Photo of Corey Cohen

Orlando proves to be hit-and-run capital

On Behalf of | May 22, 2014 | Hit And Run

Panicky drivers and brazen cross-walkers are a bad combination. You disagree? Maybe you need to pay attention to the “sunshine state”.

There have been 1,138 hit and run crashes so far this year in Central Florida. We aren’t even half way through the year! The data was provided by the Florida Highway Patrol, which consisted of all hit and run crashes in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties.

A hit and run charge is a serious crime in any state, but especially under Florida law. It can result in a misdemeanor or felony conviction, depending on the circumstances. Most people do not intend to leave the scene of an accident, but it can occur even if they don’t realize that they have hit something. Some drivers freak out and are unsure how to handle the situation. While these all seem like reasonable reactions, it won’t necessarily save you in a courtroom. All drivers are required by law to remain at the scene of an accident when damages have occurred. This could mean something as harmless as a fender bender or something as serious as an injury or death to a person. If you are involved in an accident you must exchange personal information before leaving the scene. No other alternatives.

You might also need an attorney if things escalate. Besides potential jail time and fines, you could be looking at a long battle to restore your driver’s license. Not only do you need to drive safely, but you also need to be smart about the aftermath of an accident you have been involved in. Big or small.

Categories

Archives

FindLaw Network