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23 Sep

Hit-and-Run Accidents: Insights and Statistics

By Melissa Hidalgo

A hit-and-run occurs when a driver causes damage to a vehicle, person, property, or even an animal and then flees the scene without reporting the incident or leaving contact information. This cowardly act can leave victims feeling violated and financially burdened.

At Injury Assistance Law Firm, we understand the challenges you may face after a hit-and-run accident. Our experienced attorneys are not just dedicated but also deeply committed to helping victims obtain the compensation they deserve. You can count on us to be your strong advocates in this challenging time.

This post will delve into the statistics data surrounding hit-and-run accidents, providing insights from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Fatality and the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

The Dangers of Hit-and-Run Accidents

A hit-and-run accident occurs, like the name says, when a driver causes a crash or collision and then flees the scene without providing any information to the other party involved. This includes leaving contact information, driver's license details, or insurance information.

Common scenarios of hit-and-run accidents include the following:

  • A driver hitting a parked car, leaving without even leaving a note.
  • A driver causing a collision and then fleeing the scene.
  • A driver damaging property and leaving without reporting the incident.

Unlike in a typical car accident where drivers exchange information, a hit-and-run involves one driver abandoning their responsibilities and potentially leaving the other party in a vulnerable situation. This can have severe consequences, both legally and financially.

If you've been a victim of a hit-and-run accident, a Personal Injury Law Firm can help. In Injury Assistance Law Firm, our experienced Personal Injury Attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and seeking justice on your behalf.

The Prevalence of Hit-and-Run Accidents

It's easy to believe that a hit-and-run accident won't happen to you, but the reality is that they are more common than you might think.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool, hit-and-runs resulted in:

  • 2,564 fatalities
  • 236,433 injuries
  • 529,836 property damage crashes

In 2020 alone.

Key Statistics:

  • Pedestrians were involved in 1,582 fatalities and 13,658 injuries.
  • Cyclists were involved in 7,054 injuries and 202 fatalities.
  • Motorcycles were involved in 215 deaths, 8,459 injuries, and 7,935 property damage incidents.
  • Drivers of teen ages are more likely to be involved in hit-and-runs significantly.
  • Speeding is a contributing factor in hit-and-run accidents.
  • Weekends and Fridays see a higher prevalence of hit-and-runs.
  • New Mexico, Louisiana, and Florida have the highest rates of hit-and-runs.

If you've been a victim of a hit-and-run, it's crucial to prioritize your safety and document the incident. Filing a police report and insurance claim promptly can save you time and stress in the long run.

For more information or to discuss your specific case, contact a personal injury law firm. An experienced attorney can provide assistance and guidance.

The Dangers of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Florida

Hit-and-run accidents remain a significant problem in Florida, with nearly 25% of all crashes involving a driver fleeing the scene. While many hit-and-runs result in property damage, these incidents can also have devastating consequences, including fatalities and serious injuries.

Key Statistics:

  • There were 104,273 hit-and-run accidents in Florida just in 2023.
  • Two hundred seventy-one fatalities and 871 severe bodily injuries were caused by hit-and-run accidents in 2023.
  • Pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable road users are particularly at risk.
  • Over 81% of hit-and-run fatalities occurred during low-light conditions.

Florida Law and Penalties

Florida Law compels drivers to stop at the scene of an accident involving property damage, injury, or death. Failure to do so is a severe offense.

The Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act, enacted in 2014, imposes a mandatory minimum of four years in prison for drivers who were convicted of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in a fatality.

If you've been a victim of a hit-and-run accident in Florida, our personal injury law firm can provide expert legal representation. Our experienced attorneys, specialists in hit-and-run accidents, are dedicated to protecting your rights and seeking justice on your behalf. We understand the complexities of Florida's hit-and-run laws and can provide the legal guidance you need to recover from this traumatic event.

The Importance of Hit-and-Run Awareness

Raising awareness about the dangers of hit-and-run accidents is a critical step in prevention. By educating drivers about their legal obligations and the severe consequences of fleeing the scene, we can encourage responsible behavior on the roads and reduce the number of these incidents.

Awareness campaigns play a significant role in decreasing hit-and-run accidents. For example, in Florida, the number of hit-and-runs decreased by less than 1% in 2023 compared to the previous year. This can be attributed, in part, to heightened awareness and education efforts.

The Role of Personal Injury Attorneys:

If you've been a victim of a hit-and-run accident, an attorney from a personal injury law firm can provide invaluable assistance. Our attorneys, one of the best in Florida, are dedicated to seeking justice on your behalf and protecting your rights. We can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, gather evidence, and go to trial if necessary to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Contact our personal injury law firm today for a free consultation.

Don't Let A Hit-and-Run Driver Get Away

If you've been involved in a hit-and-run accident, your safety and the well-being of others are paramount. It's essential to stay calm and document the incident as thoroughly as possible. This information will be highly valuable when filing a police report and insurance claim.

At Injury Assistance Law Firm, we understand the challenges you may face after a hit-and-run accident. Our attorneys, with experience in hit-and-run accidents, are dedicated, heart and soul, to protecting your rights and seeking justice on your behalf.

Don't let the driver who caused the accident escape responsibility. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the legal process.