Driver Attacked After Helping Crash Victim

A driver was brutally assaulted after pulling over to help what appeared to be a crash victim along State Road 429 near Winter Garden. The victim, Hans Hamilton, suffered a brain bleed, three broken ribs, and a concussion during the unprovoked attack. The suspect now faces five criminal charges, but the criminal case is only part of the picture for someone left with more than $20,000 in medical and vehicle repair costs.

What Happened on State Road 429

Hamilton was driving on Highway 429 near the Seidel Road exit when he noticed a car against the guardrail and a man lying in the grass. He pulled over to check on the person. When Hamilton opened his car door, the man, later identified as 44-year-old Daniel Coman, immediately attacked him.

Tesla cameras on Hamilton’s vehicle recorded much of the assault. Coman kicked through the windshield, then turned on Hamilton directly, striking him repeatedly in the head, face, neck, and back. A passing motorist, Winston Johnson, stopped and called 911. Even after a deputy arrived, Coman continued to resist, attacking multiple officers before being restrained.

Coman was arrested and charged with five offenses, three of them felonies. His bond was set at $5,000.

Criminal Charges Do Not Cover a Victim’s Losses

A criminal prosecution is designed to hold a defendant accountable to the state. It is not designed to compensate the person who was harmed. Hamilton’s hospital bills, vehicle damage, lost time from work, and ongoing recovery costs will not be addressed through the criminal case alone.

Florida law allows victims of violent crimes to pursue civil claims against the person who caused the harm. A civil lawsuit operates independently from the criminal proceedings and focuses specifically on the victim’s financial and personal losses. Recoverable damages in a case like this may include:

• Emergency medical treatment and ongoing care
• Lost wages during recovery
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
• Long-term effects such as post-traumatic stress

A Winter Garden, FL personal injury lawyer can evaluate the circumstances and determine what claims may be available.

Florida’s Filing Deadline

Under Florida Statute § 95.11, personal injury victims generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a civil lawsuit. That deadline applies regardless of whether the criminal case has been resolved. Waiting for a criminal trial to conclude before consulting an attorney can put a victim dangerously close to the statutory cutoff, or past it entirely.

Evidence also becomes harder to preserve over time. Witness statements, surveillance footage, and medical records are all strongest when documented early in the process.

Contact an Attorney With Experience in These Cases

An assault that leaves a victim with a brain bleed, broken ribs, and tens of thousands of dollars in costs is not something that should go unaddressed in the civil system. A personal injury lawyer in Winter Garden, FL can help a victim understand the full scope of their legal options beyond what the criminal case provides.

Presser Law, P.A. represents injury victims throughout Florida. If you have been injured in a violent incident, speaking with an attorney is a practical step toward protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you are owed.