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(USGovernment-News.Com, March 01, 2013 ) WEST PALM BEACH FL – Throughout the state of Florida there are approximately 200,000 accidents each year. Of these accidents, around 11 percent of them are hit and run accidents. Most recently a hit and run occurred on the corner of Pine Street and Dixie Highway when a bicyclist was struck and hurled several feet through the air.
A witness who saw the accident attempted to chase the car down in hopes of helping the police track the suspect. A surveillance camera at a nearby store also caught the vehicle on tape including the license plate number, make, color, and type of vehicle. The dark colored sedan has a cracked windshield from the man’s body’s impact. Any information on this individual should be reported to the Police immediately.
If this negligent driver is found, that individual will be charged with a Third Degree Felony punishable as a Level 5 offense under the Florida sentencing guidelines. This translates into a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a fine up to $5,000.
Unfortunately, this was not the first time a hit and run accident has occurred. Reports show there were over 69,000 hit and run accidents in 2012 throughout the state of Florida, and 3,381 in Palm Beach County. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, three out of five hit and run cases resulted in fatalities.
A few reasons a driver might leave the scene of an accident include:
• The driver struck a bicyclist
• The driver has no auto insurance
• The driver is an illegal alien
• The driver has warrants for arrest
• The motorist has no driver’s license
• The driver was under the influence of alcohol
Leaving the scene of an accident in the state of Florida can range from sixty days in jail, up to sixth months’ probation and a fine up to $50 to more harsh penalties such as a minimum sentence of 21 months in prison, 15 years of probation and a fine up to $10,000 if the accident results in death.
Our auto accident attorneys advise that any witness to a hit and run accident report to the police immediately, and check to see if the victim is awake and breathing. If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit and run accident, the victim may be eligible to receive compensation for their losses. At Gordon & Doner we can provide the honest legal guidance you need after an accident. With over 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases, we genuinely understand the hardships that can be created by a crash injury. Contact us at www.fortheinjured.com.
About Gordon & Doner
Gordon & Doner is committed to helping all those who have been injured by the actions or negligence of another person or entity. The personal injury law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida handles all types of personal injury claims including auto accident injuries, dangerous drug litigation, medical malpractice, product liability claims, and premises liability.
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