Under state law, drivers in Ft. Lauderdale must perform specific actions if involved in a motor vehicle accident. If a person leaves an accident scene without providing their information or rendering any necessary aid to injured individuals, they should contact a hit and run defense attorney immediately.
State Prosecutors and Law Enforcement Officers often take hit-and-run accidents seriously, thereby filing charges that may result in severe penalties against a suspect. An Attorney experienced in hit and run penalties in Ft. Lauderdale can evaluate your case to determine the best legal options for avoiding severe penalties.
What to Do After an Accident in Ft. Lauderdale
According to Florida Statutes § 316.062(1), when a driver causes an accident that results in any injury or death to another person, or damage to any property in Ft. Lauderdale, the driver must perform certain actions. Some of the requirements under state law include:
- Supplying Law Enforcement and other motorists involved with a driver’s name, address, and vehicle registration number
- Showing proof of a valid driver’s license or permit to all individuals involved or injured in the accident upon request
- Providing a valid driver’s license or driver’s permit to any Law Enforcement Officer at the scene of the accident or investigators
- Assisting any injured person in the accident, including calling for medical assistance or moving the individual from the road
In some crashes, there might not be any individuals that are in the condition to request or receive the required information. Likewise, Police may not be present at the scene. If no one is available, State Law requires the driver of any motor vehicle involved in a collision to provide the necessary information and material to the nearest Law Enforcement Office. Fleeing the scene of the accident is against the law and could lead to criminal charges. One of our seasoned Lawyers can analyze a hit and run case in Ft. Lauderdale and determine which penalties you might receive upon conviction.
What Are the Penalties for a Hit and Run Collision?
When a driver causes damage to another vehicle or injury to another person and leaves the crash scene without providing the required information, the driver could face criminal charges. The penalties for leaving the scene of an accident typically depend on the collision circumstances, including the severity of any injuries or damage.
The penalties for a hit-and-run charge commonly depend on the classification of the conviction. For example, a second-degree misdemeanor conviction could result in up to 60 days in jail or a fine of $500. Similarly, a first-degree felony conviction could require up to 30 years in prison or a fine of up to $10,000. A dedicated Attorney in Ft. Lauderdale could help fight to protect your legal rights if you face the consequences for leaving the scene of an accident.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale Hit and Run Penalties Attorney Now
If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident, you must understand that you cannot avoid the Law. The criminal charges and potential penalties for hit and runs can be severe and affect all aspects of your life.
However, our Lawyers are knowledgeable in hit-and-run penalties in Ft. Lauderdale and can develop a strategy for your case to get you positive results. Schedule a consultation with Leifert & Leifert for your hit and run charge and learn more about your legal options.
