Dependable Hit and Run Lawyer Serving Pasco and Hernando County
The chaos prevalent in the aftermath of an auto accident can often cause drivers to act out of character or make haste decisions. When drivers’ decision-making ability is compromised in situations like this, they can make significant errors, such as fleeing from the site of the crash. This split-second decision can warrant severe legal consequences and impact a Florida resident’s life on a daily basis.
At Karatinos Law, PLLC, our founder, attorney Keeley Karatinos, is experienced in handling motor vehicle accident cases in Pasco County, Hernando County and throughout the state of Florida. Her previous successes and knowledge of Florida accident law give her an advantage when advocating for drivers accused of fleeing or leaving the scene. When advocating for clients, attorney Karatinos prefers to work closely with them to ensure she comprehends their circumstances and to begin constructing a well-rounded legal defense that puts them in the best position possible.
How Prevalent Are Hit-And-Run Crashes?
Pasco and Hernando County are two highly populated areas of Florida. The high number of residents in these counties often leads to an increase in drivers on the road and traffic in general, which puts motorists in this area at risk of being involved in a crash, including a hit and run potentially.
Throughout the state of Florida, though, hit-and-run accidents have continued to occur at a high rate and are a problem in drivers’ lives. In fact, in 2023, there were more than 104,000 hit-and-run accidents in Florida, which accounted for approximately one-fourth of all crashes in the state. Additionally, crashes involving fleeing drivers were most likely to occur during the early hours of the morning or after dark.
How Florida Handles Hit-And-Run Collisions
The penalties for leaving the scene after a crash are substantial in Florida due to the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act. This is a Florida state statute that was signed into law on July 1, 2014, to honor the life of Aaron Cohen, whose life was tragically taken by a hit-and-run driver. In this situation, the at-fault driver only spent two years behind bars. The minimum prison sentence today for a driver who fatally injures another after fleeing the crash site is four years. This significant increase shows how seriously Florida takes hit-and-run incidents.
What Are the Penalties for a Hit-And-Run Accident in Florida?
Depending on the circumstances, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident can carry steep penalties that impact your future for years to come. In situations where only property damage occurred, fleeing drivers could face a second-degree misdemeanor charge, spend up to 60 days in prison and be forced to pay a $500 fine.
When physical injuries are present following the collision, drivers who attempt to escape the scene could be charged with a second or third-degree felony. On top of that, they will likely lose their license for a period of three years, be fined $5,000 and potentially face a maximum prison sentence of five years.
In the unfortunate case of a fatality, hit-and-run drivers will encounter significant consequences, such as a first-degree felony charge. Their license will also be revoked for a minimum of three years, and they will be required to pay a $10,000 fine. In terms of a prison sentence, the driver will spend a minimum of four years behind bars. In some situations, the prison sentence could be upwards of 30 years.
Can I Be Charged with Hit And Run if I Didn’t Cause the Accident?
If one driver leaves the crash site, they could be charged with a hit-and-run, regardless of which motorist caused the accident. The driver who decides to flee would likely not have faced any legal penalties simply because they were not the cause of the crash; now, they will be subjected to consequences that vary based on whether property damage, physical injuries or fatalities occurred. To avoid this situation entirely, it is wise to stay at the scene and discuss the incident with any involved motorists or witnesses.
How Can I Defend Myself Against a Hit-And-Run Charge?
When a hit-and-run allegation has been made against you, immediately seeking the guidance of an attorney may be wise. A lawyer can help you examine the available evidence and find the right path forward for you.
One option for combatting hit-and-run accusations is to prove you were not involved in the crash or that you were not the driver. Gathering evidence, such as video surveillance footage, witness testimony, or car maintenance receipts, could show that you were not behind the wheel when the alleged crash happened.
The second option would be to show that there is no evidence of damage or that a crash transpired. In this scenario, recording witness statements, collecting photographs of the crash, and requesting a police report on the incident could prove beneficial in the eyes of the law.
Contact Our Attorneys Today for Honest Hit-And-Run Advocacy
Many drivers have a million thoughts running through their minds in the immediate moments following a motor vehicle collision. Unfortunately, for some drivers, leaving the scene is often one of those thoughts. If you have been accused of leaving the scene of a motor vehicle collision, finding legal support is imperative. Our attorneys are adept at evaluating the circumstances of every case to find the best legal options for our clients. To learn more, contact us today at 352-405-0537 or through email.