Florida Personal Injury Attorneys Giving You the Representation You Need for Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-runs are frightening. In most cases, a driver will stop his or her vehicle if they’ve hit or believed they have hit another person or automobile. There is a natural human inclination to help other people. In the case of a hit-and-run, the person responsible for the wreck will just keep going. They may be afraid of the consequences of their actions. They may have a criminal record and are afraid of potential jail time or fines. In some cases, they may simply not care. Regardless, it is a law in Florida that someone must stop and remain at the scene of an accident. Regardless of who may have been at fault, if someone leaves the scene of an accident without stopping, it becomes a hit and run. This is a crime under Florida law.

Despite the law, hit-and-runs are common in Florida. In 2023, there were over 104,000 hit-and-run accidents. These accidents resulted in nearly 300 fatalities and nearly 900 cases of severe bodily injury. In fact, Florida estimates that 25% of all accidents in the state are hit-and-runs. Fortunately, in many of these cases, the police are able to apprehend the driver responsible. Not only is committing a hit-and-run a serious crime, it opens the driver up to potential financial liability. This is why if you or a loved one have been the victim of a hit and run, it’s imperative you contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away.

What is a Hit-and-Run in Florida?

A hit-and-run is any motor vehicle wreck in which the driver responsible left the scene of the accident. A hit-and-run does not have to involve another person or even bodily injury. If someone crashed into a parked car, mailbox, or building but left the scene, it is still considered a hit-and-run. Under Florida law, a person commits a hit-and-run if:

• They Fail to Stop After an Accident
• They Fail to Provide Personal Information
• They Fail to Render Aid in the Event of Injury

Even if a driver temporarily stops his or her vehicle to ensure no one was killed or injured but still leaves the scene of the accident without providing their insurance information and/or waiting for law enforcement, it is still a hit and run.

What are the Penalties for a Hit-and-Run in Florida?

Hit-and-run accidents are considered serious crimes. While car accidents are common, the expectation is that drivers will remain on the scene and responsibly exchange insurance information. This is a basic component of road safety. Violating this by leaving the scene is considered a serious danger to the community. This is why there are various severe penalties for those found guilty of hit-and-run accidents. Penalties vary according to whether property was damaged or a person was injured, and the severity of the damage or injuries. Common penalties for hit-and-run accidents include:

• Property Damage: 60 Days Incarceration and/or a $500 Fine
• Bodily Injuries: Five Years Incarceration and/or a $5000 Fine, and a Three Year License Revocation
• Fatalities: Mandatory Minimum Four Year Prison Sentence with a Maximum of 30 Years, a $100,000 Fine, and Three Year License Revocation

Hit-and-run crimes involving only property damage are generally misdemeanors. Hit-and-runs involving injury are second-or-third degree felonies, depending on the extent of the injuries and other factors involved in the wreck. Any hit-and-run involving a fatality automatically becomes a first-degree felony.

Can I Sue a Hit-and-Run Driver in Broward County?

In addition to legal repercussions, drivers who commit a hit-and-run may be liable for financial damages as well. A person who has been incarcerated for a crime can still be sued. If a person has been convicted for a crime involving a motor vehicle, their car insurance company can also be sued. Florida is normally a no-fault insurance state. This means that when someone is involved in an accident they will report it to their own insurance company. This is meant to keep rates down. However, in the event an accident involved a crime, a driver or pedestrian may sue a driver for additional damages. This is especially true if the person experienced serious pain and suffering such as disfigurement, full or partial paralysis, or death.

If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run driver, you can sue the person responsible. This person must be identified first. By the very nature of a hit-and-run, this may be difficult. However, if/when the police apprehend a suspect, you can seek legal action against them. Part of suing a hit-and-run driver will involve proving they were at fault. In most accidents, this is less difficult because both drivers will stay at the scene and the police will file a report identifying a responsible party. In the case of a hit-and-run, you may want or need to wait for the responsible driver to be convicted or plead guilty. This will significantly aid your case. Other important evidence can include:

• Eyewitness Statements
• Security Camera or Bystander Footage
• Police Reports
• Insurance Company Reports

What you can sue the driver for and how much will depend on the circumstances of your case. This is why it is important to consult an experienced personal injury attorney in the event you are involved in a hit-and-run accident in Florida.

What Should I Do if I Have Been Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident in Broward County?

No one deserves to experience the fear and uncertainty of being involved in a hit-and-run accident. Most drivers are responsible enough to stop in the event of an accident. Drivers who commit hit-and-runs should be held legally and financially accountable for their actions. That’s why if you or a loved one have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, you should immediately contact Bozanic Law at 17100 Royal Palm Boulevard Suite 1, Weston, FL 33326. Zeljka Bozanic is experienced in holding hit-and-run drivers accountable for their actions. She has deep compassion for the victims of hit-and-run accidents and zero mercy for the people who caused them. She fights for each and every one of her clients to get them the compensation they deserve for having to have gone through one of the worst experiences of their lives. She’ll use every legal strategy available to her to get you the maximum amount you deserve from the person who hurt you or your loved one.

Hit-and-runs are frightening. The aftermath doesn’t have to be. Zeljka Bozanic can make an uncertain time feel safer and more secure. If you or a loved one were the victim of a hit-and-run accident, don’t hesitate to contact Bozanic Law at 954-800-2864 or email us for a free consultation. Don’t panic: Call Bozanic.