The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) states that in 2021, there were a total of 108,155 hit-and-run crashes with 304 fatalities in Florida. With a 17% increase in the number of hit-and-run accidents from 2020 to 2021, many government officials express concern for these growing numbers and urge people to stay at the scene of the accident.
As a result of these concerns, Florida law harshly punishes those that flee the scene of an accident. The severity of the accident, whether anyone is harmed, and if any serious negligence was involved contribute to the severity of punishments an individual may face. If you suffer serious injuries in a St. Petersburg hit-and-run accident, contact Marsalisi Law for professional legal representation you can trust. We treat all our clients like family and will fight for your rights throughout the claim process.
4 Common Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents in St. Petersburg, Florida
Even while most individuals are familiar with the legal implications and consequences of leaving the scene of an accident, there are numerous reasons for people to act carelessly and flee after an accident. Understanding the reasons will help prepare you for defense strategies the defendant’s legal team may use.
The following are common causes of hit-and-run accidents in St. Petersburg, Florida:
Uninsured Driver
Some people do not carry state-mandated automobile insurance and fear the criminal charges and fines they may face due to the accident. When uninsured drivers realize they have caused an accident, they may panic and leave the scene.
Drunk Driver
If an individual causes an accident while under the influence of alcohol, they may leave the scene for fear of being caught intoxicated. They may also make unclear and thoughtless decisions due to their impaired state of mind. Individuals with previous DUI convictions may also fear harsh sentences and possible incarceration, so they flee the scene to escape those punishments.
Driver with Outstanding Warrants
Drivers with outstanding warrants or tickets may flee the scene to avoid being arrested by law enforcement when they run the person’s driver’s license information. The negligent party may try to avoid points being added to their license and increased insurance rates by leaving the scene of the accident.
Panicked Driver
Panic can make even those without any previous mistakes or real issues flee the scene of the accident. When people are in stressful situations, there is a fight or flight reflex that may cause a person to run. However, they must be held accountable for their actions and fleeing the scene is a severe crime.
It is extremely dangerous to leave the scene of an accident without checking to make sure everyone is okay and to contact law enforcement. Regardless of the reason for a person to flee the accident scene, those injured and who suffer damages in an accident have the right to hold the responsible driver accountable for their behavior.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in St. Petersburg
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident in St. Petersburg, knowing what to do immediately afterward is critical for your safety and for protecting your legal rights. The steps you take can have a major impact on your ability to recover full compensation for your injuries and property damage.
At Marsalisi Law, our St. Petersburg hit-and-run accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims hold negligent drivers accountable and secure the justice they deserve.
1. Contact Emergency Services
Your safety should always come first. Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries to yourself and your passengers. Call 911 right away to report the crash and request medical assistance if needed. Law enforcement must be notified of all hit-and-run accidents in Florida, even if the damage appears minor. Having a police report on record strengthens your claim and may help identify the fleeing driver.
2. Gather Information and Evidence
While waiting for the police to arrive, collect as much evidence as possible from the scene. Write down or record details about the other vehicle, such as its make, model, color, license plate number, and any distinguishing marks. Note the direction the driver fled and the time and location of the crash.
Take photographs or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be crucial in proving your case and helping your St. Petersburg hit-and-run attorney pursue the at-fault driver.
3. Speak to Witnesses and Check for Cameras
Witnesses often provide essential information that helps identify the fleeing driver. Speak to anyone nearby who saw the accident and collect their contact details. Ask local businesses or homeowners if their security cameras may have captured the incident. Your attorney can later use this footage to support your claim.
4. See Prompt Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, it’s vital to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as concussions, internal bleeding, or whiplash, may not show symptoms right away.
Medical documentation not only protects your health but also establishes a clear connection between the crash and your injuries. Keep all medical records, bills, and treatment notes for your lawyer to review when building your claim.
5. Contact a St. Petersburg Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
Navigating a hit-and-run claim can be complex, especially if the at-fault driver is not immediately found. An experienced St. Petersburg car accident attorney can help you explore all possible sources of compensation, including:
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage under your own insurance policy;
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits for medical expenses;
- Claims against other liable parties, such as vehicle owners or employers.
Marsalisi Law will handle every detail of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies so that you can focus on recovery.
Understanding Florida’s Hit-and-Run Laws
Florida enforces strict penalties for drivers who flee the scene of an accident. Knowing these laws can help victims understand the seriousness of the offense and the legal remedies available to them. Hit-and-run accidents are serious, and the negligent drivers should be held accountable for their actions.
Florida Statutes Section 316.027
Under Florida Statutes Section 316.027, drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death must immediately stop at the scene and provide their information to other parties and law enforcement. Failure to do so constitutes a criminal offense. If the accident results in injury, leaving the scene is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. When a hit-and-run results in serious bodily injury, it becomes a second-degree felony with penalties including up to 15 years in prison. Hit-and-run accidents involving death are first-degree felonies, carrying mandatory minimum prison sentences of four years and potential maximum sentences of 30 years.
Civil Liability for Hit-and-Run Drivers and Victim Compensation
Beyond criminal penalties, hit-and-run drivers face civil liability for damages they cause. Victims may pursue compensation through personal injury claims to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses and future treatment;
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Property damage.
In some cases, courts award punitive damages to punish reckless conduct and deter similar behavior. Working with an experienced hit-and-run attorney ensures all possible damages are pursued to maximize your recovery.
Property Damage Hit-and-Runs
Even if no one is injured, Florida law requires drivers to stop and exchange information after an accident that causes property damage. Failing to do so is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of $500.
These laws reinforce Florida’s commitment to accountability and road safety, ensuring that victims are not left to bear the consequences of another driver’s negligence.
Can I Qualify for Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Accident in St. Petersburg?
The losses you suffer after a hit-and-run accident in St. Petersburg, Florida, may be life-changing depending on the severity of the crash. A serious injury may cause significant financial burdens that limit your ability to recover. With the help of an experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer, you can recover the following damages after a collision:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical treatment and hospital bills
- Cost of prescription medication
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Lost wages or income
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages
Those fleeing the scene of an accident try to escape the consequences of their actions. However, you deserve justice and compensation for your losses. As soon as you are able, contact a hit-and-run accident lawyer to start your injury claim.
Should I Contact a St. Petersburg Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney at Marsalisi Law?
Hit-and-run accidents come with complicated steps because the individual left the scene. You may not even see their face before they leave, but Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi will take any information you have on the individual and will work with his connections and law enforcement to find the individual and hold them accountable.
The following are a few examples of the many ways Frank P. Marsalisi may help your claim:
- Conducting a thorough investigation
- Working with law enforcement or private investigators to find the driver
- Scan any potential surveillance cameras that may have captured the incident or responsible party
- Answering questions regarding your claim
- Gathering vital evidence and documents
- Interviewing eyewitnesses of the accident
- Guiding you through the medical process
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Litigating the matter to trial, if need be
Trying to handle a hit-and-run case on your own may risk your rights and compensation. With professional legal representation, you can count on Marsalisi Law to provide you with the best possible outcome for your claim.
Contact Frank P. Marsalisi for an Experienced St. Petersburg Hit-and-Run Lawyer Today
Hit-and-run accidents are disorienting and complicated. There are a lot of steps and requirements that may be challenging to handle on your own while also recovering from your injuries. With legal representation by Marsalisi Law, you can count on our knowledge and resources to guide you through the legal proceedings. We believe that each client and case is unique and will offer legal services tailored to your needs. Frank P. Marsalisi has years of experience fighting car accident cases for St. Petersburg residents.
Offering legal services in both English and Spanish, you can feel comfortable discussing your case in either language. We want to make sure you feel comfortable and stress-free throughout the process. Schedule a free consultation by calling 727-800-5052 or filling out our contact form today.
Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal!