Blogs from May, 2022

No one wants to get in a car accident, but it can be even more stressful if you’ve been involved in an accident where the other driver left before exchanging information or waiting for law enforcement. Hit and run automobile accidents are frustrating, and while they happen in Florida, they aren’t as common as other types of automobile incidents. The most difficult part of dealing with a hit-and-run incident in Florida is knowing how to proceed after the accident. Fortunately, if you can find the offending party, they can be held accountable under Florida hit and run laws. If you’ve seen an uptick in hit and run incidents in your area, you can check your insurance coverage to ensure you have coverage to address the issue. Unfortunately, there is very little you can do to prevent hit and run accidents, so your best option is to ensure you are equipped to protect yourself and manage your affairs if you’re involved in one.

Hit-and-Run Laws in Florida

According to Florida law, if a driver is involved in an auto accident, they must remain at the scene long enough to meet two legal requirements.

According to Florida Hit and Run Laws, found in section 316.06, drivers have a “duty to give information and render aid.” —

The driver of any vehicle involved in a crash resulting in injury to or death of any person or damage to any vehicle or other property which is driven or attended by any person shall give his or her name, address, and the registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving, and shall upon request and if available exhibit his or her license or permit to drive, to any person injured in such crash or to the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle or other property damaged in the crash and shall give such information and, upon request, exhibit such license or permit to any police officer at the scene of the crash or who is investigating the crash and shall render to any person injured in the crash reasonable assistance, including the carrying, or the making of arrangements for the carrying, of such person to a physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that treatment is necessary, or if such carrying is requested by the injured person.

First Requirement: Drivers involved in an accident must exchange personal information, like automobile insurance, license and registration, and name and contact information.

Second Requirement: Drivers must remain at the scene long enough to provide aid if the other party is injured.

Consequences of Violating Florida Hit-and-Run Laws

In 2014, Florida's hit and run laws were made even stricter after a hit and run driver killed a cyclist. The father of two was the inspiration for the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act, found in section 316.027 of Florida law.

• If a driver leaves the scene of an accident where there was property damage, they could face second-degree misdemeanor charges, up to 60 days in prison, and a $50 fine.

• If a driver leaves the scene of an accident where someone was injured, they could face second or third-degree felony charges, up to 5 years in prison, and a $5,000 fine.

• If a driver leaves the scene of an accident where someone was killed, they could face a first-degree felony charge, a revoked driver’s license, and a minimum of 4 years in prison or as many as 30 years.

What Should You Do if You’re Involved in a Crash?

Now that you know the law, you need to know how to protect yourself and take charge at the scene if you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident. If you are able, the first thing you should do is call authorities and wait at the location. It’s important to remain at the scene in case the other driver is injured and incapable of contacting lifesaving assistance.

Law enforcement professionals advise drivers involved in a hit and run or any automobile incident should:

• Remain Calm as Possible
• Exchange Information With the Other Driver When Possible
• Attempt to Provide Aid Where Needed
• Take Photos of the Scene and Share Details With Authorities

All automobile accidents are scary and frustrating, but prematurely leaving the scene of a hit-and-run accident can have life-altering consequences for everyone involved.

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney

If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident in Florida, you may need the assistance of the Fort Myers car accident attorneys at Pittman Law Firm, P.L. Our lawyers can work with you to review the details of your case and determine if you have legal options available to you. Call us today at (239) 603-6913 to schedule a consultation and case review.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.

Each season brings with it driving challenges, and spring is no exception. After dealing with the annoyances of winter, the coming of spring is a welcome event on the calendar. We don’t worry much about winter here in Florida, but spring driving can present challenges for us as the roads present different difficulties than we may be expecting. You should always execute defensive driving skills and remain alert while behind the wheel of your car or truck. By the time spring rolls around, drivers must be even more careful when driving. Many of the most common hazards that pose problems for even the most diligent driver happen during spring. Here are a few of those dangers our Naples personal injury attorneys want you to watch out for:

1. Roadway Damage: Weather conditions gradually break down the integrity of road materials, causing cracks, potholes, and permanent water slicks. Spring is known for heavy rains, so it can be challenging to spot roadway issues. When there are pockets of water, slick areas, or cracks, it’s easier to lose control of your vehicle, especially at higher speeds.
2. Glare: While spring is known for late-season showers, it’s also when we start to enjoy more sunny days. With sunny days comes glare from both inside and outside of your car. On a bright and sunny day, sunshine through your windshield can cause a glare from the glass that is blinding. You also have to worry about the sun interacting with other glass surfaces in your vehicle, like phones and tablets. Glare is a leading factor in automobile accidents during early morning and sunset.
3. Cyclists: While it doesn’t get too cold in Florida, riding your bike for long sessions during the winter can be uncomfortable. So, as soon as the weather permits, you should expect to see an increase in motorcycles and bikes sharing the roadway. More bikes and motorcycles mean more traffic and a greater potential for accidents. It’s easy to miss a biker or motorcyclist when changing lanes, so it’s important to remember the rules of sharing the road with cyclists.
4. Kids & Pets: Yes, kids play in the winter, and people walk their dogs year-round. Once the weather is nice outside, people come outdoors to play, and many of those people are kids. Additionally, pets are often outdoors more when people spend time outside. Pay closer attention when driving through residential areas because you may need to brake immediately or swerve to avoid those who may enter the road without knowing the danger.
5. Other Animals: If you live outside the city in a more rural area, you will need to pay close attention to other activities on the road from wildlife. Spring is the mating season for many animals, and they are also coming out in search of food after hiding out during the winter months. There is a more dangerous situation during evening hours when it’s harder to see animals congregating on the side of the road or in the easement. Animals can dart out into the street and cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles or strike other vehicles trying to avoid animals.
6. Rainy Days: Spring is known for rainy days. All those beautiful flowers associated with spring need rain showers to pop up, but rainy days mean slick roadways. It can be harder to see when it’s rainy and gloomy outside. Long driving stints can lead to faster eye fatigue and strain. The best way to combat this problem is by ensuring your vehicle is ready for the challenge. Have you checked your windshield wipers? Do you have good tires? Have you checked your headlights? Ensuring your vehicle is prepared for rainy day weather is just as important as how you drive in these unfavorable conditions.

Florida Accident Attorney

Automobile accidents can be emotionally devastating and damaging to you and your property. When you’re driving, it’s essential to make smart choices when you’re behind the wheel and give yourself time when traveling. If you’re involved in an automobile crash, our experienced Florida accident attorneys at Pittman Law Firm, P.L. can help determine if legal action is necessary. Call us today at (239) 603-6913 to schedule a consultation and case review.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.