Vehicle accidents can be sudden and unexpected. Individuals who leave the scene of an accident may negatively react to the collision for many reasons including confusion or panic. It is important to know that leaving the scene of an accident comes with major consequences. Ramifications as a result of fleeing an accident scene can include; 60 days in jail if the property is damaged, six months of probation and up to $500 in fines. If an injury is involved, defendants can face more serious consequences such as; a third-degree felony with a maximum of 5 years in prison, 5 years of probation, or up to $5,000 in fines. If alcohol is involved or the defendant does not have a valid driver’s license, repercussions may also vary.
What Happens After Leaving the Scene of an Accident?
There is a process that law enforcement goes through to find a person who has left the scene of an accident. First, an investigation of the scene must be conducted. Law enforcement will arrive on the scene and assess the crash, speak to witnesses and ask them questions. If there are surveillance cameras around the area such as traffic light cameras or business cameras, law enforcement may ask to retrieve the footage for evidence. In more serious cases, law enforcement may test the paint left on the victim’s vehicle. If authorities find evidence that a specific person may be who left the scene, they may go to that person’s home or job for questioning.
Further Consequences
When someone leaves the scene of an accident, it makes them seem liable for the collision. Even if an individual who flees the scene of an accident is not faced with criminal charges, the injured victim can choose to file a civil claim against them. Once a fleeing driver is identified, law enforcement can choose to issue a warrant for their arrest. When in court, a jury may interpret leaving the scene of an accident as being guilty of the crime.
Potential Charges
In Florida, the consequences for leaving the scene of an accident vary depending on the instance of the case. If a fleeing driver leaves the scene of an accident where only property is damaged, they could face charges such as second-degree misdemeanors. If found guilty, the driver can face up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. If a fleeing driver leaves the scene of an accident where a person is injured, they could be charged with a third-degree felony, punishable up to five years in prison or five years of probation and a $5,000 fine. If a death occurs, the fleeing driver can be faced with 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
What is the Best Thing to do After Being Involved in an Accident?
First and foremost, after an accident, it is important to remain at the scene. Whether you are unsure if you caused it or not, remaining at the scene of an accident will allow you to speak with law enforcement and explain to them what happened. You may be required to give your driver’s license to authorities and provide them with your car insurance and registration. If you cause an accident and damage someone’s property but there are no witnesses around, try to locate the property owner. If you are still unsuccessful, leave a note with your personal information. By staying at the scene of an accident, an individual can avoid serious criminal charges despite if they were at fault or not. In Florida, the consequences for leaving the scene of an accident vary depending on the instance of the case. If you are faced with this type of charge, call Rivera Law at 561-651-9322 to help you avoid serious consequences with this charge.
Great article! Very informative and a good read!