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When a car accident happens resulting in property damages or personal injuries, drivers are required to pull over and exchange information so that a claim can be filed. Unfortunately, hit and run accidents in Fort Myers and throughout Florida are a common occurrence. While drivers hope to avoid responsibility for their actions, they can generally be caught and held accountable in a claim.
Fort Myers Hit and Run Driver Apprehended
A hit and run driver allegedly responsible for killing a young girl and injuring her friend has been apprehended and faces serious criminal charges. According to a January 15, 2020 NBC 2 News report, the woman surrendered to authorities at the Waffle House on Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers several days after the crash. Police claim she hit the girls, who were walking on McDaniel Drive several days prior and rather than stopping her vehicle, fled the scene.
One of the victims suffered a broken arm as a result of the accident. The other died as a result of her injuries. In addition to being liable to victims and their families members for the damages they suffer, the driver is being held on a $100,000 bond and faces criminal charges for two counts of hit and run.
Why Hit and Run Drivers Leave the Scene
According to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), Florida has one of the highest rates for hit and run accidents in the country. Common reasons why at-fault drivers in crashes or collisions choose to break the law and leave the scene include:
- They panic over having been responsible for a car accident;
- They are driving without insurance or a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration;
- They hope to evade liability and criminal charges due to driving under the influence or other reckless behaviors;
- They have outstanding warrants or are wanted by the law in regards to other criminal matters;
- They are uncertain of their immigration status and hope to avoid deportation.
While hit and run drivers may hope to avoid detection, the fact is their actions only make a bad situation worse. In addition to the compensation they may be required to pay victims, they face a jail sentence if convicted on hit and run charges.
Our Fort Myers Car Accident Attorneys Holds Hit and Run Drivers Accountable
Having an experienced car accident attorney on your side is important when a hit and run occurs. We can take the actions needed to bring the at-fault driver to justice. This includes:
- Talking to witnesses and obtaining footage from nearby security cameras to get a description of the driver and vehicle;
- Working with law enforcement in conducting investigations;
- Getting the word out among the general public;
- Speaking with local repair shops, where the driver may have taken their vehicle for service.
You can trust the Bernardo Law Firm to apprehend hit and run drivers and hold them accountable. To discuss your case, call contact our Fort Myers car accident attorney and request a consultation today.