Hit and run accidents in Miami or anywhere in the U.S constitutes of a driver who is at fault that then decides to speed away from the scene after either hitting a person, or a car. Hence, the term ‘Hit and Run’. By law, any person who is involved in a vehicular accident is required to remain at the scene where the accident occurred, regardless of it being that someone was hurt, or a property sustaining damage. Hit and run incidents can be very frustrating and time consuming, due to not having much information on the offender. Investigations have to be made, which can elapse for an unknown time.
The most common types of reason why someone would commit this criminal act is either because to have been drinking, do not have a current insurance, or may have a warrant for their arrest by having committed another type of crime. Usually, when only property damage has been committed, then it results in a misdemeanor charge, but now if someone is injured, or even killed by the hit and run, then it could be charged with a felony.
Requirements When Stopping After an Accident in Miami
It doesn’t matter if you were the one at fault, or were not in causing the accident. By law, you are required to stay at the scene and put a name to yourself. In a case where only belongings were damaged, you would have to exchange the following information:
- The names and addresses of both parties
- The names and addresses of whom the vehicle is registered to
Property damage is a pretty common accident that occurs to parked cars, and most likely, the owner is nowhere to be found. At that point, you must leave a note describing what happened and that states all your information such as, name and address.
In the case of the collision resulting in a personal injury or even death.
You are required to:
- Leave your name
- Provide you home address
- The names and addresses of any passengers who may have been injured
- The number of your registration
- The name and address of whoever owns the vehicle
The Effects on Your Insurance and Driver’s License
Performing an act of hit and run can have devastating impacts on your insurance and driver’s license. You can face up to a total of six months, and be fined under $1,000. Also, you will have points added to your driver’s license, which makes insurance companies view you as someone liable; causing an increase in your monthly payments.
Make sure if you do face an accident, to always exchange information, regardless of anyone or any property being damaged.
Criminal Punishments
You can be found guilty of a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on if someone was hurt, if someone died from with manslaughter with or without negligence, if you’ve had previous DUI charges or if it was your first offense. These factors play a significant role in determine the amount of time you will receive in jail, and the amount of fines that you are subjected to pay.
Statutes of Limitations
There are expiry dates for hit and runs and it all depends on the charge. For misdemeanor offenses, you have one year from when the crime was committed, unlike a felony charge that constitutes of three years of limitations.
Let Us Be Your Guiding Hand in Miami, FL
Hit and run cases are composed of many factors. It is quite complex. Our job is to take care of that complexity for you and help you manage the situation in a finer way. The best advice if to contact a qualified personal injury attorney after the accident has already been reported to the police. We can find you monetary gain in areas that you didn’t believe you were entitled to. Call today at (305)529-0001. We take pride in making your live simpler.