How Common are Hit-and-Run Accidents?

It is estimated that 682,000 hit-and-run accidents take place in the United States each year, with Florida experiencing an average of 103,000 incidences.

Florida is no stranger to hit-and-run fatalities, with approximately 250 people dying annually. While the number of occurrences declined slightly from 2021 to 2022, hit-and-run accidents pose a serious threat in the Sunshine State.

Our Tampa hit-and-run accident attorneys would like to provide an overview of hit-and-run accidents in Florida, penalties for offenders, and what expenses your auto insurance will cover.

Hit-and-Run Statistics

Florida crash data for 2022 revealed the following:

Over a five-year span, there were 515,957 hit-and-run accidents that resulted in 1,251 fatalities
144 of the fatalities were pedestrians, and 50 were bicyclists
In 2022, the total number of hit-and-run accidents decreased by 5%, compared to 2021
Although total fatalities decreased in 2022, the percentage of bicyclist and pedestrian fatalities rose by 3%, and
Of the total hit-and-run crashes, 86,799 accidents involved only property damage, with no injuries or fatalities

Contributing Factors to Hit-and-Run Accidents

The chances of a motorist fleeing the accident scene grow in the following situations:

If the driver is inebriated
If there is poor lighting at the accident scene (84% of low-light conditions result in at least one fatality)
If the driver was on a road with a lower speed limit, the accident is less likely to cause the driver’s vehicle to be severely damaged, allowing the motorist to drive away
If the driver is male and has a prior DWI or license suspension and
In cities, where heavier traffic may allow a motorist to escape the scene of an accident unnoticed

Penalties in Hit-and-Run Accidents

According to Florida law, a driver must stop immediately at the scene of a crash that results in injury, death, or property damage. If the driver chooses to flee the scene, the following penalties will apply:

For accidents involving property damage: You will be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, with a potential incarceration period of 60 days and a $500 fine
For accidents involving injuries: You will be charged with a second or third-degree felony, with a potential prison sentence of five years and a fine of $5,000. Additionally, your license will be revoked for three years
For accidents involving fatalities: You will be charged with a first-degree felony, with a mandatory minimum prison sentence of four years and a maximum sentence of 30 years. You could also be fined $10,000

Florida Auto Insurance Coverage

Florida law requires all drivers to carry a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL). If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, PIP will cover your medical expenses up to $10,000. PIP may also cover your lost wages and other expenses related to a hit-and-run.

Speak with a Tampa Hit-and-Run Attorney Today

A Tampa hit-and-run attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence to collect compensation for your injuries and damage to your vehicle. If you have recently been in a hit-and-run accident, our legal team is here to assist you. To schedule your free case evaluation, contact us online or call 813-534-6913.