Florida Statutes Regarding Leaving the Scene of an Accident

In Florida, the law imposes different duties on parties who are involved in accidents that cause property damage and those that cause bodily harm. Specifically, if drivers are involved in collisions that only cause damage to vehicles or other property, they must immediately stop at the scene of the crash or as close as possible and must remain there until they have given a report or other information to the police. If they fail to do so, they may be charged with an offense that is a misdemeanor of the second degree, which is punishable by imprisonment for up to sixty days and a fine of up to $500.

When a collision involves bodily harm, the requirements differ. In other words, drivers of cars involved in accidents that cause an injury to or death of another person must provide their names, addresses, and registration numbers of the vehicles they are operating, and if requested, their licenses to anyone injured in the crash or to the person attending a vehicle damaged in the crash.

They also must provide this information to the police investigating the crash. If no one is available to collect this information, drivers should report crashes to the nearest police department. They are not required to provide information that would violate their right against self-incrimination, however.

Additionally, the law requires that people involved in harmful accidents must render reasonable assistance to anyone hurt in the crash, which includes transporting or arranging for the transportation of the person to a hospital or doctor for medical treatment if it becomes clear that such treatment is necessary or if it is requested. In other words, drivers must call for an ambulance for the injured person. People that fail to comply with the statute and leave the scene of an accident that caused bodily harm may be charged with a third-degree felony, which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. If the accident in question caused a death, it constitutes a first-degree felony, punishable by up to thirty years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Meet with a Dedicated Clearwater Criminal Defense Attorney

Leaving the scene of a collision can not only result in civil liability, but it can also lead to criminal charges. If you were involved in an accident and then left, you should speak to an attorney about your options. William Hanlon of Hanlon Law is a dedicated Clearwater criminal defense attorney who can assess the facts of your case and advise you of your options for seeking a favorable outcome. You can contact Mr. Hanlon via the form online or by calling 727-897-5413 to schedule a meeting.

The post Is Leaving the Scene of an Accident a Crime in Florida? appeared first on Clearwater Criminal Lawyer Blog.

That’s when the officer activated his sirens. In response, according to the officer, the defendant began weaving through traffic. Another officer who witnessed the incident said neither car reached speeds faster than 40 miles per hour. The speed limit for the area was 35 miles an hour. What the officer following the defendant didn’t know is that the defendant called 911 during this time. He said during the call that he was being followed by a police officer and wanted to pull over in a safe, well-lit area. The officer eventually ended the pursuit by nudging the defendant car in a way that forced it to lose control, spin around, and stop.

The defendant later appealed the decision, arguing that the trial judge should have acquitted him of the fleeing charge because it was a misunderstanding. The Fourth District disagreed, but it did say that the defendant should have been charged with a lesser offense.

The second-degree felony applies to situations in which the person who fails to stop for a police officer “drives at high speed, or in any manner which demonstrates a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property,” the court explained. In this case, however, there was no evidence that the defendant was driving at a high speed. There was also no reason to believe that any other person on the road – or property – was affected by his refusal to pull over. As a result, the court sent the case back to the trial judge with instructions that the defendant be convicted for fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer, a third-degree felony.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in Florida, it is essential that you seek the advice and counsel of an experienced defense lawyer. Clearwater criminal defense attorney Will Hanlon is a seasoned lawyer who fights aggressively on behalf of clients charged with a wide range of offenses. Call our offices at (727) 897-5413 or contact us online to speak with Mr. Hanlon about your case.

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