Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Leaving the Scene of an Accident is commonly referred to as a "Hit and Run" and is a crime in Florida

If accused of Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Florida, you need to know the:

Definition of Leaving the Scene of an Accident

The crime of Leaving the Scene of an Accident occurs if:

  • You are involved in an accident or crash with another person's property; such as a vehicle, building, or structure; and
  • You leave the scene of the accident or crash without providing your name, address, registration information, and driver's license to the owner of the property.

If the owner of the property is not present to receive your information or cannot be readily located, you are required to report the accident or crash to the nearest law enforcement agency and provide your name, address, registration information, and driver's license.

Duty to Render Aid

If you are involved in an accident or crash that results in injury or death to any person, including a passenger of yours, you are required to:

  • Stop Immediately;
  • Provide your names, address, registration information, and driver's license; and
  • Render reasonable assistance to the injured or deceased person by transporting, or making arrangements for the transportation, of the person to a medical professional for treatment if it is apparent that treatment is needed or the person requests assistance.

If the person injured or deceased is not in a condition to receive your information or be transported, you are required to report the accident or crash to the nearest law enforcement agency as quickly as possible and provide your name, address, registration information, and driver's license.

Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident

The penalties for the crime of Leaving the Scene of an Accident increase based upon whether the accident or crash involved Property Damage, Personal Injury, or Death.

In Florida, Leaving the Scene of an Accident can be charged as:

Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Property Damage

Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Property Damage is a Second Degree Misdemeanor. If convicted of Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Property Damage, you would be facing any combination of the following penalties:

  • Up to sixty (60) days in jail,
  • Up to six months of probation, or
  • A fine up to $500.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Injury

Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Injury is a Third Degree Felony punishable as a Level 5 offense under Florida's sentencing guidelines.

If convicted of Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Injury, you would be facing any combination of the following penalties:

  • A maximum sentence of five (5) years in prison,
  • Five years of probation, or
  • A fine up to $5,000.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Death

Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Death is a First Degree Felony punishable as a Level 7 offense under Florida's sentencing guidelines.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Death, you would be facing any combination of the following penalties:

  • A minimum sentence of twenty-one (21) months in prison,
  • A maximum sentence of fifteen (15) years in prison,
  • Fifteen years of probation, or
  • A fine up to $10,000.

Defenses to Leaving the Scene of an Accident

In addition to the general pretrial and trial defenses that can be raised in any criminal case, some specific defenses to the crime of Leaving the Scene of an Accident include:

Physically Unable to Report

If, because of the crash or injury, you were rendered physically incapacitated and unable to report the crash or accident; you are exempt from fulfilling the requirement to leave your your name, address, registration information, and driver's license to the owner of the property.

Contact Criminal Defense Attorney Richard Hornsby

If you are charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident, contact Criminal Defense Attorney Richard Hornsby for the criminal defense representation you deserve.

The initial consultation is free and I am always available to advise you on the proper course of action to take.