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Florida LAW HIT and RUN ACCIDENTS
Leaving the Scene · Charge · Arrest

Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney

When an Accident Becomes Hit and Run

Hit and Run accidents are the result of one party causing damage to an additional party's property or person and leaving the scene before producing the proper driver documentation. Hit and Run charges can be both misdemeanors and felonies, depending on the severeness of the accident.

HIT AND RUN - KNOW THE Florida LAW. In Florida, the driver of any motor vehicle that has been involved in an accident or collision, regardless of the level of severeness or extent of injury, must stop, find the owner of the damaged property and produce his or her driver documentation. Failing to do so could result in criminal charges for Florida Hit and Run.

Florida DMV Vehicle Codes
When an accident results only in property damage (including motor vehicles), driver must stop and locate owner or person in charge and exchange driver documentation. If owner of damaged property cannot be located, the driver is not permitted to leave the scene of the accident until the following actions have been completed:

a) Leave a note with evidence and proven facts surrounding the case and driver documentation information;
b) Report the accident to the Florida Highway Patrol (CHP) or local police

 

Any accident that is based upon injury or death mandates the driver to perform all actions to the injured party or parties.

The Florida Law regarding Hit and Run has no exceptions. The types of accidents that are eligible for Hit and Run charges variety from simple fender benders on parked, unoccupied vehicles to accidents involving death or severe injury.

TYPES of ACCIDENTS

HIT and RUN?
  • car accident or other moving motor vehicle collision
Yes
  • Bicycle or pedestrian accident
Yes
  • Damage to parked or unoccupied motor vehicle or property
Yes
  • Accidents occurring on your property or in front of your home
Yes
  • Collisions that you believe are not your fault
Yes
  • Accidents involving death or severe bodily injury
Yes
  • Damage to property by your vehicle when you are not the driver
Yes

WHY DRIVER DOCUMENTATION IS IMPORTANT.  The best way to avoid a Florida Hit and Run charge is to stop after an accident or collision and immediately exchange your driver documentation. If the damaged property is unoccupied, leaving a visible note with your contact information and evidence and proven facts surrounding the case is acceptable. In all cases, the police must be notified!

DRIVER DOCUMENTATION
  • Full name
  • Valid license number and state of issuance
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Insurance carrier's name, address, telephone number and policy number

HIT AND RUN CHARGES - MISDEMEANOR OR FELONY?  Florida Hit and Run charges can be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severeness of the accident, extent of damage, and defendant's past criminal record.

Hit and Run Misdemeanor - For minor traffic accidents, such as fender benders and other minimal property damage with no physical injuries, a misdemeanor charge is the the majority likely assessment. Based upon to Florida Law, a Hit and Run Misdemeanor is defined as, "a failure to immediately stop at the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in property damage."

Hit and Run Felony - When Hit and Run results in bodily injury or death, a felony will be charged. Based upon to Florida Law, a Hit and Run Felony is defined as, "a failure to immediately stop at the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving death or permanent injury to any person(s) associated with the accident."

In either case, misdemeanor or felony, a Florida criminal defense attorney is needed to ensure your best possible Hit and Run defense.

PENALTIES FOR A HIT AND RUN CONVICTION
Based on no matter a hit & run misdemeanor or hit & run felony is charged, penalties for hit 'n run variety from no prison time (plus fines and restitution) to one year in prison and, with additional severe cases, time in Florida state prison.

HIRING THE RIGHT ATTORNEY
The attorneys at The Law Offices of William H. Bryan III, P.A. are experienced in defending Florida Hit and Run cases. For first time offenders, Mr. Bryan' clients rarely serve prison time. In some cases, William works out an agreement with the victim, Judge, and District Attorney, called a "civil compromise", which results in a dismissal of the defendant's criminal judicial processs.

If in fact you have been involved in a Florida Hit and Run accident, please call the criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of William H. Bryan III, P.A. to discuss the evidence and proven facts that surround your case.

Please contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION


If in fact you have been arrested or under investigation for Hit and Run in Florida, it is significant that you hire an experienced Orlando Hit and Run criminal defense attorney to represent you. The Law Offices of William H. Bryan III, P.A. will work relentlessly to mount a successful defense to the charges with which you have been charged. As a former Assistant United States Attorney for nearly 10 years, William H. Bryan III is well versed in the strategies and tactics of the prosecution and can predict and anticipate the next move and how to aggressively defend Hit and Run in the state of Florida. We are a strong defender of our clients' consitutional rights and will do everything in our power to protect and defend them. William H. Bryan III, Esq. is an aggressive Orlando Hit and Run criminal defense lawyer who will organize and prepare every aspect of your Hit and Run case up to and including trial.

 
Law Offices of William H. Bryan III, P.A.
The Premiere Trade Plaza
189 South Orange Avenue
Suite 1800
Orlando, Florida 32801

Email Us: attorney@williambryanlaw.com

Telephone
(407) 401-9565
(Available 24/7)
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Copyright © 2005-08 The Law Offices of William H.Bryan III, P.A. All rights reserved.
 
The Law offices of William H. Bryan III represents individuals accused of Hit and Run in Florida including Orlando, Kissimmee, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Myers in the following counties: Orange County, Broward County, Putnam County, Osceola County, Seminole County, Volusia County, Brevard County and Palm Beach County.