Hit-and-Run in Gulfport Leaves Two Critically Injured: Legal Options for Victims and Families

Two people were left in critical condition after a hit-and-run crash in Gulfport, Florida, on November 28. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), 61-year-old Michael Lynch and 42-year-old Kristen Lynch were riding an electric scooter along Gulfport Boulevard when an older-model SUV struck them from behind and fled the scene.

Multiple 911 callers reported seeing the pair lying in the roadway near Gulfport Boulevard and Luana Lane South. Both victims were transported to a nearby hospital, where they remain in critical condition.

Detectives are still searching for the driver. The suspect vehicle is described as an older-model SUV with heavy front-end damage and a triangular rear driver’s-side window. Anyone with information is urged to contact Deputy J. Toro at jtoro@pcsonet.com or 727-582-6200.

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of hit-and-run crashes in Florida—and raises important legal questions for victims and their families.

Under Florida Statute § 316.027, leaving the scene of a crash that results in injury is a felony offense. When victims are critically injured, the penalties—including prison time—can be severe.

Despite the criminal investigation, victims and families often face overwhelming financial burdens long before any arrest or conviction occurs.

Hit-and-run victims have the right to pursue civil compensation—regardless of whether the at-fault driver is immediately identified.

Legal Options for the Lynch Family and Other Hit-and-Run Victims

When a driver flees the scene, victims often believe they have no way to recover compensation. Fortunately, Florida law provides several avenues for financial recovery.

Below are the legal options available in cases like this:

1. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits

Florida is a no-fault state.
This means the victims’ own auto policy—even if they were on an electric scooter—may provide PIP benefits, covering:

• Up to 80% of medical bills
• Up to 60% of lost wages
• Death benefits if injuries become fatal

If the victims do not own a vehicle, they may still qualify through a resident relative’s policy.

2. Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

UM coverage is one of the most critical resources in hit-and-run crashes.

UM benefits can compensate for:

• Medical expenses beyond PIP
• Future medical needs
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Every Florida policyholder is offered UM coverage, but many people don’t know whether they elected or rejected it. A law firm can obtain and analyze the insurance policy on the victims’ behalf.

3. Liability Claims Against the At-Fault Driver (If Identified)

If the SUV and driver are located, the victims may pursue a claim for:

• Bodily injury liability coverage
• Umbrella insurance
• Personal assets (when insurance is insufficient)

Given the severity of Michael and Kristen’s injuries, the value of the case may far exceed basic policy limits.

4. Negligent Entrustment or Owner Liability

If the fleeing driver borrowed the SUV or didn’t own it, the vehicle’s owner may still be legally responsible under:

• Florida’s Dangerous Instrumentality Doctrine
• Negligent entrustment (if the owner gave the vehicle to someone unsafe, impaired, or unlicensed)

5. Potential Product Liability Issues

If the electric scooter suffered a mechanical failure that worsened injuries, the manufacturer or retailer could also be investigated—especially in catastrophic injury cases.

What Victims Should Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash

Even when the driver is unknown, it’s critical to act quickly:

1. Request and preserve all medical records

This establishes the timeline of injuries and treatment.

2. Document the crash scene (if possible)

Photos, skid marks, debris, and damage patterns can help identify the fleeing vehicle.

3. Secure surveillance footage

Businesses and homeowners near Gulfport Boulevard may have camera footage. Many systems overwrite video within days.

4. Hire a law firm immediately

An experienced Florida injury attorney can:

• Work with PCSO investigators
• Canvass the area for witnesses and security footage
• Preserve critical evidence
• Open all insurance claims
• Coordinate medical care
• Protect the victims from insurer delays and denials

When the driver is still at large, early legal intervention can make the difference between recovering compensation and getting stuck with life-altering medical bills.

Why These Cases Require Aggressive Investigation

Hit-and-run drivers flee for many reasons:

• Driving drunk or impaired
• Driving without insurance
• Operating a stolen vehicle
• Outstanding warrants
• Fear of arrest

Because these drivers often try to hide, time is of the essence. Evidence disappears quickly—especially surveillance footage, eyewitness availability, and physical traces such as paint transfers or debris.

A law firm can conduct parallel investigations alongside law enforcement to track down the responsible driver and build a strong liability case.

Contact a Florida Hit-and-Run Injury Lawyer

The legal team at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury Law Firm has extensive experience representing victims of catastrophic injuries and hit-and-run crashes throughout Florida.

We help families:

• Investigate the crash
• Identify all available insurance coverage
• Coordinate medical treatment
• Pursue maximum compensation
• Hold negligent drivers accountable

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run, you do not have to navigate this alone.

📞 Call us 24/7 for a free consultation.