What Should You Do If You Cause a Hit and Run Accident

If you cause an accident and flee the scene without stopping, do not expect any sympathy from the courts in Florida. Hit and run is considered a serious offense and has significant consequences that can affect you for the rest of your life. If convicted of a hit and run you could face imprisonment, fines, mandatory community service, probation, and counseling. A hit and run can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony offense.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor Offense

How do you know if you have committed a felony or misdemeanor? If you hit another vehicle, left the scene and damage was minimal with no one left injured, you would most likely be charged with a misdemeanor. If, on the other hand, you injured or killed another in a hit and run accident with accompanying serious property damage, you would be charged with a felony offense. If you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the accident occurred, even harsher penalties can be expected. If you have any prior convictions on your record, this too can complicate matters and increase penalties.

What Actions to Take

If you or a loved one has been involved in a hit in run accident in the Fort Lauderdale area, the first thing you should do is contact a qualified and experienced Ft. Lauderdale criminal defense attorney. You will need aggressive defense and at Parks & Braxton, PA, we can help. We will begin by thoroughly investigating all of the evidence involved (police reports, any photographs or witness statements) and create a strategic defense with the intention of helping you avoid a conviction. We offer free consultations and will go over the details of your case with you in person.

Contact a Fort Lauderdale hit and run defense lawyer in our office to set up an appointment today.