Hit and Run Pedestrian Accidents in Florida

Hit-and-run accidents have been declining in Florida in the last several years, but the number is still enormous. In 2008, there were 85,000 hit-and-run accidents in Florida. That number was down to 75,000 in 2010. That includes many pedestrians struck by hit-and-run drivers who were left unassisted after suffering injuries. Leaving the scene of an accident involving a serious injury to a person is now a third degree felony. If a pedestrian or other victim dies as a result of the hit-and-run accident, it becomes a second degree felony.

Why Stopping to Assist is Essential

When a person has been seriously injured by a car in a pedestrian accident, the injuries are usually severe and life-threatening. When a driver fails to stop and call for medical help for the injured pedestrian, there is a higher likelihood that the victim will die from his or her injuries. Therefore, failure to stop and assist in getting medical attention can be considered a blatant disregard for human life.

Why Many Drivers Leave the Scene of an Accident

One common reason drivers leave the scene of an accident is that they have been drinking and want to avoid a DUI charge. Other hit-and-run drivers may be unlicensed or uninsured or have outstanding warrants. They may also be illegal aliens who are afraid of being deported.

Getting Answers When You’ve Been Injured in a Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident in Florida

When you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident in Florida, a Florida pedestrian injury attorney can help you recover your losses.

Even before you hire an attorney, you will benefit from reading a consumer guide written by Jim Dodson, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Clearwater, Florida, entitled Florida Pedestrian Accident Guide. You can get your free copy today.

If you have any questions about a pedestrian hit-and-run accident in Clearwater or anywhere in Florida and need an answer right away, Jim is always happy to help. Give him a call at 727-446-0840 or send him a personal email at jim@jimdodsonlaw.com. We respect your privacy and never share your information with anyone.

We represent personal injury and accident victims in Florida in these cities: Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Shores,Treasure Island, Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Crystal Beach, Ozona, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, Kenneth City, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O’Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Dade City, Sebring, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other cities in Florida and Florida Counties.