There are almost six people who are killed in hit-and-run accidents every day. Since authorities began tracking hit-and-run accidents in 1975, more people have been fleeing the scenes of accidents than at any other time. One of the most basic explanations for why drivers may flee the scene of an accident is the fight or flight response. Many drivers may have been intoxicated, distracted by their smartphone, or may not have insurance and the possibility of being arrested or given a ticket causes them to flee. Less common reasons include that the vehicle may be stolen, the driver may have warrants, or be in the country as an undocumented immigrant.
Wink News reports that the Florida Highway Patrol is reminding drivers that it is important for them to stay at the scene of an accident.
February is “Hit and Run Awareness Month” and to bring the issue home, the Florida State Patrol has a message for drivers involved in accidents, “Stay at the scene.”
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 25% of all accidents involve a hit-and-run. Miami-Dade County leads the state as far as the number of hit-and-run accidents.
They put particular emphasis on the fact that hit-and-run is not a mistake. It is a crime.
Currently, the law prescribes a penalty of a minimum of four years in prison for a driver who leaves the scene of an accident that involves a fatality.
Leaving the scene of an accident with simple property damage is a second-degree misdemeanor. Leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries can be either a second-degree or third-degree felony, depending on circumstances. Not only will the driver face jail time in the case of injuries or a fatality, but their license can be revoked for a minimum of three years.
Arrest Made in Fatal Miami Hit-and-Run Accident Posted on Jan 28, 2011 Police have arrested a suspect in last week’s horrible hit-and-run accident in Miami, Florida. The accident killed three people and injured one more. Cedric Williams, 48, was arrested by police for his connection to a deadly wreck that occurred earlier this month at the intersection of Northeast Second Avenue and...
Fatal Hit and Runs on the Rise in South Florida: A Legislator Responds A Florida legislator is attempting to close a legal loophole that acts as an incentive for some drivers to flee the scene of an accident. The move is in response to an alarming increase in fatal hit and run accidents in South Florida, according to the Sun-Sentinel. In August 2013, state Sen. Miguel Diaz de...
What to Do If You’ve Been the Victim of a Hit and Run Accident A hit and run accident occurs when a driver causes an accident and immediately flees the scene. Hit and run accidents can mean serious or fatal injuries for pedestrians, bicyclists and other drivers. Below is an outline of the steps to take if you have been injured in a hit and run accident. Seek medical...
Teen faces felony charge for hit-and-run with injury A teen from Cape Coral, Florida is held responsible for a hit-and-run collision took place on January 21, on the Midpoint Bridge. The teen, driving a 2011 Infiniti, struck the rear of a moped, causing the driver to be ejected from the bike. As reported in The News-Press, the 17-year-old driver left the scene of...