Why You Should Come Clean After a Car Accident
Dealing with a car accident immediately after one happens can make it difficult for a person to think straight, let alone think about the next steps. Figuring out what to do next can be a bit nerve-wracking.
But unfortunately, in a fit of nerves and intense emotions, some individuals make the wrong move after a car accident, which makes the problem worse. One of the WORST things you can do after a car accident is leave the scene…
Fleeing the Scene Means Coming Clean…
It is a criminal offense if you illegally depart the scene of a motor vehicle crash anywhere in Florida. A conviction of this nature can lead to misdemeanor or felony repercussions. This largely depends on whether or not the accident led to injuries or death.
Fleeing the scene of an accident becomes a hit and run incident. If serious property damage, bodily injury or death occurs, then the individual could face criminal penalties.
Read more about hit and run accidents in Florida with a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer here.
What Are the Statutory Duties in a Property Damage Situation?
If property damage—such as to another object or vehicle—was the only result from an accident, then the driver faces the following responsibilities:
- To immediately stop at the scene of the crash.
- Notify the owner of the other property with his/her name and physical address
- Present his or her driver’s license if asked
- To provide all registration address and license information to any investigating authorities
Furthermore, if the property damage in the crash is not attended by a person, then the driver must make reasonable efforts to locate the property owner or provide some form of written notice.
What about Statutory Duties Involving Bodily Injury or Death?
If an accident involves bodily injury or death, then obviously these types of accidents are much more severe, which means feeling the scene of an accident means big trouble or those who choose to do so rather than face the responsibilities and consequences.
In addition to all of the above stated requirements, if it is clear that medical treatment is required or if it has been requested by the other individual, the responsible party may need to arrange for the caring of that person or transport of that person to a physician or hospital. The non-injured driver also needs to report the crash to the nearest police authority.
Learn more about the hit and run laws in Florida here.
Reasonable Responsibilities and Requirements
Unfortunately, not all drivers are responsible and aware of their requirements to stay at or near the vehicle immediately after an accident occurs. You may have grounds for a personal injury claim in the state of Florida if you have been seriously injured.
Your Boca Raton personal injury attorney may be responsible for conducting a reasonable investigation to identify the other person and to speak to him or her about a personal injury claim.
Don’t Give Up Hope – Learn About Your Legal Options with a Boca Raton Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were involved in an accident where you injured another person or did a great deal of property damage, don’t panic…and definitely do NOT flee the scene of the accident.
If you are involved in an accident, stay at the scene until the authorities arrive. Not only does this give you a chance to collect the necessary evidence for your insurance company and a potential injury claim, but this also helps you avoid some of the negative consequences associated with being accused of leaving the scene of an accident.
On the other hand, if you were hit and injured by another driver who “ran” from the scene of the accident, don’t give up hope. Video evidence or testimony from witnesses, for example, could help to illuminate the information about the other party.
Also Read : I Was Hit By a Drunk Driver, What are My Legal Options?
Remember, the individual who hit you may be face criminal charges as well as potential civil liabilities for causing the accident and fleeing the scene.
Make the RIGHT Move – Call a Personal Injury Lawyer Boca Raton
Regardless of your role in an accident, avoid making the wrong move after an accident. Stop after the accident, get medical attention for either yourself or the other party, and call a personal injury lawyer Boca Raton. By taking these simple steps, you can save yourself a lot of trouble, grief, and legal consequences.
Visit here to get started today with a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer.
