Be Careful: Hit and Run Accidents Are Out Of Control In Florida!
Everyone knows there are plenty of unscrupulous people out there that flee when they cause an accident. Sometimes this may be merely a fender-bender, but often hit an run accidents result in serious injury or even death.
In fact Florida has the grim statistic of a shocking amount of hit and run accidents – an incredible 70,000 hit an run accidents in 2012 and even worse, 168 were fatal. Those are startling numbers and it looks like the hit and run problem is getting worse, 70,000 hit an run accidents means an increase of over 4,000 hit an runs from 2011.
This is not just a problem for drivers either, among the Florida hit and run accident victims last year were more than 100 pedestrians. Many of them right here in the Bradenton/Sarasota area.
Hit and run drivers should be ware, the Florida Highway Patrol is trying to address the problem. If you are involved in a car accident it is your legal responsibility remain at the scene. Better still to stop and exchange information with the parties involved and if there are injured passengers or pedestrians to contact authorities to get them help.
If you decide to flee the scene of an accident you are committing a serous crime. If you leave an accident that has injures or deaths you can be charged with first degree felony and end up with a 30 year prison sentence with $10,000 fine to boot.
It's unclear why there has been an increase in hit an run incidents, but the victim of such an event may get banged up financially too. New restrictions to Personal Injury Protect coverage fall in favor of the insurance company not the claimant, and will only be offering a paltry amount of coverage for emergency medical bills. Additionally if you have been seriously injured in a hit and run accident, your uninsured motorist coverage may not be enough to cover the costs or your insurance company may dispute your claim and attempt to reduce your compensation. Getting hurt in a hit and run is bad enough but if your insurance company acts in bad faith you may be feeling financial pain for years to come.
Now more than ever it's important to contact an experienced car accident attorney if you have been injured in a hit and run accident. Your injuries may have lasting effects and only an experienced lawyer with the resources to take a case to trial should represent you in your pursuit for just compensation.
Get Justice For Your Injuries. Get Goldman Babboni & Walsh.