Hit-and-Run Driver Sought After Injuring Two in Tampa
Police are looking for a driver of a blue 2019 Nissan Rogue. They believe a hit-and-run around 9:45 p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2019, involved the driver. Witnesses say that the Nissan struck a Toyota Sienna Van being used as a taxi to transport a 91-year-old man. The van sustained significant damage. They took the man and the driver of the van to AdventHealth with significant injuries.
Police posted a picture of a blue 2019 Nissan Rouge similar to the one involved in the accident. Except that there will be significant damage to the one involved. Police are also offering a cash reward for information. As well as, asking anyone who knows of anything or witnessed the incident to call them at 813 247-8200. They can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477).
Hit-and-Run Accidents
When a driver involved in an accident flees, it creates a higher risk for anyone injured in an accident. This is because anyone uninjured in the accident are able to call for help and even administer first aid to the victim.
In today’s world, people have cell phones, and if anyone else is around they can also call for help. Though, this can’t be relied upon in every case. In some cases, any delay in getting help can mean the injured person’s chance of survival goes down. Plus, their injuries might become more severe.
Injuries at Further Risk in a Hit-and-Run
There are many types of injuries that can happen in a hit-and-run with some putting the victim at a higher risk of death or more serious injury. They are:
- Neck Injuries: You need to stabilize neck injuries quickly because delays might cause more problems.
- Deep lacerations: Any loss-of-blood injuries can put the victim in danger if first aid is delayed.
- Punctured Lungs: Broken ribs can lead to a punctured lung which can deprive a person of their ability to breathe and get oxygen.
- Heart Attack: The stress of an accident can cause a heart attack, and a quick response from EMS can make a difference.
- Pregnancy/Delivery: An accident can put a pregnant woman into labor, and the quicker the response, the more likely there will be a good outcome.
Can I Receive Compensation for a Hit-and-Run?
Also, when a driver flees, unless they find the driver the victim is often left to face the financial burden without compensation. However, they have some resources that someone can use to compensate them for their injuries if the driver is never found:
- Medpay: This is a provision that drivers can get on their own policy that will pay for medical bills regardless of who is at fault or injured. So long as involvement included the insured or their vehicle.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This works similar to Medpay, but it pays medical bills and other damages like pain and suffering and loss of wages. It also pays out regardless of the person injured or at fault. So long as involvement included the insured or their vehicle.
- Uninsured/Underinsured: Most insurance policies have uninsured/underinsured provisions. These will pay those covered by the policy for all personal injury damages; if the other driver is underinsured or has no insurance. This can include not finding a hit-and-run driver, so long as they were at fault in the accident.
Florida Auto Insurance
Florida law requires every auto insurance policy to have PIP. This would cover damages and losses stemming from a hit-and-run car accident. Since PIP pays for medical bills also, Florida drivers do not need to get Medpay.
Florida does not require motorists to have uninsured/underinsured, but most drivers carry this as it as a small add-on charge and can provide compensation in cases of a hit-and-run. However, the insured must ask specifically for this coverage.
Do I need an Attorney for a Hit-and-Run?
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run, you need to talk to an auto accident attorney who can evaluate your circumstances and find all sources of compensation for your injuries. Don’t wait around for them to find the other driver, act quickly and get the right advice.
RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” Our personal injury team describes our bold modern approach to “Accident & Personal Injury Law” and “Our Personal Mission” to empower Florida’s families to “Take Charge!”
