Hit And Run Accident Lawyer in Miami, FL
In the state of Florida, the law states that if you are involved in an accident with another vehicle, you must stop your vehicle and remain at the scene. You are not permitted to leave until you have exchanged information with the other driver including your license number, name, address and registration numbers. If you were the victim of car accident, you may need a Miami hit and run accident attorney to help fight for full compensation.
Most of the time, if a driver flees the scene of an accident it's due to a lack of insurance, a warrant out for their arrest or they may be intoxicated. The first thing you should do is write down a description of the vehicle, the license plate number (if you were able to get it) and any other information you can remember. This will help the police when they arrive on the scene.
Not only do drivers involved in an auto accident have to stay at the scene, but they must also provider reasonable assistance to anybody that has suffered an injury. This includes calling for an ambulance. The penalty for breaking this law is a third-degree felony and can result in serious jail time, especially if the accident included injuries or fatalities.
The Two Types of Hit and Run Accident Lawyers
The most common type of hit and run accident lawyer in Miami will fight for the victim and seek financial compensation for damages, injuries and other financial burdens the accident caused. The other type of attorney that takes hit and run accidents will defend someone that has been accused of leaving the scene of an accident.
If you are the victim of a hit and run accident or have been wrongfully accused of leaving the scene of an accident, you need a lawyer on your side. If you left the scene of the accident or were wrongfully accused, you could face extreme penalties. On the other hand, if you are the victim and you have sustained serious injuries, you deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering.
How We Can Help if You Need a Defense
If you fled the scene of an accident or were accused of doing so, you need to contact a hit and run accident law firm in Miami. They can help to defend you and state your case to the judge. You may face harsh penalties and without an attorney, the judge may sentence you to the maximum allowed by law. Here's what you could be facing.
- For property damage only - A second-degree misdemeanor with a sentence up to 60 days in jail and a fine up to $500.
- If you caused an injury - A third degree felony with a sentence up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
- If you caused a fatality - A first-degree felony with a sentence up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
This is a serious matter and it can change your life in an instant. Without an attorney to fight for any innocence you may have or at least plead your case, you could face the maximum allowable sentence. A hit and run defense attorney in Miami can help to evaluate your case completely and offer the best possible defense.
Not only do you face the penalties above, but leaving the scene of an accident can also result in community service hours, a civil action lawsuit from any injured parties, revocation of your driver's license and drug / alcohol counseling. The judge will evaluate the details of your case and depending on the severity; this type of offense can follow you for the rest of your life.
What to Expect as a Victim Hiring a Hit and Run Accident
If you were the victim and you seek financial compensation due to property damage, injury, and/or death of a loved one, you can expect your attorney to file a claim against the driver and seek full and fair compensation. If the driver did have insurance, you will be going up against the insurance company, which can be very scary.
Without an attorney, your financial compensation will be minimal, as the insurance company doesn't care about you. They only care about keeping as much money in their pockets as possible. However, with the right hit and run attorney in Miami on your side, you can gain full compensation from the insurance company.
Start With a FREE Consultation
Whether you need a defense attorney or a personal injury lawyer to help you with your case, our team of attorneys can help. They will provide you with a free consultation and full case evaluation, along with answering any questions you may have. If they believe you have a case, the necessary claims will be filed on your behalf and they will pursue compensation or begin building your defense. Get your case started today with a FREE consultation, here.