Hit & Run Accidents in Florida
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Leaving the scene of an accident is referred to as a hit & run in Florida and this is a serious crime. For the regulations regarding hit and runs feel free to take a look at Florida Statutes §316.027. The main idea under the law is that if a driver is involved in a car accident, they are required to immediately stop and stay at the scene of the accident. It is illegal to flee the scene without providing your name, address, insurance and other information. The two key parts of a hit & run crime includes:
- Being involved in an accident with a vehicle, building, structure or any type of property belonging to another person; and
- Purposefully leaving the scene without providing the necessary information to the property owner.
All too often people assume that if the owner is not present, they are off the hook. This is not the case, it is required under law to report the accident and provide your information even if the owner of the property is not present.
Duty to Render Aid
There is also a duty to render aid when you are in an accident. If any other party is injured, a driver in the accident is required to stop, provide their information and then render assistance to the injured person. This could include transporting the person to treatment or making arrangements for treatment if needed. If a person is killed in the accident, a driver is required to report the accident as quickly as possible. Not rendering aid can also lead to consequences of the driver under law. The reasons that drivers may choose to flee the scene include:
- Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving without a valid license
- Trying to avoid jail or the fines and costs after an accident
- Not realizing that they were involved in the accident
The reason for fleeing does not necessarily matter, the consequences are the same regardless. There are serious penalties for hit & run accidents and you deserve compensation from the responsible party. Boohoff Law, P.A. can assist you in investigating your case and recovering damages for your injuries, medical costs, lost income and any other hardships the accident has brought about. The person responsible may not only be facing penalties for the hit and run, but oftentimes they are charged with further crimes. It is common for people to flee the scene if they are committing another offense at the same time, such as driving under the influence, and they could be facing double charges.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Unfortunately, it is impossible to hold someone responsible if their identity is unknown. While investigations do take place in order to track down the person who left the scene, it is not always possible to find them. You are still able to receive compensation through your personal insurance policy. Generally, insurance policies have coverage for uninsured or underinsured motorist claims. You can receive the financial help necessary after your accident, and we can help you get it. There is also personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and medical payment (MedPay) coverage that can help you with your medical expenses. An experienced car accident lawyer in Brandon can assist you in recovering the damages that you need after an accident.
Obtain Representation from Boohoff Law, P.A.
Looking for a lawyer for a car accident in Brandon? Let us take care of the legal proceedings following a hit & run accident while you focus on recovering and moving forward. Our injury attorneys have years of experience in helping injured victims and we can help. Contact Boohoff Law, P.A. right away to schedule your
free consultation!