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.
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) 334-1344 or filling out our contact form today.
Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal!