Legal Question in Personal Injury in Florida

I am a victim of hit and run accident. I r was at a stop light ,a drunk and/or high man hit me from behind backed up and hit me again. I have awitness who got his license ,called the police then he took off,on Oct 26th 2010. It is now Jan11th. . I did get a lI have numerous medical and car damage. He has no insurance. My insurance covers 80% of both car & medical. I didn't have uninsured vechicle or car rental on my policy so I am left to cover alot of bills I had a lawyer who dropped me after finding out he doesnt have insurance or alot of money. Is there anything I can do to cover my expenses incurred from this accident? The hit and run detective is filing a warrant. Can I file a civil suit on my own or is there any other method. Thanks


Asked on 1/11/11, 7:37 am

4 Answers from Attorneys
Shelly Schellenberg MI & FL private practice

Your question makes an excellent point of showing why every responsible person NEEDS uninsured motorist coverage...

If the guy who hit you had any money that you could collect, your lawyer probably would have stayed on your case, and the case he had filed would have included a civil suit for damages and non-economic damages, etc. So if you want to "do-it-yourself" and be your own lawyer, and IF you get a judgement, THEN you could try to attach any assets the deadbeat has, or garnish any wages that he might earn in the future. People who drive around uninusured are typically folks who have no money, no job, and no prospects for either. This is why they don't care if they run into somebody, and this is why YOU must protect yourself from their negligence, and this is why it is called "no-fault" insurance law.

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Answered on 1/16/11, 10:59 am
Angelo Marino Angelo Marino Jr. PA

See restitution in the criminal case.

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Answered on 1/19/11, 11:03 am
David Slater David P. Slater, Esq.

You may be able to file as a crime victim. Florida has such a program.

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Answered on 1/19/11, 2:57 pm
Jacob Lieberman Lieberman Law Company

I am the only lawyer in Florida that I know of that sues at fault drivers when there is no Bodily Injury Insurance or UM insurance available. However the at fault driver has to have a valid drivers license. In Florida, at fault drivers licenses are suspended in the event of an unpaid judgment up to $10,000.00. In the event the at fault driver in your case has a valid license you may call me at 772-332-1689.

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Answered on 1/28/11, 3:54 am


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