Hit and Run in Miami — What to Do When the Insurance Company Refuses to Pay

Hit and Run Accidents in Miami Are More Common Than You Think

Hit-and-run accidents in Miami happen every day, from crowded parking garages in Brickell to bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-95. But what many drivers don’t anticipate is the second collision: the battle with their own insurance company. The physical damage to your vehicle is frustrating. The denial letter can feel like a punch to the gut.

When insurers cite technicalities, question documentation, or delay payment despite clear evidence, it raises serious concerns about how hit-and-run claims are handled under Florida law.

Common Scenario after a Hit & Run Situation:

The driver is located. You have clear video footage of the crash. You pay for the repairs out of pocket so you can get back on the road.

And despite all of that — the insurance company still says, “Denied.”

Now what?

Miami car accident lawyer, Jonathan Perazzo, breaks down what really happens in these cases, why insurance companies deny claims even when liability seems obvious, and what legal options may be available to protect your rights and pursue reimbursement.

The Perazzo Law Firm and most Florida residents know that Miami traffic is dense and that parking lots are tight. High-rise garages are chaotic and motorists are many times driving in a frenzy or distracted by negligent cellphone use. But, hit & run situations involve an entirely different legal approach, with many kinds of situations taking place. Some common hit-and-run scenarios include:

• Parking lot collisions
• Drivers fleeing without insurance
• Expired tags or suspended licenses
• Uninsured or underinsured motorists
• Nighttime crashes caught on surveillance cameras

In many cases, cameras capture everything, the impact, the plate, even the driver’s face.

But here’s the frustrating part:

Even when you have video, plates, and proof… insurance companies can still delay or deny payment. If you’re dealing with insurance complications after a crash, speaking with a Miami car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights:

Why Insurance Companies Deny Hit and Run Claims

Insurance companies rarely say, “We just don’t want to pay.”

Instead, they rely on technical arguments.

Common denial tactics include:

• “No police report at the scene.”
• “Insufficient documentation.”
• “We need dealership photos.”
• Citing procedural technicalities.
• Claiming pre-existing damage.

Here’s the reality: insurers look for technical outs. Their investigation is not designed to help you — it’s designed to limit payout.

If they can point to a missed step, a reporting delay, or unclear documentation, they may use it as leverage to deny or reduce your claim.

Does a Police Report Matter in a Hit and Run?

This is a common debate among motorists and Hit & Run accident victims is whether a police report helps build a case for a successful insurance claim.

The primary answer is “Yes,” a police report strengthens a claim. It provides official documentation, establishes a timeline, and adds credibility to your version of events. Insurance companies often rely heavily on police reports when evaluating liability and damage.

However, the absence of an immediate police report does not automatically destroy your case. A delayed report can make the process more complicated, but it does not necessarily mean your claim is invalid.

Video evidence can still be powerful. Surveillance footage, dashcam recordings, and photos from the scene can clearly show what happened. Witness statements can support your account, and repair invoices can help establish the extent of the damage.

Florida law generally requires drivers to report accidents involving property damage or injury. While late reporting may raise additional questions, it is not automatically fatal to a claim, especially when other credible evidence exists.

Video evidence can still be powerful. Witness statements matter. Repair invoices matter.

Florida law generally requires reporting accidents involving damage or injury. Late reporting can complicate a claim, but it is not always fatal.

Insurance companies may act as though the absence of an on-scene report ends the conversation. That’s not always legally accurate.

When Do You Actually Need a Lawyer for a Hit and Run?

You may need legal guidance if:

• The insurance company denies liability.
• The insurer is known for aggressive denial tactics.
• You already paid for repairs out of pocket.
• The at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
• Your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may apply.

If your insurer refuses to act in good faith, speaking with a Miami car accident lawyer may help protect your rights by way of an insurance claim for compensation.

What If You Already Paid for Repairs?

This is extremely common.

You needed your car. You couldn’t wait. You paid out of pocket.

You can still pursue reimbursement.

Repair invoices are valid evidence. Photos before and after repairs are helpful. Surveillance footage strengthens the claim.

Insurance companies may require inspection — but a denial must still be reasonable. If the evidence supports that the damage resulted from the hit-and-run, refusing payment without proper basis may raise bad faith concerns.

In some cases, the fact that you mitigated your damages by repairing the vehicle quickly actually strengthens your position.

Is It Worth Suing?

Reddit always asks: “How much was the damage and how much do lawyers cost?”

Here’s the practical answer.

Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency. That means no upfront fees — payment comes from recovery.

But property-damage-only cases are evaluated differently than injury cases. The cost-benefit analysis matters.

If the damage is minimal, small claims court may be more practical than full litigation.

If injuries are involved, uninsured motorist coverage applies, or the insurer is acting in bad faith, the financial stakes increase — and legal representation becomes more strategic.

Every case requires evaluating potential recovery versus legal cost and effort.

What to Do Immediately After a Hit and Run (Checklist)

If this happens to you:

• Call police if possible
• Take photos and video immediately
• Gather witness information
• Preserve surveillance footage
• Notify your insurer promptly
• Check your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage
• Do not accept a quick denial without review

Documentation is leverage. Delay reduces it.

Final Thoughts

Hit-and-run accidents are stressful enough. You shouldn’t have to fight the insurance company alone.

If your claim has been denied, delayed, or underpaid, a Miami car accident lawyer can review your situation and determine whether legal action is appropriate.

Sometimes the hardest part of a hit-and-run isn’t finding the driver.
It’s making sure the insurance company honors the policy you’ve already paid for.