Sarasota Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

Tourists know Sarasota as an upscale beachside town. Locals know Sarasota for its packed streets, elderly drivers, and slow-moving traffic. According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, 2021 saw 7,983 collisions in the first nine months alone. 

Recovering compensation after a collision is hard enough. Yet, when the at-fault driver flees the scene, matters get even more complicated. When you partner with Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, you entrust your case to a dedicated group of professionals. We offer free case reviews where you can explore working with a Sarasota hit and run accident lawyer.  

It Costs You Nothing Up Front to Partner with Our Firm

Right now, you’re likely facing a mountain of medical bills, property damage expenses, and lost income. The last thing you want to worry about is the cost of legal aid. However, you don’t have to worry about affording legal aid because we offer help on contingency. 

This means: 

• You pay nothing out of pocket for our help. 
• Our injury lawyers don’t charge retainers or hourly rates. 
• A percentage of your settlement pays for our efforts. 

We’re so confident in our ability to win your case that, if we don’t secure damages, you pay nothing. You will know everything about our payment plan from the moment we take your case. 

We Encourage You to Start Building Your Sarasota County Case Today

Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a) notes that most car accident claimants have two years to file their lawsuits. Yet, this deadline doesn’t apply to many hit-and-run accident cases. That’s because, without knowing the at-fault party’s identity, you can’t possibly initiate a lawsuit. 

Our team will do everything possible to locate the at-fault driver. This includes consulting with law enforcement officials, reviewing traffic camera footage, and interviewing witnesses. If we can’t find the other driver, don’t worry; you still have legal options. 

Our Lawyers Are Ready to Seek Compensation for Your Accident-Related Losses

Your diagnosis, prognosis, and missed time from work will determine how much you can recover. Compensable losses include: 

• Medical bills
• Lost income 
• Lost tips, bonuses, and commissions 
• Property damage expenses 
• Pain and suffering and inconvenience
• Emotional distress 
• Funeral and burial expenses 

We’ve Recovered Millions for Injured Claimants in Florida

Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers has secured these outcomes for injured clients: 

• Our client came to us after suffering serious injuries in a car accident. Our investigation revealed that a defective tire caused the collision. The result? A $5 million settlement. 
• We once sued both Ford and Bridgestone after their defective product caused our client’s collision. The outcome? A $3 million verdict. 
• Our client lost a loved one to a serious car accident. Through negotiations, we secured $1 million.  

Three Things You Should Know About Hit-and-Run Accidents in Sarasota, FL

Here are three things we want to share about pursuing compensation for your losses: 

Criminal Cases Are Different than Civil Cases

Fleeing the scene of an accident is illegal. If the other driver is located, they will likely face criminal charges. However, even if the court renders a guilty verdict, this will not render compensation for your losses. 

A criminal case seeks to hold the defendant accountable for their actions by imposing penalties. A civil case seeks to hold the other party financially liable for your losses. While a guilty verdict could serve as valuable evidence, it will not resolve your case on its own. 

You Should Think Twice About the First Settlement Offer

Shortly after your accident, the liable insurance company may offer a fast settlement. This might be tempting. Yet, accepting any money from the insurance company effectively ends your case. 

Your lawyer can assess any offers the insurance company makes and explain whether it’s a fair deal. They can also calculate your losses so you know what constitutes a fair settlement. 

You Can Seek Compensation from Your Own Insurance Company

Florida operates on a no-fault insurance system. Per the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), all motorists must carry insurance. So, if you were hurt in a hit and run accident, you would first file a claim with your own insurance provider. 

To ensure a fair outcome, we will: 

• File your claim 
• Negotiate a settlement
• Present your damages’ cost 
• Send your demand letter 
• Review the applicable insurance policy 
• Abide by all necessary deadlines 

What Should I Do After being Injured in a Hit-and-Run Collision?

The following measures could secure your case’s outcome: 

Keep Your Case’s Evidence

You need evidence to support your case. Examples include: 

• A copy of the accident report
• Photos of your vehicle’s damage 
• Your medical treatment records
• Your injury-related invoices, bills, and receipts 
• The contact information of any eyewitnesses 

Our firm will investigate your case and gather the information your case needs to succeed. 

Limit What You Share Online

Even though you’re the injured party, posting about your situation online could hurt your case. The claims adjuster could view your posts and contest various aspects of your claim. This can jeopardize your case and delay its progression. 

Seek Medical Care

Medical care does more than better your condition; it generates evidence that can support your case. For instance, your medical treatment records can connect your injuries to the incident. Testimony from your doctor can support your condition’s severity. 

Remember: don’t discontinue treatment unless authorized by your doctor. Doing so could give the claims adjuster reason to contest your case. 

Consider Your Legal Options

You don’t have to serve as your own lawyer. Let the hit and run accident lawyers from Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers handle everything. When you partner with our team, your case doesn’t get passed off to a paralegal or case manager. 

Instead, you work directly with our founding partners, Attorneys Jason and Debi Chalik. They will handle your case as they would handle a beloved family member’s. 

Explore Your Options During a Free Case Review

Our Florida law firm has helped injured claimants for more than 20 years. Now, we’re ready to help you. To consult our team, dial (941) 315-4404. We will answer your questions and address your concerns.