Law enforcement officials around the state of Florida are claiming that hit-and-run accidents are increasing rapidly, and it’s cause for alarm. In response, a new campaign is being launched to let drivers know that leaving the scene of an accident can result in stiffer penalties.
Florida had more than 80,000 hit and run accidents last year and those including fatalities increased by almost 25% between 2013 and 2014. Nearly half of the fatality victims over that time period were pedestrians, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. In response, the agency will be hosting press conferences throughout the state to help educate drivers on the consequences of leaving the scene of an accident.
Governor Scott signed a law in 2014 that toughens the penalties for leaving the scene, making it a second-degree felony and one that carries a mandatory four-year sentence for a driver convicted of fleeing a fatal crash and could result in the revocation of a person’s driving license for three years.
Law enforcement officials encourage all of those involved in an accident to call authorities, remain calm, get vehicle, witness and driver information, diagram the scene to assist officers in visualizing the collision and help any injured parties.
This documented increase in hit-and-run collisions is yet another reason to assess your insurance coverage to ensure that you have adequate protection. If you find yourself involved in one of these situations, the reason for someone fleeing very likely could be that they lack insurance. This is why it is critical to carry med-pay, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (stacked) on your policy (as well as an umbrella policy that has uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage), to make certain that in addition to your PIP coverage, you will have additional monies to rely on, if you require medical treatment that exceeds your PIP limits.
If you or someone you care for has been involved in an accident, please consider contacting our experienced attorneys for a consultation.
The Schulman Law Group – (954) 349-3300 or at info@www.schulaw.com
