Hit-and-Runs on the Rise in Florida

There have been multiple outrageous hit-and-run collisions in the Sunshine State of late, prompting many to call for stricter laws and harsher punishments for offenders. The continuing tragedy of individuals left to suffer and die alone and unattended after a serious crash gives us all pause. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there are roughly 100 such incidents every single day in the state. In addition to criminal penalties for offenders, there is legal recourse for victims who suffer from these kinds of incidents.

Horrendous Stories

 The site for one recent accident where the driver absconded the scene took place just outside of Orlando. There, a 28-year-old man ran a red light and ran into a couple of pedestrians who were out for a walk. Police caught up with the driver and he was charged with vehicular manslaughter and fleeing the scene of an accident.

In a separate collision, a 19-year old woman was struck by a car as she was crossing the street. The driver sped off, leaving her with injuries from which she is currently recovering.

Florida Criminal Law 

All states require drivers to remain at the scene of an accident if there are serious injuries or fatalities, and they are obliged to render whatever aid they can. In Florida it is a felony to do otherwise and could land an offender in prison for five years, in addition to getting fined $5,000. That’s if there are injuries resulting from the crash. In the case of serious injuries the prison sentence triples and the fines double. And when the collision causes a death, motorists who leave the scene are looking at 30 years behind bars.

Property Damage Only 

In Florida it is considered a hit-and-run when a driver bumps into a parked car or someone’s mailbox, for example. Drivers who leave without taking responsibility for the damage they caused could be charged with a misdemeanor and face penalties of 60 days in prison and a $500 fine.

Responding to a Growing Problem

 One Florida leader believes that people are emboldened to drive recklessly when they think they can get away with it. He says that tougher penalties are the best way to show motorists that this is serious business. Repeat offenders, especially, should face stiffer consequences. Some organizations are promoting more education programs aimed at younger drivers in particular. Courses focused on traffic safety and responsibility are popping up in more and more schools, accentuating both the legal and moral responsibilities associated with being involved in a traffic accident. Meanwhile, the state is working to update license plate technology in order to nab scoundrels who are responsible for hit-and-run crashes.

Have You Been a Victim of a Hit-and-Run? 

If you’ve been victimized in an accident, you may be facing significant costs related to the incident. The experienced Kissimmee car accident attorneys at Salazar & Kelly Law Group can help you get the money you deserve, because the perpetrator is subject to both criminal and civil penalties.  To discuss the ways in which we can help you, schedule a confidential consultation in our Boca Raton office today.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=316.027&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.027.html