Leaving the Scene of an Accident
You are leaving the grocery store when you back up and hit another vehicle. You are crossing an intersection when another vehicle T-bones you.
These situations can be stressful. At the time, you may be frustrated and not thinking straight. You may panic and keep on driving.
After a car accident, you need to remain at the accident scene. It does not matter whether or not you had injuries. It does not matter if there was minimal damage. If you cause an accident, you need to stop right away.
If you don’t, this is considered leaving the scene of an accident. This is also known as a hit and run accident. This is illegal in Florida and those who break the law can be punished harshly. The laws are strict in the state, as they are designed to ensure accountability and responsibility on the road.
What the Law Says
Florida Statutes Section 316.027 states that a driver involved in a crash must stop at the accident scene. When a crash has caused injury to another person, and a driver flees the accident scene, they have committed a third-degree felony. This is punishable by five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
When the crash has caused serious bodily injury and the driver flees the accident scene, they have committed a second-degree felony. The punishment includes 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and a $10,000 fine.
When the crash has caused death and the driver flees the accident scene, they have committed a first-degree felony. The punishment includes 30 years in prison.
What You Need to Do
You could be charged with a hit and run accident if any of the following occur:
- You do not stop after being involved in a crash.
- You fail to provide their contact and insurance information to the other party.
- You neglect to offer reasonable assistance if someone is injured.
- You do not report the accident to law enforcement when required by law.
To avoid being charged with a crime, you need to do the following after an accident:
- Stop your vehicle. Pull over to a safe location as soon as possible.
- Exchange information. Share your name, address, and insurance details with the other drivers.
- Assist injured parties. Offer aid or call 911 if someone is hurt.
- Notify authorities. In cases involving injury, death, or significant property damage, report the incident to law enforcement.
Contact Us Today
There are certain procedures that need to be followed after a car accident. Leaving the scene, even unintentionally, can result in criminal charges and penalties.
Protect yourself with help from a Fort Myers leaving the scene of a crime or accident attorney from Hollander & Hanuka. We can help you understand the nature of the charges against you and the possible defenses available so you can make an informed decision regarding your best path forward. Call our office at (239) 332-3300 (Fort Myers) or (239) 530-1800 (Naples) to schedule a consultation.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.027.html
