Vehicle Hit And Run In Florida: Liability

In Florida it is the duty of motorists to stop and render aid in automobile accidents involving death or personal injuries.  Time is of the essence to people who are injured in a traffic accident. Failure to stop and render aid may delay or prevent the ability of first responders who deliver critical life-saving treatment to other motorists or pedestrians.

The victim’s condition could deteriorate significantly because of another motorist’s failure to stop and render aid.  This failure by the driver may become the basis of liability and may result in criminal consequences for that motorist. If you have been the victim of a hit and run accident and need an attorney Southwest Florida, then contact an accident attorney Fort Myers who has a reputation for securing compensation to victims.

Car Owner Liability

In Florida, the owner of the vehicle is also vicariously liable under the “dangerous instrumentality” doctrine for the negligence of the driver that was entrusted with the vehicle.  A purpose of this doctrine is to find insurance to protect injured motorists after an accident.  Many times, the owner of the vehicle will have his or her own car insurance or an umbrella policy that applies to your case.  The owner of the vehicle may or may not know whether he or she has insurance that applies to hit and run car accidents. Notably, most injury victims are not aware that several lawyers of insurance coverage, and thus compensation, are often available in these types of cases. This is why consulting an accident attorney Naples is so important.

Leaving the Scene of the Accident

Florida law makes it a third degree felony to leave the scene of a crash involving personal injuries, and further, makes leaving the scene of a crash involving death a first degree felony.  Further, there is a two year mandatory minimum sentence if the crash involving death was the result of driving under the influence (DUI).  While these drivers are frequently punished in criminal court, the criminal aspect of these cases is separate and apart from the civil money damages the victim may claim.  An accident attorney Naples can aggressively pursue the civil claims process on behalf of the hit and run victim, including recovery of both compensatory and punitive money damages for the victim’s injuries.

Pedestrian Accidents

Traffic accidents involving pedestrians tend to have serious consequences for the pedestrian.  After being struck by a car or truck, a pedestrian can sustain serious and debilitating injuries, requiring amputations or multiple surgeries; sometimes the victim may even die. If a loved one has been killed in a pedestrian accident and you need an attorney, then contact an experienced accident lawyer in Southwest Florida