Hit & Run Laws in Tallahassee Florida
Being involved in a hit and run car accident in Tallahassee FL can be a stressful and scary experience, and it can have serious legal consequences. In Tallahassee, FL, the law applies in a specific way to hit and run accidents, and it is important to understand your rights and obligations if you are involved in one.
What is a hit and run accident?
A hit and run accident is an accident in which one of the drivers involved leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or provide assistance to the other driver. Hit and run accidents can occur in a variety of circumstances, from minor fender benders to more serious accidents with injuries or property damage.
In Florida, it is a crime to leave the scene of an accident without stopping to provide information and assistance to the other driver. The severity of the crime depends on the circumstances of the accident.
What to do if you are involved in a hit and run accident
If you are involved in a hit and run accident in Tallahassee, the first thing you should do is stop your vehicle and check for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance.
If there are no injuries, you should exchange information with the other driver if possible. This includes your name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information. You should also write down the make, model, and license plate number of the other vehicle.
If the other driver leaves the scene without providing this information, try to get as much information as you can about their vehicle, including the make, model, and license plate number. You should also try to get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
Reporting a hit and run accident in Tallahassee
Under Florida law, you are required to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage to the police. If you are involved in a hit and run accident and the other driver leaves the scene without providing information, Attorney Amber Hall recommends that you should call the police immediately to report the accident.
Tallahassee Injury attorney Amber Hall recommends that when you then report the accident, you should provide as much information as possible about the other driver and their vehicle. Things such as color of the vehicle, anything custom on the vehicle such as non-stock wheels or rims, whether the car had tinted windows, whether you saw more than one person in the vehicle, are all helpful bits of information that could be used. The police will investigate the accident and try to locate the other driver.
Penalties for hit and run accidents in Tallahassee
The penalties for hit and run accidents in Tallahassee depend on the severity of the accident and whether anyone was injured or killed. In general, leaving the scene of an accident that involves property damage is a misdemeanor, while leaving the scene of an accident that involves injury or death is a felony.
If you are convicted of a hit and run accident in Tallahassee, you could face fines, jail time, and a suspension of your driver’s license. You could also be held liable for any damages or injuries resulting from the accident.
Conclusion
Being involved in a hit and run accident in Tallahassee can be a stressful and scary experience, but it is important to know your rights and obligations under the law. If you are involved in a hit and run accident, stop your vehicle, check for injuries, exchange information if possible, and report the accident to the police. Remember that leaving the scene of an accident can have serious legal consequences, and it is always better to stay and provide assistance to the other driver.