What is Hit-and-Run?
Hit-and-run is a crime that occurs when a driver involved in an accident flees the scene without providing their information to the other driver or person involved in the accident, or to a law enforcement officer. Hit-and-run is a serious crime in Florida, and the penalties for conviction can be severe.
Florida Statute 316.027 defines hit-and-run as follows:
(1) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle or other property shall immediately stop and render reasonable assistance to the injured or the property owner, and shall give his or her name, address, and the registration number of the vehicle to the person injured, the owner of the property, or the police officer responding to the accident.
(2) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in death or personal injury to any person shall immediately stop at the scene of the accident, remain at the scene, and render reasonable assistance to the injured person, and shall give his or her name, address, and the registration number of the vehicle to the injured person, the police officer responding to the accident, or any other person at the scene of the accident who may have information regarding the accident.
Hit-and-Run Statistics in Florida
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), there were 102,568 hit-and-run crashes in Florida in 2021. Of these crashes, 255 resulted in fatalities and 22,309 resulted in injuries.
The FHSMV also reports that hit-and-run crashes are on the rise in Florida. In 2020, there were 93,531 hit-and-run crashes, and in 2019, there were 85,208.
The increase in hit-and-run crashes is a serious concern for public safety. Hit-and-run drivers often flee the scene of an accident because they are afraid of being arrested or charged with a crime. However, by fleeing the scene, hit-and-run drivers are putting themselves and others at risk.
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is important to stay at the scene and provide your information to the other driver or person involved in the accident, or to a law enforcement officer. By staying at the scene, you can help to ensure that everyone involved in the accident is safe and that the appropriate authorities are notified.
Why Hit-and-Run Drivers Flee the Scene
There are a number of reasons why drivers may flee the scene of an accident. Some of the most common reasons include:
• Fear of being arrested or charged with a crime.
• Fear of getting their car damaged.
• Fear of getting injured.
• Fear of getting into an argument with the other driver.
• Fear of being sued.
What are the Elements of Hit-and-Run?
In order to be convicted of hit-and-run in Florida, the prosecution must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
1. The defendant was involved in an accident.
2. The defendant failed to stop at the scene of the accident.
3. The defendant failed to provide their information to the other driver or person involved in the accident, or to a law enforcement officer.
What are the Penalties for Hit-and-Run in Florida?
The penalties for hit-and-run in Florida vary depending on the severity of the accident. If the accident only results in property damage, the driver may be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. If the accident results in injury, the driver may be charged with a third-degree felony, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine. If the accident results in death, the driver may be charged with a first-degree felony, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
What Are Some Defenses to Hit-and-Run Criminal Charges in Florida?
There are a number of defenses that may be available to a driver who has been charged with hit-and-run in Florida. Some of these defenses include:
• The driver was not involved in an accident.
• The driver stopped at the scene of the accident and provided their information to the other driver or person involved in the accident, or to a law enforcement officer.
• The driver was not aware that they were involved in an accident.
• The driver was forced to flee the scene of the accident due to a legitimate fear of injury or death.
Related Criminal Offenses in Florida
In addition to hit-and-run, there are a number of other related offenses that may be charged in Florida, including:
• Leaving the scene of an accident involving death or serious injury
• Leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage and fleeing or eluding law enforcement
• Driving under the influence (DUI) and leaving the scene of an accident
• Leaving the scene of an accident and driving with a suspended or revoked license
What to Do If You Are Accused of Hit-and-Run
If you are accused of hit-and-run, it is important to speak with a qualified criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand the charges against you, build a strong defense, and negotiate the best possible outcome for your case.
A hit-and-run conviction can have a number of serious consequences, including jail time, fines, loss of driving privileges, increased insurance rates, difficulty finding employment, and damage to your reputation. A lawyer can help you avoid these consequences and protect your rights.
What a Hit-and-Run Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do for You
A hit-and-run criminal defense lawyer can do a number of things to help you, including:
• Investigate the accident and gather evidence.
• Negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf.
• Represent you in court.
• Help you get the best possible outcome for your case.
If you have been accused of hit-and-run, it is important to speak with a qualified criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand the charges against you, build a strong defense, and negotiate the best possible outcome for your case.
Why You Need a Hit-and-Run Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been charged with hit-and-run in Florida, it is important to speak with a qualified criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand the charges against you, build a strong defense, and negotiate the best possible outcome for your case.
A hit-and-run conviction can have a number of serious consequences, including jail time, fines, loss of driving privileges, increased insurance rates, difficulty finding employment, and damage to your reputation. A lawyer can help you avoid these consequences and protect your rights.
What a Hit-and-Run Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do for You
A hit-and-run criminal defense lawyer can do a number of things to help you, including:
• Investigate the accident and gather evidence.
• Negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf.
• Represent you in court.
• Help you get the best possible outcome for your case.
If you have been charged with hit-and-run, it is important to speak with a qualified criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand the charges against you, build a strong defense, and negotiate the best possible outcome for your case.
Are you facing hit-and-run charges in Florida? If so, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. Musca Law, P.A. has been fighting for the rights of accused criminals for over 20 years. We understand the serious consequences of a hit-and-run conviction, and we are committed to getting you the best possible outcome.
Our team of experienced lawyers will work tirelessly to build a strong defense on your behalf. We will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf. We will also represent you in court, if necessary.
We understand that you are going through a difficult time, and we are here to help. We will answer your questions, explain the legal process, and guide you through every step of the way. We will fight for your rights and protect your future.
If you have been charged with hit-and-run in Florida, call Musca Law, P.A. today at 1-888-484-5057 for a free consultation. We will fight for you and get you the best possible outcome.