Car accidents are often frightening incidents that may involve costly damages and serious injuries. However, it is important to realize that leaving a scene of any accident without exchanging information with the other driver or contacting law enforcement is typically regarded as a hit and run incident.
Hit and run accidents are generally treated as serious infractions in Palm Beach Gardens. As such, you may benefit greatly from a hard working criminal defense attorney’s help if you are facing a hit and run charge. Car accident cases can quickly escalate in a courtroom, and a person who is unfamiliar with the law may be unprepared for any potential legal proceedings.
An experienced Palm Beach Gardens hit and run defense lawyer could help determine which legal options might be the most effective for your case. Contact Leifert & Leifert for a consultation to learn more.
Laws Governing Hit and Run Accidents in Palm Beach Gardens
When an automobile in Florida is involved in a collision that results in property damage or injury, drivers are explicitly expected to move to the side of the road but in the closest possible proximity to where the incident occurred, according to Florida Statutes §316.061. This step must usually be conducted as quickly as the driver can regain control of the vehicle.
Ideally, caution should be taken when repositioning the car so that the vehicle should not impede traffic. Once this is done, drivers should exchange names, address, insurance information, and license and registration information.
In car accidents that cause injuries, however minimal or severe, all drivers involved are generally expected to extend help to any injured parties. This may involve transporting or arranging for the transport of an injured person to a hospital where they could receive medical attention.
Failure to adhere to the previously mentioned regulations may incur significant fines and penalties that a Palm Beach Gardens hit and run attorney could help you fight. To that end, there are several common scenarios for hit and run accidents in Palm Beach Gardens, which may include:
- Leaving the scene of an accident with no property damage
- Leaving the scene of an accident with property damage
- Leaving the scene of an accident with a non-serious injury
- Leaving the scene of an accident with a serious injury
- Leaving the scene of an accident with a fatality
Penalties That May Apply to a Hit and Run Accident Conviction
Legal consequences for a hit and run accident tend to vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. The presence of an injury or fatality could greatly increase the penalties attached to a conviction for a hit and run. Conversely, a person who has illegally left the scene of an accident that resulted solely in property damage may receive a non-criminal charge. However, this could also be prosecuted as a Second-Degree Misdemeanor.
Hit and run accidents in which an injury or fatality occurs are typically charges as Felonies in varying degrees. A First-Degree Felony conviction for a hit and run generally incurs a mandatory four-year sentence in Palm Beach Gardens. However, potential penalties for such a conviction often depend on specific circumstances, which is why representation from a hit and run defense lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens could be critical to the outcome of your case.
Contacting a Palm Beach Gardens Hit and Run Attorney
Evaluating the conditions and identifying any potentially mitigating factors surrounding a hit and run accident may significantly impact how your case unfolds. An examination of your case by a knowledgeable Palm Beach Gardens hit and run defense lawyer could help you determine the best course of action to take.
At The Law Offices of Leifert & Leifert, our dedicated attorneys could review the facts of your case and, if necessary, provide representation in court. Appearing in court without legal counsel for a hit and run accident may severely jeopardize the welfare of your case, so call today to schedule a consultation and start working on yours.
