The Crimes Compensation Trust Fund for Hit & Run Victims

Hit and run accidents are a serious matter, especially because they sometimes leave the victim and their families without the option to bring a civil suit to court to obtain damages. Many victims are left struggling with medical bills, lost wages, and serious financial need.

Florida has established the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund to help the financial needs of crime victims and their families. A hit and run car accident that results in injury or death is a felony charge, and therefore falls under criminal acts. The program not only provides financial aid, but also counseling and medical need assistance.

The Crimes Compensation Trust Fund receives offender-generated federal and state dollars as their primary source of funding. When an offender is fined during sentencing, a portion of their fines is deposited into the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund to help serve victims of other crimes. In 2009, the Attorney General awarded more than $19.3 million in grant funding to over 200 private and public agencies that help Florida crime victims.

Parties eligible to file a claim with the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund include victims, a surviving spouse/parent/adult child/sibling of a deceased victim, and a guardian for a minor child/incompetent person. Compensation is normally monetary, although the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund also helps fund a variety of programs to help victims and their families, including medical contacts, rehabilitation services, counseling, and transportation assistance.

There's more to know if you are seeking compensation for a Florida hit and run accident. Our article library has extended information about Florida hit and run accidents, including the penalties, procedures, and statistics and how they can affect your claim.

Contacting a St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyer

Florida hit and run accidents are serious cases that can involve much more serious penalties than a typical car accident. For more information on your case, order our free consumer guide, Your Guide to Accident Claims in Florida: Don't Wreck Your Injury Case or contact a St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of William K. Saron - 727-345-4566 or 866-836-4947.