or death of a loved one, you need to talk to someone who has your best interest in mind and can give you realistic and unbiased advice. You need an attorney that understands multi-car and chain-reaction crashes and has experience dealing with insurance companies. Don’t wait until they start treating you poorly before you contact an attorney.

Contact the RHINO Lawyers which is a powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” Anyone injured due to the negligence of a driver in Florida call us for a free consultation. Our personal injury team will offer you advice to help you get the compensation you deserve.

How To Get a Car Accident Report in Tampa Florida

Involved in an accident involving a serious injury or a loved one passed away during the collision? Obtain your car accident report. Then be sure to contact our personal injury team for a free consultation. RHINO Lawyers is dedicated to tackling the insurance companies head-on.

How To Get a Car Accident Report in Tampa Florida

In the City of Tampa, police will file an accident report shortly after the crash. (If you did not call the police. File an accident report within 10 days of the crash. In the future, always call 911 after a crash.)

If you have retained an attorney, they will likely obtain the accident report on your behalf. Also, your insurer or you may obtain an accident report for a crash that you were involved in. The law only allows these parties to obtain the accident report for the first 60 days from the time of filing.

If you are obtaining the report yourself, you will need a photo ID and you will also need the Sworn Statement for Traffic Crash Report Information form which you can download here Sworn Statement PDF.

Tampa accident reports may be purchased online on the Traffic Accident Report Request page or picked up in person at the Tampa Police Department, 411 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602 during normal business hours.

When will the crash report be available?

Short-form crash reports are usually available within a week of the crash.

Long-form Florida Traffic Crash Reports are usually available around 10 days or so after the crash. They use these reports when there are DUIs, significant property damage, injuries, or deaths. Long-form reports are also filled out when a tractor-trailer or other commercial vehicle totaled a car.

Let Us Help Retrieve Your Auto Accident Report

Dealing with an auto accident is stressful. Allow us to aid you in locating your report swiftly. Simply provide us with basic details about your auto accident, and our team will work to find your report for you.

What To Expect:

By submitting your request, you consent to RHINO Lawyers’ auto accident team contacting you to offer assistance. In addition, expect potential follow-up communication via telephone, email, or SMS from our auto accident team to help in your recovery process. It’s important to note that utilizing this service does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Additionally, you agree to adhere to our Terms of Use.

What to Do With Your Accident Report:

Thoroughly review your police accident report. This document holds crucial details, such as insurance providers, driver identities, and the law enforcement officer’s assessment regarding fault attribution for the accident.

To get started click here, complete the form, and we will do the rest.

Do I need an attorney?

You may not need an attorney for accidents resulting in only property damage or minor scrapes and bruises. However, it is always important to speak to an attorney after any crash resulting in serious injuries or fatal accidents. Tampa injury lawyers provide free consultations and offer you advice that is in your best interest.

Man Loses Both Legs in Serious Motorcycle Hit-and-Run

A Mitsubishi Galant and a motorcycle collided severely injuring the motorcycle rider. The driver of the Gallant fled but was caught by police as he returned to the scene later. The motorcycle hit-and-run happened on westbound Park Boulevard at 40^th Street N. around 10:30 pm, Wednesday, January 16.

According to Tampa Bay Police at the scene, the driver of the Gallant tried to turn from the far right-hand lane, across six lanes of traffic into a restaurant parking lot when it drove into the path of the motorcycle which was traveling westbound on Park Street.

As a result, the accident left the motorcyclist with severe injuries to his legs, and he ended up losing both of them. The driver of the Gallant was arrested for leaving the scene of an accident involving serious injury and driving on a suspended or revoked driving license.

Motorcycle Crashes

Any accident on a motorcycle can result in serious injury or death because of the vulnerability of the cyclist. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a person is 6 times more likely to be killed in a motorcycle accident than in a car crash. For passenger vehicles, there are 13.10 deaths out of 100,000 crashes, and the rate for motorcycles is 72.34 per 100,000 crashes.

The risk of serious injury is also much higher for motorcyclists who are at higher risk for certain types of injuries. These are:

• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Deep Abrasions (Road Rash)
• Broken Bones
• Loss of Limbs

Causes for Motorcycle Crashes

One of the advantages of a motorcycle is also its greatest liability when it comes to accidents. Motorcycles are smaller giving them quickness and greater maneuverability. However, they also have a low visual profile that can contribute to crashes. Some of the leading causes are:

• Blind-spot riding
• Car drivers turning left into oncoming motorcycle
• Car drivers pulling out into path of motorcycle

Some motorcycle accidents are caused by risky driving on the part of the motorcyclist. Some of these are:

• Dooring (Open door on motorcycle traveling between cars)
• Lane splitting
• Speeding
• Aggressive Driving/Weaving
• Shoulder driving
• Impaired driving

Do I need an Attorney if I’m Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?

Many times when a driver’s seemingly obvious mistake causes an accident with a motorcycle, the rider feels that he doesn’t need an attorney. While this can be theoretically true, in actual practice it isn’t. If you don’t have a professional on your side, you are relying on the fairness of the insurance company and their lawyers.

Don’t make this mistake. Speak to an attorney that knows the law and can evaluate your case. Lastly, contact an attorney at RHINO Lawyers today. Our personal injury team is ready to start working for you to get you the compensation you deserve.

Car Accident Questions to Have

First, after a car accident, the injured parties have lots of questions and very few answers. Thus, at RHINO Lawyers, our team gets you through the unknown and describes the process. Our focus is helping accident victims and families. Especially, those who have suffered serious injuries in car, truck and other motor vehicle accidents. After the collision, many factors come into play. From the exchanging of insurance, police investigation, and the insurance assessment of the vehicle damage, many people don’t know what steps to take. Here are some questions you may have, and how we can help.

What do I do after I get hit?

After the accident, you want to call 911 or the local police. You want to collect the names, addresses, and phone numbers of anyone at the scene and take pictures. If you are injured or feel you need help, seek medical attention. For a step-by-step process on what to do visit our website at dev1.rhinolawyers.com/. Or call us at 844-RHINO-77 to discuss your questions.

How long do I have to preserve my benefits?

In Florida, you have only fourteen (14) days to preserve your benefits. This time schedule on personal injury protection (PIP) coverage preserves benefits you may have available through the premiums you pay. To learn more about this, visit our website at dev1.rhinolawyers.com/ or call us at 844-RHINO-77 to discuss your questions.

What can I recover after a car accident?

You may be entitled to receive many different types of damages under Florida law. These damages are a way of being able to compensate you from an accident. Some damages are:

• property damage
• reasonable past and future medical expenses
• lost earnings
• pain and suffering
• mental anguish
• permanent impairment to your body or earning capacity

How much money will I receive?

This depends. Each accident case is specific. Your case may be worth what you agree to with the insurance company or what a judge or jury awards. We investigate all aspects related to your accident and injuries. In addition, our team will communicate with you what can happen. Usually, the value is dependent upon the type and extent of your injuries. Additional factors that contribute are the amount of medical bills, length of treatment, and frequency of treatment. As well as, future medical bills, permanent disabilities and any other damage that can be documented. Our team looks into every detail with our pre-file department and litigation department to get you the award you deserve.

Who do I call after a car accident?

Lastly, if you have additional car accident questions about an accident and suffered injuries, as a result, contact our personal injury team at RHINO Lawyers. We will explore all options of the accident. As well as, all insurance areas to make sure you are getting the help you deserve.  Give us a call at 844-RHINO-77 for a free consultation. Take Charge of your Rights.

Accidents from Wrong Way Drivers

The last month has been very concerning for Tampa Bay residents. The Gandy and Howard Frankland bridges are staples for residents commuting to and from Tampa and Saint Petersburg. Within the last month, two major accidents involving wrong way, DUI drivers have caused fatal and critical injuries to victims of these crashes.

October 19, 2018 Car Accident

A fatal car accident on October 19, 2018, left the unsuspecting victim, Mark Beale critically injured. They pronounced the suspected DUI driver, Renard McGriff dead at the scene. Reports state that McGriff was driving the wrong way on the Howard Frankland Bridge when his car smashed into oncoming traffic around 6 am on Friday. Mr. Beale was the victim of this deadly accident, and he is being treated for these injuries.

November 1, 2018 Car Accident

Involved in a car crash, police arrested suspected DUI driver, Andy Cuff, Jr. on November 1, 2018, at 1:54 am. Reports state that Cuff turned the wrong way on the Howard Frankland Bridge and started going towards one-way traffic. His car smashed into a Tampa woman, Andrea Rusch. They are treating her for critical injuries. All reports to this point maintain she was driving with the normal course of traffic and was an unsuspecting victim from this possible DUI driver.

How We Can Help

Both these accidents involved serious injuries, alcohol, and wrong-way drivers. One-way streets are common in the city of Tampa and the highways. Yet, the motives of the at-fault drivers in both accidents can never be completely understood. Car accidents occur on a daily basis, however, both these accidents the past two weeks shed light on the seriousness of what can happen.

Medical bills, treatment, property damage, and pain and suffering are a part of many accidents. Especially, serious accidents involving critical injuries. The road to recovery is long, but if you need help, please let us know.

If you have additional questions about an accident and suffered injuries, as a result, contact our personal injury team at RHINO Lawyers. We will explore all options of the accident, including all insurance areas to make sure you are getting the help you deserve. Please visit our website at dev1.rhinolawyers.com/ or give us a call at 844-RHINO-77 for a free consultation. Take Charge of your Rights.

Student hit by Teacher While Crossing Road

A high school student hit crossing the road near his high school. And, the car was driven by a teacher at the same school. The accident happened on Wednesday morning, January 8, 2019, at the intersection of School Road and Madison Street in New Port Richey, Florida, which is near Gulf High School.

According to a New Port Richey police officer at the scene, the teen did not use a nearby crosswalk when he crossed the road in front of the vehicle. He also said that speed or distracted driving didn’t appear to be an issue.

Police found headphones at the scene, but it wasn’t known if the student was using them at the time. The injured teen was airlifted to a local hospital where was listed in critical condition. Students from the school gathered just after the last bell to talk about the incident. “It’s awful, just thinking how bad that teacher feels. He didn’t mean to hit him,” said one student as noted in the Fox13 article.

We are deeply saddened to hear about this terrible crash and hope the student makes a full recovery.

Pedestrians and Crosswalks

Pedestrians are especially vulnerable when crossing a road. The average automobile weighs around 4,000 lbs. and can cause significant injuries when striking a person who has no protection. Crosswalks add some protection in that they hope will cause motorists to use more caution. Under Florida law, a crosswalk provides protection to pedestrians by giving them the right-of-way if used properly. Under the law, a pedestrian:

• Must obey the traffic lights and signs at a crosswalk.
• Only cross streets within designated crosswalks.
• Must stay within the crosswalk while on the road.
• Must not walk in front of a moving car that has the right-of-way.

The driver of a vehicle:

• Must yield to the right-of-way to the pedestrian in the crosswalk if in the crosswalk legally.
• Must stop at a crosswalk and wait for the pedestrian in a crosswalk if there is no signals or signage at the crosswalk.

Bottom line: A pedestrian should cross at a crosswalk obeying all signals and signs. If so, then the pedestrian has the right-of-way. However, if the signal is red for the pedestrian, then the vehicle has the right-of-way. If there is no signal or sign, and the vehicle is approaching the crosswalk, then the pedestrian must yield to the vehicle. However, if the pedestrian is already in the crosswalk, then the pedestrian has the right-of-way.

Who’s at Fault when a pedestrian is hit outside of a crosswalk?

When a pedestrian is hit by a car while not properly using a crosswalk or crossing without a crosswalk, does this mean that it’s automatically the pedestrian’s fault and he or she can’t recover for any losses? The answer is no. Florida’s crosswalk laws are traffic laws under the state’s criminal statutes.

When someone is injured by another person, this is governed by the civil laws of Florida. Like most other states, Florida has a law that says a violation of a criminal or traffic law does not indicate liability in a civil case. This means that if someone violates the traffic laws and injures someone, then they are not responsible for the person’s injuries just because of the traffic violation.

To determine fault in a personal injury case, the injured person must prove that the other person was negligent. So, if you were injured while crossing the road illegally, you might still be able to get compensation for your injuries. The court will look at whether the driver acted reasonably and operated his or her vehicle with due care. In some areas such as streets near parks and schools, drivers should use extra care.

Do I need an attorney if I’m Hit Crossing the Road?

While it’s possible to represent yourself in a personal injury claim, it’s not advised. At the least, you should talk to an attorney who provides you a free consultation and can advise you of the law and evaluate your claim. After that, you can make an informed decision. Insurers will often blame YOU for your injury. Remember, people have insurance for a reason. Even if the driver is the nicest person in the world and even if you think you were at fault or partially at fault you shouldn’t suffer because their insurer doesn’t want to compensate you.

Contact a Tampa Auto Accident Lawyer

Always contact an attorney after any crash involving a serious injury or loss of a loved one.

RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” Anyone injured in Florida may contact us for a free consultation. Our personal injury team will offer you advice to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Teenage Pedestrian Left Injured by Hit-and-Run Driver

A female pedestrian was hit by a car and thrown into a ditch in a hit-and-run accident. Then the hit-and-run driver left her in the mud and water crying for help. This happened after 6 am, Tuesday, January 8, 2019, in Polk County.

Fortunately for the hit-and-run victim, another pedestrian a grade school girl was walking to her bus stop and heard the screaming. She ran to a nearby house to get an adult who called the victim’s mother who lived nearby. This left many, including her mother, outraged at the hit-and-run driver.

Authorities are asking anyone with information to call the Polk County Sheriff’s office at 863-298-6200 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 800-226-TIPS (8477). Police are searching for an SUV which will likely have recent front end damage. The SUV may be a Chevy Tahoe, Suburban or GMC Yukon.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Victims of hit-and-run accidents often feel twice victimized. First by the collision and then by the fleeing driver who left them injured and without any help. However, it’s more than just feelings because being a victim of a hit-and-run can make your injuries more severe. This is because there is no one there to call for help or give fist aid. In many accidents where the at-fault person is either not injured or less injured, at least one person is available to call for help or render aid.

Insurance Issues

Many times, the injured becomes victimized a third time when the bills start adding up and the money isn’t coming in. The victim is often left holding the full financial loss of the accident when the driver flees.

Many times, the injured person has many questions regarding who will cover those losses when the at-fault person hasn’t been identified. What injuries can I claim?

• Who will pay my medical bills?
• Can I file the accident on my own insurance policy?
• What if I wasn’t using my car, can I still use my own insurance?
• Will I have to pay them back if the at-fault driver is found?

All of these questions are legitimate concerns for a victim of a hit-and-run accident. First, you may be able to file under your own auto insurance policy. Many of them have uninsured and underinsured provisions that will pay out when there is an accident involving a vehicle (even if it’s not yours) for some of your losses. In Florida, there is a law that requires insurance policies to cover some of the damages regardless of who is at fault. Other states have similar provisions called Med Pay that will allow a person to claim their medical bills on their own insurance regardless of fault.

Do I need an Attorney for a Hit-and-Run?

Most of these questions and more can be answered by a competent attorney, one who knows the law regarding hit-and-run accidents and one that is experienced with insurance companies. Even if you don’t hire an attorney, you owe it to yourself to talk to one. Then you can make the decision informed and knowing what you are getting into if you decide to go it alone.

Contact a Tampa Auto Accident Lawyer

So, after any crash, contact an attorney if there is a serious injury or loss of a loved one. RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!”

Anyone injured due to the negligence of another driver in Florida may contact us for a free consultation. Our personal injury team will offer you advice to help you get the compensation you deserve.