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“Hit and run accidents continue to happen. Driving is a privilege, but with that privilege comes responsibility. If involved in an accident, drivers should not leave the scene,” said Fort Myers Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

ABC2 reported that a Lehigh Acres man was taken to the hospital after a hit-and-run crash October 7, 2015 along CR-884.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a Ford van was stopped in the inside lane of CR-884 at the intersection of Illinois Road just after 7:30 a.m.
Troopers said a driver made a left turn violating the right of way of an oncoming vehicle. The driver of the van was charged with leaving the scene of a crash and cited with careless driving.

In 2014 the Florida Highway Patrol responded to more than 84,000 hit-and-run crashes across the state. This figure was nearly 6,000 more than 2013.  Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties had more than 3,200 hit-and-run accidents in 2014.

What is hit and run?

Hit and run offences are serious and can result in misdemeanor or felony convictions. All drivers are required to remain at the scene of an accident whenever there is damage to property or vehicles, or there is a death or injury to a person. By law the drivers are also required to exchange information before they can leave the scene of the accidents.

Florida law on hit and run

Under Florida Statute 316.062, the following personal identifying information must be provided to anyone else involved in an accident that resulted in injury, death or property damage; or to a law enforcement officer:

• Name,
• Address,
• Vehicle registration number, and
• Driver’s license information.

Penalties for hit and run conviction

Florida Statutes sections 775.082, 775.083, 775.084 and 318.14 lists the penalties and punishments an individual can face if convicted of leaving the scene of an accident. The suggested statutory penalties can vary, depending on whether the alleged offender has a previous criminal conviction; the alleged offender was driving a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of offense; bodily injury occurred from the accident, and whether property damage occurred as a result of the accident. 

• If the alleged offender does not exchange identifying information with anyone else involved in the accident or police officers, and the accident did not result in property damage or injury, the offense is punishable as a non-criminal traffic violation or non-moving violation.
• If the alleged offender leaves the scene of an accident involving property damage, the offense is punishable as a misdemeanor of the second degree. This degree of offense can result in a jail sentence up to 60 days and/or a fine up to $500.
• If the alleged offender willfully leaves the scene of an accident that involves bodily injury, the offense is punishable as a felony of the third degree. This degree of offense can result in a prison sentence up to five years and/or a fine up to $5,000.
• If the alleged offender willfully leaves the scene of an accident that involves death, the offense is punishable as a felony of the first degree. This degree of offense can result in a prison sentence up to 30 years and/or a fine up to $10,000.

“If you are a victim of a hit and run accident, contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.,” said Fort Myers Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.