Hit & Run Accidents in St. Petersburg
If you’ve recently been involved in a hit and run accident in St. Petersburg, Florida, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we bring 50 years of combined experience to the table and have successfully secured over $120 million for our clients. We are ready to dedicate ourselves to your case as soon as you decide to move forward.
Being the victim of a hit and run in St. Petersburg, Florida, is not only physically injurious but also emotionally taxing, as it involves a criminal act. We recognize the frustration and anger you might feel and are adept at supporting individuals in situations like yours. Let our St. Petersburg hit and run accident attorneys handle the legal complexities so you can concentrate on healing.
Reach out to our St. Petersburg hit and run accident lawyers at (727) 787-2500 for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your circumstances and offer initial guidance. Remember, we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t owe us anything unless we win compensation for you.
How Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Hit and Run Accident in St. Petersburg, FL
If you’ve been a victim of a hit and run accident in St. Petersburg, FL, securing a seasoned personal injury firm is vital. A knowledgeable St. Petersburg car accident lawyer, proficient in personal injury law, is essential to fully leverage all legal avenues available to you.
When you choose our firm, here’s what our St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys will do for your car accident case:
- Conduct thorough investigations at the accident scene and delve into all pertinent details
- Gather and analyze evidence, including crash reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage
- Work with experts who can provide essential testimony in your case
- Negotiate assertively with insurance companies to secure the best possible settlement
- If settlement negotiations falter, pursue robust court representation before a judge and jury
We make it a priority to keep you well-informed throughout the legal process and involve you in crucial decisions. For a detailed review of your case at no cost, contact us today to speak with a St. Petersburg hit and run accident lawyer.
What Is a Hit and Run Accident?
Florida has a notably high rate of hit and run incidents, with approximately 25% of all car accidents in the state involving someone leaving the scene. Legally referred to as “leaving the scene of an accident,” this act involves failing to meet legal obligations following a car or truck accident.
Florida law mandates that anyone involved in a car accident must remain at the scene to fulfill specific legal responsibilities before they can leave. This requirement holds regardless of whether the accident resulted in damage to another person’s vehicle or property.
After a collision, drivers are required to exchange crucial information, including:
- Name
- Phone number
- Address
- Insurance information
- Driver’s license number
This exchange of information ensures that all parties involved have the necessary details to proceed with insurance claims and take legal action if necessary.
What Should You Do After a Hit and Run Accident?
Dealing with the aftermath of a hit and run accident can be exceptionally difficult, especially due to the lack of information about the fleeing vehicle, such as its license plate number or description.
Nonetheless, there are crucial steps that victims can take to preserve evidence and bolster their case:
Contact Law Enforcement
Immediately following a hit and run, it’s vital to contact the police. They will initiate an investigation, attempt to locate the fleeing driver and collect eyewitness accounts.
Record All Information
Document every detail about the accident, including the location, time, and any descriptions of the fleeing vehicle you can recall. Take photos of the damage and jot down the contact information of any witnesses.
Seek Medical Attention
Always get a medical evaluation after an accident, even if no injuries are apparent. This is crucial for your health and also formally records your injuries, which is essential for legal purposes.
Contact a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
Engage a lawyer experienced in hit and run accidents. Personal injury attorneys can assist in navigating the complexities of such cases, including dealing with insurance claims and conducting independent investigations.
Taking these steps helps build a strong case and increases the chances of obtaining justice and appropriate compensation for any injuries and damages incurred.
Penalties for a Hit and Run in St. Petersburg, Florida
In Florida, the legal consequences for committing a hit and run can vary greatly, depending on the severity of the accident and its outcomes, ranging from misdemeanors to felony charges.
Property Damage
If the hit and run results in only property damage, it is considered a second-degree misdemeanor. Those found guilty could face up to 60 days in jail and fines reaching $500.
Injury
If the accident results in injuries, the offense is elevated to a third-degree felony. The penalties for this can include up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
Fatal Accidents
In the most severe cases, where the hit and run results in a fatality, the charge is a first-degree felony. Convictions can lead to penalties of up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
These escalating penalties show the seriousness with which Florida law treats hit and run accidents, and the legal and moral obligation drivers have to remain at the scene of an accident.
Contact a St. Petersburg Hit and Run Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
You don’t have to navigate this difficult period alone. A St. Petersburg hit and run accident lawyer can be instrumental in helping you secure compensation to aid in your recovery. Given the complexities of car accident claims, it’s crucial to have an experienced legal team handle your case.
Contact Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Our empathetic and