In Florida, if a driver is involved in a car accident that causes property damage, they are required to stop and provide their name, address and vehicle information to the other person involved.
If the accident involves an injury to another person, the driver must also reasonably assist the other person, including requesting medical help, if needed.
Injuries
There are several injuries that can occur, which may require the driver at fault to request medical help. These include whiplash, where the head and neck are strained; soft tissue injuries to the shoulders and knees and spinal cord injuries leading to neurological problems or paralysis.
Drivers can also experience broken bones, fractures and internal injuries in an accident.
Potential penalties
When a person leaves the scene of an accident without stopping, it is also known as a hit and run and there can be serious consequences, including criminal charges.
If the accident involves only property damage, it is a misdemeanor and can carry a fine of up to $500 and imprisonment for up to 60 days. If the accident caused injuries to others, it is a felony with a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to five years.
For an accident that causes serious injuries to another person or death, it is a felony with a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to 30 years. Also, the driver who caused the accident may have their driver’s license suspended for three years or more.
If a driver has been involved in a hit-and-run accident, there may be defenses available.
