A DUI hit-and-run car accident lawsuit becomes urgent when a drunk driver hits someone and drives off. When a drunk driver causes a hit-and-run crash, the legal stakes escalate quickly. That is what police say happened recently in Lake Mary, when a woman stopped at a red light on W. Lake Mary Boulevard was hit and killed, and the other driver drove away. Now her family is left with sudden loss and mounting questions: Who is financially responsible, and what legal options does the family have next?
Why a DUI Hit-and-Run Car Accident Lawsuit Matters
Florida sees a steady stream of these cases every year. The state logged more than 13,122 hit-and-run cases in a recent year. That is part of about 97,902 hit-and-run crashes tied to 246 deaths, per FLHSMV crash data. Drunk and drugged driving added to that toll too, with about 146 crashes and 112 deaths tied to impaired driving in 2024. Behind every number is a family facing bills, lost pay, and grief. A DUI hit-and-run car accident lawsuit gives victims a way to seek money once police find the driver at fault. That can happen through police work, cameras, or witnesses who saw it happen.
Drunk driving is one of the most preventable causes of road deaths, says NHTSA. When a driver drinks and then flees, the law treats it as serious. A DUI hit-and-run accident can lead to both criminal charges and a civil claim. Our personal injury overview helps families see how these claims tend to move forward.
Steps to Take After a DUI Hit-and-Run
Acting quickly after a crash protects both your health and your legal options. Consider these steps:
- Call 911 and request medical help, even if injuries seem minor at first.
- Write down anything you remember about the other vehicle, including color, direction, and partial plate numbers.
- Ask nearby businesses or homes about security cameras that may have captured the crash.
- Contact your insurance company to report the hit-and-run promptly.
- Keep copies of medical records, repair estimates, and police reports.
These steps build proof for a claim later. This matters most if police never find the driver. Then uninsured motorist coverage may be your main source of help. Insurance firms move fast, so having proof ready puts you in a stronger spot.
Building a Strong Legal Case
Proving fault in a DUI hit-and-run case often relies on proof found in the first hours and days. Camera footage, paint marks, and cell phone data can all help name a fleeing driver. A wrongful death case, like the one Danielle Akers’ family may face, needs added proof tied to lost pay, funeral costs, and grief. Our wrongful death attorneys page explains how Florida law figures these claims.
Orlando car accident attorneys play a helpful, supporting role here. They track down coverage, push back on adjusters who try to pay less, gather proof from police, and file suit once the driver is found. Families facing a fatal or injury crash can also check our broader practice area pages on other crash types, including impaired or fleeing drivers. For more on state trends, our piece on Florida traffic fatalities gives useful context.
If you or someone you love was hurt by a driver who fled, our office locations page connects you with a nearby team ready to review your case. No family should face a denied claim alone after a DUI hit-and-run crash.
Call 407-846-2240 for a free consultation with an Orlando car accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm. Convenient locations throughout Central Florida, including Orlando, Kissimmee, Apopka, Palm Bay, Ocala, Haines City, and Davenport.
