Hit and Run Accidents

In Florida, it is the duty of motorists to stop and render aid in automobile accidents involving death or personal injuries. Time is of the essence to people who are injured in a traffic accident. Failure to stop and render aid may delay or prevent the ability of first responders who deliver critical life-saving treatment to other motorists or pedestrians. The victim's condition could deteriorate significantly because of another motorist’s failure to stop and render aid. This failure by the driver may become the basis of liability and may result in criminal consequences for that motorist.

The Dangerous Instrumentality Doctrine

In Florida, the owner of the vehicle is also vicariously liable under the “dangerous instrumentality” doctrine for the negligence of the driver that was entrusted with the vehicle. A purpose of this doctrine is to find insurance to protect injured motorists after an accident. 

Many times, the owner of the vehicle will have his or her own car insurance or an umbrella policy that applies to your case. The owner of the vehicle may or may not know whether he or she has insurance that applies to hit and run car accidents.

cars t-boning in an intersection
If another motorist hits your vehicle and flees the scene, we are here to help make certain that justice is served.

Leaving the Scene of the Accident

Section 316.027(1)(a), Florida Statutes, makes it a third-degree felony to leave the scene of a crash involving personal injuries. Section 316.027(1)(b), Florida Statutes, makes leaving the scene of a crash involving death a first-degree felony. Further, there is a two-year mandatory minimum sentence if the crash involving death was the result of driving under the influence (DUI).

It is a third-degree felony to leave the scene of a crash involving personal injuries.

The Potential for Criminal Charges

Drivers who cause hit and run car accidents and have left the scene because they have no insurance, no drivers' license, or a warrant for their arrest are frequently punished in criminal court. Prosecutors from your local State Attorney’s office often bring criminal charges against the hit and run driver.

Our Role in Your Case

However, the criminal aspect of these cases is separate and apart from what we do at Moody Law. Our lawyers handle only civil aspects of the case. Civil including restitution may be ordered by the criminal judge.

Contact a Hit and Run Accident Attorney - Central Florida, Lakeland, Winter Haven

If you or a loved one is the victim of a hit and run accident, talk with a lawyer at Moody Law. Serving Lakeland, Winter Haven, and other Central Florida areas including Polk County, a hit and run accident attorney at our firm can discuss your options for filing a lawsuit with you.

Daniel D. Moody, J.D., B.C.S.

Moody Law, P.A.

Moody Law was founded by Daniel D. Moody for the sole and exclusive purpose of representing the injured. Our main office is centrally located next to the Polk County Courthouse in Bartow, FL, serving Lakeland, Winter Haven, and all the other communities of Polk County.  Some of Mr. Moody’s honors, memberships, and associations include:

  • The Florida Bar Board Certification – Civil Trial Specialist
  • AV PREEMINENT Martindale-Hubbell Lawyer Ratings
  • Life-member Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Best Attorneys of America – Rue Rating Lifetime Charter Member
  • National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us online or call (863) 733-9090.

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“Our experience with Moody Law has been awesome, from the first day of calling and talking with the front desk staff and meeting with everyone through the whole process, everyone has been helpful in helping us to resolve this matter.”

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