Miami Hit & Run Defense Attorneys

Put Our Extensive Trial Experience on Your Side

If you are involved in a crash in Miami, Florida law requires you to remain at the scene, even if no one suffered injuries. Despite the law, the number of hit and run crashes in Florida has remained steady over the last few years. Most people who leave the scene after a crash involving only property damage. The most serious crimes for hit and run involve personal injury, serious bodily injury, or even death.

According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were more than 818,653 hit and run crashes in Florida between the years 2015-2022.  Of those cases, 1,899 resulted in fatalities.  In Miami alone, 263 fatalities have occurred due to leaving the scene of an accident cases in that time period. 

To address these problems, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) created the “Bad to Worse” campaign. The campaign is aimed at reducing the number of leaving the scene crashes in Florida by educating the public. It is important to remember that if you are involved in a crash you must stay at the scene and comply with reporting requirements. If you leave the crash scene, then serious criminal consequences can occur.

Attorney for Hit & Run Accidents in Miami, FL

Are the police looking for you? If you were involved in a hit and run crash, then it is important to realize that a criminal investigation has already begun. You have the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney represent you at every stage of the case. Attorney E.J. Hubbs is experienced in representing clients accused of leaving the scene of an accident. Give him a call to find out what you need to do right now to protect your rights.

E.J. Hubbs can contact the investigating officers to let the officer know that he is representing you and that you have invoked your right to remain silent. In many cases, this will prevent the officer from coming to your home or work to question you about the crash. At Hubbs Law Firm, we can also contact your insurance company and help you resolve any outstanding civil issues related to the crash.

Call (305) 570-4802 today to discuss your case with our Miami hit and run defense lawyers at no initial charge.

Penalties for Hit & Run Under Florida Law

The penalties for leaving the scene in Florida depend on the damage caused by the crash.

Hit and run can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony in the following ways:

• Property damage only with no injury can be charged as a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine
• Personal injury can be charged as a third-degree felony, punishable by five years in prison
• Serious bodily injury can be charged as a second-degree felony, punishable by 15 years in prison
• Death or a fatality can be charged as a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison (with a minimum four-year prison sentence)

Also, if you are convicted of any form of leaving the scene in Florida, you can lose your driver's license. In some cases, the court will impose a permanent revocation.

Hit & Run: Damage to Attended Property Under Florida Law

More than 80% of hit and run crashes result in property damage only. In Florida, the criminal charges for leaving the scene after a crash involving only property damage depend on whether the property was attended or unattended.