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The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported that fatalities in hit and run accidents were 168 in 2012, up from 162 in 2011.  There were 69,994 hit and run accidents statewide in 2012. Three out of five fatalities were pedestrians involved in hit and run accidents.

Here are just a few of the hit and run accidents occurring in Collier and Lee Counties this year:

Collier County:

• February 28, 2013 - A 47 year old man was injured when he and his scooter were struck from behind by a vehicle which then left the scene.
• May 11, 2013 - A hit and run driver caused a three-vehicle accident on U.S. 41 injuring several.

Lee County:

• May 13, 2013 - After striking and injuring a bicyclist, a driver left the scene of the accident on Palm Beach Boulevard.
• June 3, 2013 - A van was involved in a hit and run crash in Estero.
• July 6, 2013 - A gold minivan cut off a vehicle on I-75 near the Bonita Beach Road Exit, resulting in the death of a passenger. The driver left the scene.

In partnership with the Florida Sheriff's Association, the Florida Chief of Police Association, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Highway Patrol is working to reduce these numbers by educating the public on what to do when in an accident.

Florida requires drivers involved in accidents to remain at the scene,  call law enforcement, remain calm, attain vehicle witness and driver information, sketch the scene showing vehicle crash locations and help the injured.

If a driver fails to do so, Florida law says that:

• Leaving the scene of a crash involving a death, they commit a felony of the first degree which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in a state correctional facility and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
• Leaving the scene of a crash involving injuries, they commit a felony of the third degree and carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in a state correctional facility and/or a fine up to $5,000.
• Leaving the scene involving property damage, they commit a misdemeanor of the second degree and carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in a county jail and/or fine of $500.

Florida Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. recommends, "Since Florida law requires drivers involved in accidents to not only stay at the scene, but also obtain information, we provide a printable Florida Accident Form on our website for your convenience.  Click on Florida Accident Form to access the form, and place a printed copy in your glove compartment.  All the information that is required and that you may need in the future may be entered on this form."

Personal Injury Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by less than 2 percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 1,600 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.