By: Emily Cardin
There are many consequences for leaving the scene of an accident in Florida; it is a type of criminal offense. Any party leaving the scene of an accident is classified as a hit-and-run. This accident could involve another individual or property damage.
Some reasons why a driver might leave an accident:
- No valid driver’s license
- No car insurance
- Fears of prosecution or deportation
If you find yourself in a hit-and-run incident, you should try to identify anything about the other driver. It might not be your first instinct considering the adrenaline and shock your body is facing.
Key details to look for:
- Make & Model of the Car
- License plate number
Any details could help narrow the search, and you should also write these down as soon as possible due to your memory following the accident. As time passes after the incident, you might be dealing with your injuries, seeking medical attention, or meeting with a law firm.
After noting any essential details, you should call the police and look for witnesses; the more, the better, considering the limited evidence. The more evidence provided will make it easier to seek out compensation. Make sure to get their information and take photos of the surrounding crime scene while waiting for police to arrive. For additional evidence, look for security cameras that could have captured the scene and might show information about the vehicle.
You must contact your insurance company and inform them about the accident. Your insurance will need to assess the scene, so you should call them quickly. The earlier you speak with them about your claim, the better since there might be no information about the driver, which will make your insurance company responsible for covering the damages.
It is essential to know that the state of Florida requires anyone to have PIP insurance,, also known as personal injury protection. This type of auto insurance will cover up to $10,000. The PIP insurance will be put towards your medical expenses and lost wages. If you were left unable to work or missed work due to your injuries, Florida’s PIP insurance will help cover it!
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported it is a second- or third-degree felony to leave any scene with injuries, with the possibility of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Any hit-and-run accident where the driver was under the influence will change the punishment they face. The driver could face the possibility of getting a DUI charge with separate punishments than the hit-and-run penalties. Under the influence, drivers who leave the scene of an accident will face a minimum of 2 years in prison, and they will have their driver’s license revoked.
Many don’t know this, but according to the same article from the FLHSMV, in cases where there is only property damage, both parties can file a crash report and do not need to wait for police officers to file a report. For more information regarding the penalties of a hit and run, check out and read more on the flhsmv.gov website.
You should consider hiring a lawyer if you were involved in a hit-and-run incident. They know how to handle the situation and will alleviate some of your stressors so you can focus on your recovery. If you hire a lawyer, you should seek a personal injury attorney with a case like this, to help fight for your rights. They will help by gathering evidence such as police reports and medical documents. A personal injury attorney will also help determine the value of your claim.
Key Takeaway
We hope you found the information provided in this blog helpful! Ovadia Law Group is committed to helping individuals affected by hit-and-run incidents. We have been handling personal injury cases since 2010! Contact our office if you have questions regarding a hit-and-run or car accident case! We have various locations throughout Florida; look for our office closest to you! Stay updated with our blog, as we will be posting more legal blog content! We look forward to assisting you or your loved ones with your legal needs to get the compensation you or they deserve!
