The Details Behind Hit and Runs

Throughout Southwest Florida, hit and run crashes are fairly common. The number of reported hit and run crashes is alarming.

• Hit and run crashes involving fatalities have been increasing over the last several years.
• There are nearly 70,000 reported hit and run crashes throughout Florida each year.
• Three out of every five fatalities in 2012 were pedestrians struck in hit and run collisions.

Innocent people are severely injured or killed by drivers who leave the scene of an accident. The victims often have few remedies for this outrageous conduct, but there are some measures in our civil justice system which may provide some means of relief.

Hit and Run Crash Lawyer Wants Accountability

Florida law prohibits leaving the scene of accident. The law requires motorists to stop and render aid in automobile accidents involving death or personal injuries.

• The driver must immediately stop and remain at the scene, must exchange information and render reasonable assistance to any injured persons.
• Leaving the scene of a crash involving a death commits a felony of the first degree and carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in a state correctional facility and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
• Leaving the scene of a crash involving injuries commits a felony of the third degree and carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in a state correctional facility and/or a fine up to $5,000.

No one should be left severely injured of left to die because the negligent or reckless motorist flees the scene. Every moment of time is often critical between saving a life and resulting in death.

Failure of the driver to stop and summon law enforcement and emergency medical services may delay or prevent the ability of first responders who deliver critical life-saving treatment to injured motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians. Because the crash victim’s condition can worsen quickly without life-saving emergency care, the failure of the driver to help in these situations is criminal conduct in Florida.

Hit and Run Lawyer Seeks Punitive Damages

While these drivers are frequently punished in criminal court, there is often the potential for a large civil action for money damages compensation. The goal of compensation is to make up for the harms and losses, such as medical expenses, lost work, future needs, and pain and suffering, caused by the hit and run driver.

Another measure of damages often available in hit and run crashes is punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish the hit and run driver and deter future misconduct. Punitive damages are sought in addition to compensatory damages which pay for bills, expenses, and pain and suffering.

Even if the hit and run driver is not found or identified, money damages may be available through the victim’s uninsured motorists insurance—UM insurance. In these circumstances, UM stands in the shoes of the hit-and-run driver and is liable for compensatory damages.

Sarasota Hit and Run Lawyer Pursues Justice for Victims

If you have, or someone you love has, suffered a severe personal injury or wrongful death because of a hit and run crash, or the reckless conduct of a leaving the scene of an accident, then contact expert Sarasota accident lawyer David Harris for legal help.

Determined to achieve justice, honest counsel, and driven for maximum money damages, David fights to obtain the compensation and other available relief you need to help rebuild your life. You are valued here, so you your questions are answered, your opinions matter, and you remain involved in your legal action.

Contact David today using our simple web form to promptly schedule a 100% free consultation.