When an accident results in property damage, bodily injury, or death, you have an affirmative duty to remain at the accident scene and cooperate with Law enforcement authorities. Failure to do so could result in hit and run charges. If you have become the target of an investigation into a hit and run accident, you may need to retain the services of a skilled traffic Attorney at Leifert & Leifert. A Lake Worth hit and run Lawyer could work on your behalf to see to it that you are given the justice you deserve and that you get the best result possible.
Accidents Involving Vehicle or Property Damage in Lake Worth
Under Fla. Stat. § 316.061, drivers must take specific steps when they are involved in a motor vehicle accident that results in vehicle or property damage. These duties include the following:
- Park the vehicle at or near the scene of the crash
- Attempt to move out of the way of traffic if possible
- Give the other driver or property owner with name, address, and registration number, as well as their license, if requested
- Provide Law enforcement officers with name, address, license, registration, and any other requested information
Should the owner of the damaged vehicle or property not be present, you should leave all the above information in writing attached to or near the damaged property. You should notify Law enforcement officials of the accident.
Violation of this law is a second-degree Misdemeanor under Florida law. A conviction for a second-degree Misdemeanor can result in up to 60 days in jail and a maximum $500 fine.
Crashes Resulting in Bodily Injury
If an accident causes bodily injury, Fla. Stat. § 316.062 requires you to take the specific steps in an accident involving vehicle or property damage. Furthermore, if the other persons in the crash are not in a condition to receive this information, you should report the crash immediately to the nearest Law enforcement station.
Serious bodily injury is any physical injury that poses a significant risk of death, disfigurement, or extended loss of function of an organ or limb. A hit and run offense involving bodily injury is considered a third-degree Felony offense. If the collision results in serious bodily injury, as defined in Fla. Stat. § 316.027, the crime is a second-degree Felony offense. Consider the harsh penalties associated with a hit and run accusation involving bodily harm, it is recommended to retain the services of a Lake Worth hit and run Lawyer as soon as possible.
Fatal Hit and Run Crashes
The most severe consequences may arise in the context of a hit and run accident when it results in death to others. Failure to stop at the scene of a fatal crash is a first-degree Felony offense. A conviction for a first-degree Felony may result in up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Additionally, if you fail to stop, you may be subject to the mandatory revocation of your license. If you were driving under the influence at the time of the offense, you could also face a mandatory minimum two-year prison term.
Call a Lake Worth Hit and Run Attorney Today
A hit and run conviction could have exceedingly severe consequences depending on the circumstances of the offense. Various defenses may be available in these cases, but you are likely to need legal assistance to develop a convincing defense strategy for your case. Contacting a Lake Worth hit and run Lawyer at Leifert & Leifert can be crucial towards achieving a favorable outcome. Working to overcome the charges against you may be complicated, but it may be the best possible means of avoiding or reducing the harsh penalties that you may be facing for leaving the scene of an accident.
