Can I Sue If Someone Hit My Parked Car and Fled?

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If there was a hit-and-run accident on a parked car, then you may be able to sue the hit-and-run driver if they are located. However, there are several key factors to consider when determining your eligibility to sue. In this article, we’ll explain what to do after a hit and run on a parked car, when you may be eligible to sue, and how aFort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help.

Are You Able to Sue After a Hit and Run Involving a Parked Car?

Yes, you can sue. However, your case must meet a few elements:

BecauseFlorida is a no-fault state, you generally must havesevere injuries whose cost exceeds your personal injury protection (PIP) threshold in your insurance policy.
You can locate the driver of the hit-and-run vehicle.
You can prove that they caused your injuries.

If these criteria are met, then you can sue them for compensation that recovers losses such as:

Medical expenses
Emotional distress
Pain and suffering
Lost wages while recovering
Diminished earning capacity
Property damage

It’s important to note that underFlorida Statutes § 95.11, you generally only have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Investigating the motor vehicle accident to identify the hit-and-run driver can take time, so it’s helpful to get started on your case as soon as possible.

If the at-fault driver cannot be found, your ability to recover compensation may depend on whether you carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. UM insurance can provide benefits in cases involving unidentified drivers, even when your vehicle was parked at the time of the crash. A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help you evaluate whether your policy includes this coverage and guide you through the claim process.

Property owners may also be held partially liable if your parked vehicle was struck in an area with poor lighting, broken security cameras, or inadequate signage. For example, a dimly lit hotel parking lot near Fort Lauderdale Beach with no marked lanes or functioning surveillance may increase the risk of hit-and-runs. Your attorney can assess whether negligence by the property owner contributed to the driver’s escape or your damages.

Depending on the circumstances, you may also be eligible for punitive damages. Suppose the at-fault driver was found and acted with gross negligence, such as fleeing the scene while intoxicated. In that case, a court may award additional compensation as a form of punishment and deterrence.

Why Hit-and-Runs Are Common in South Florida

Fort Lauderdale’s high tourist volume, congested downtown areas, and frequent night events make hit-and-run accidents a regular occurrence. Drivers under the influence or operating rental vehicles may be more likely to flee the scene after damaging a parked car to avoid arrest, liability, or insurance complications.

Parking areas around Las Olas Boulevard, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and large apartment complexes are particularly susceptible to these incidents. Poor security, high turnover, and lack of accountability often create an environment where drivers feel emboldened to leave without reporting.

Having a legal team familiar with these local conditions can make a significant difference in identifying the responsible party. Our investigators frequently collaborate with local businesses to obtain surveillance footage, gather witness accounts, and identify vehicle plate numbers or partial tags that might otherwise be overlooked.

How a Lawyer Builds a Case in a Parked Car Hit-and-Run

When someone hits your parked car and flees, your attorney will take immediate action to identify the vehicle, driver, and circumstances surrounding the crash. Key steps in this process may include:

Reviewing nearby traffic and security cameras for footage of the impact or the vehicle’s escape path
Interviewing eyewitnesses who may have seen the crash or taken down part of the license plate
Analyzing the point of impact and debris pattern to help determine the make and model of the striking vehicle
Obtaining data from automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) used in many areas of Fort Lauderdale

If the suspect vehicle is located, your lawyer can subpoena cell phone records, repair shop receipts, or credit card transactions that help place the driver at the scene or verify the timing of repairs made to conceal damage.

What To Do in a Hit-and-Run Parked Car Situation in Fort Lauderdale

If a hit-and-run driver has just struck your parked car, there are a few actions to take that can help protect your health and your legal rights. You should:

Call 911

Receiving medical attention and contacting the police are both essential for your safety and well-being. If you do not receive emergency medical care, make sure to make an appointment with your doctor. Early diagnosis is necessary for the correct treatment of your injuries. Additionally, medical records are vital pieces of evidence for your insurance claim.

Document the Accident Scene

Write down any details you can remember about the car that hit you, such as make, model, color, and license plate number. Even if you only remember a single letter from the license plate, it can be helpful. Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and any visible injuries you have. Finally, you should also get contact information from any witnesses to the accident.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

AFort Lauderdale personal injury attorney can investigate your accident to identify the at-fault driver. They can gather evidence like witness statements, police reports, surveillance footage of the accident, and expert testimony to help support your personal injury claim. Additionally, your lawyer serves as your advocate when dealing with insurance companies. They will fight for the fair compensation you deserve.

Choose a Legal Team That Delivers Proven Results

At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we understand how frustrating and unfair it is to deal with a parked car hit-and-run. Our legal team knows how to investigate, track down liable parties, and work with insurance companies to ensure you are not left covering costs that someone else caused.

Our past results include:

$3.85 million for a Fort Lauderdale truck rollover case
$5.25 million in a wrongful death trucking accident
$925,000 for a negligent security shooting in Miami

We also look into whether the accident scene was mishandled. If your vehicle was towed before documentation was complete or critical evidence was lost due to delay, we will build that into your case. Every detail matters when establishing liability.

Our firm operates on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. With over 20 years of experience, we are ready to fight for you.

Contact a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Today

At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we have helped clients recoverover $200 million in personal injury settlements. Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers will serve your case with the dedication and compassion it deserves.