Traffic accidents are inevitable for a vibrant state like Florida with heavy traffic. According to statistics, 1 in every 4 accidents is a hit and run accident. So how is a hit and run accident determined? What are the penalties for hit and run accidents? How will having a legal representative help you in this? Please join us in answering these questions through the following article.
What is considered a Hit and Run Accident in Florida?
There are many causes of car accidents in Florida, such as drivers being distracted while driving while eating or talking to passengers, drivers being tired after a long trip and losing control, drivers exceeding the speed limit, drivers using drugs and alcohol, vehicles having faulty or overloaded vehicles leading to accidents, etc.
All hit and run Florida accidents are potentially criminal violations. In particular, a hit and run accident is determined by this state when violating the following:
- The driver did not stop
- The driver left the accident scene
- The driver refused to share vehicle and insurance information with the other driver.
Violating the above three means you have been involved in a hit and run. In addition, in many cases, the victim must prove that the driver left the scene of the accident. Read the following section to find out.
Proving the Truck Left the Accident Scene
Here are the duties that the driver in an accident has to follow:
- At the accident scene or as close as possible, the driver must immediately stop their car.
- Notify the driver’s name, address, and registration number of the owner or operator of the car or other property.
- Present their driver’s license to the other party upon request.
- Give the police officers investigating your license, registration, address, and any relevant information.
Above are the duties that need to be followed in cases where there is only property damage and where there is only bodily injury or death.
In addition, the driver must locate the property owner to fulfill the above duties in the event of property damage incidents if the owner is not present or leave a note with the driver’s name, address, and car registration number. The crash must also be reported to the closest police station or law enforcement agency.
Finally, suppose the accident causes bodily injury or death. In that case, the driver must perform the necessary medical obligations, take the injured person to a medical facility, and report the incident to the nearest police authority.
Thus, if the driver does not fulfill the above duties, we can conclude that this is a hit and run accident and proceed to the next steps.
Insurance Coverage for Hit and Run Semi-Truck Accidents in Florida
Since Florida is a no-fault insurance state, your personal injury protection insurance provider will often be responsible for covering any financial damages resulting from an accident. Put another way, whether the cause driver leaves the scene or not, the process stays the same.
No matter who caused the accident, vehicles in Florida are nonetheless obligated by law to stop and wait for police authorities when one has occurred. Should the driver be found, your medical expenses and any property damage should be covered by their insurance. This insurance policy would cover up to 80% of your medical expenses and up to 60% of your lost income, up to $10,000.
Penalties for Hit and Run Truck Accidents in Florida
Depending on the severity of the incident, penalties for hit and run accidents are applied as follows:
- Suppose the offending motorist causes property damage. In that case, they may be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, with a potential $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail.
- A fine of up to $10,000 and a maximum sentence of 30 years in jail may be applied for causing death or bodily injury.
- The motorist may also get a minimum sentence of two years in prison and have his driver’s license suspended if he causes an accident while under the influence of alcohol.
This is a penalty for a driver committing a hit and run accident. So how much will the settlement amount for these cases be? Let’s see in the section below.
What are the Average Florida Truck Accident Settlements?
Each hit and run accident has different characteristics and severity, as do truck accidents. Therefore, the average settlement for truck accidents in Florida is difficult to determine.
The amount for Florida truck accident settlements, however, may vary based on each situation and could be as high as $530,000 to $5,000,000. Legal representation is required to ascertain the particulars of each case.
The Importance of Legal Representation in Hit and Run Truck Accidents
According to statistics from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there have been nearly 516,000 hit-and-run accidents, including 1,250 deaths and many serious injuries. There are many reasons that a hit and run accident can happen. Therefore, having a lawyer to defend you is essential whether you are the victim or the offending driver.
At Browning Law, attorneys with many years of experience have successfully defended many hit and run accident cases, especially those involving bodily injury. Having legal representation in these situations can help you understand the exact circumstances of your case and recommend the best options for you.
Contact Browning Law Firm today for a free consultation!
