South Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
A recent tragic accident involved a hit-and-run crash in which a driver fled the scene, leaving one person dead and another injured. The collision occurred after a driver ran a red light, causing significant damage to multiple vehicles and surrounding property. This kind of reckless behavior, coupled with the failure to render aid, leaves families devastated and victims without immediate help. In such situations, seeking legal assistance becomes vital for ensuring justice and securing compensation for the victims and their families.
In Florida, hit-and-run accidents carry severe legal and personal consequences. Understanding how these cases are handled under Florida law and the long-term impact on the victims can help you take appropriate legal action if you are in a similar situation.
Why Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur
Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are all too common. These accidents leave victims devastated, but they also raise an important question: Why do drivers flee the scene in the first place? The reasons behind these actions are varied, and understanding them can shed light on the following legal and personal challenges.
In many cases, drivers flee because they fear the legal consequences. They may not have a valid driver’s license, lack insurance coverage, or be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These individuals often panic in the heat of the moment, thinking that escaping the scene will help them avoid criminal charges. However, in Florida, fleeing the scene of an accident is a criminal offense in itself, and it often leads to harsher penalties than if the driver had stayed and faced the consequences.
Another reason drivers might leave the scene is misunderstanding their legal obligations. Some individuals, especially in minor accidents, may not realize they are required by law to stop, exchange information, and offer aid to anyone injured. While ignorance of the law is never an excuse, it’s a factor that leads to hit-and-run incidents more often than many people think.
Finally, there are instances where the driver’s state of mind plays a role. Anxiety, guilt, or fear of financial ruin can cloud judgment, leading someone to make a split-second decision to run. Regardless of the reason, leaving the scene only makes things worse—for both the victim and the driver. Understanding these motives can help victims, and their attorneys anticipate the defense arguments a fleeing driver might use in court and prepare a strategy to ensure justice is served.
Long-Term Impacts and Damages in Florida Hit-and-Run Cases
The long-term effects of a hit-and-run accident can be devastating. Victims often face prolonged recovery periods due to delayed medical attention or severe injuries sustained during the crash. Some individuals may never fully recover, leaving them with permanent disabilities or chronic pain that affects their quality of life. Beyond the physical toll, the emotional trauma of surviving a hit-and-run accident can linger for years, manifesting as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In Florida, victims of hit-and-run accidents are entitled to seek compensation for their injuries and other losses. Damages in these cases can include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Additionally, in cases where a loved one has died as a result of the accident, families may be able to pursue wrongful death claims to cover funeral expenses and loss of future income.
Florida law also allows for punitive damages in hit-and-run cases. Punitive damages are intended to punish the driver for their reckless behavior and serve as a deterrent for others. These damages are awarded in addition to compensatory damages and can significantly increase the total amount a victim or their family receives.
Hit-and-run accidents are particularly challenging for victims and their families because they often involve identifying the driver responsible. In many cases, law enforcement may not immediately locate the individual who fled the scene, leaving victims with mounting medical bills and uncertainty about how to pursue compensation. This is where a skilled personal injury attorney can step in to help.
If you were injured as a result of another’s negligence, reach out to the Miami personal injury and workers’ compensation lawyers at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada. We provide free consultations and will only accept payment for our services if we can recover compensation on your behalf.