Hit and Run Lawyers in Jacksonville Helping You Defend Your Case

Being accused of a crime you did not commit is unfortunately common. And with motor vehicle accidents on the rise, you may find that you’ve been charged with fleeing the scene of an accident. This could be because you didn’t realize you were in an accident or because the damage was very minor and both parties agreed not to exchange information. Or, perhaps you hit a parked car or a stationary object and could not track down the owner.

No matter what your situation is, if you have been accused of a hit-and-run accident in Jacksonville, Florida, hiring a lawyer is your best course of action. The experienced defense lawyers at Weldon Law Group, PLLC can help you fight for your rights and defend your innocence. For a free consultation and to discuss your legal options, call 904-204-3420.

What is a Hit and Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident is when an individual flees the scene of an accident without disclosing any of their legal information. After any vehicle accident, individuals are required to share several pieces of information with the other driver.

This information includes:

• Driver’s identity
• Insurance policy and insurance company
• Driver’s license
• Driver’s license plate number
• Driver’s address

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime, and can result in jail time, fines, and further penalties depending on the severity of the accident. If someone has accused you of leaving the scene, it’s important to get representation from a hit-and-run lawyer right away.

What Should I Do if I’ve Been Falsely Accused of a Hit and Run Accident?

Being accused of a hit-and-run can be frightening, especially as you deal with the immediate aftermath of a car accident.

If you’ve been falsely accused, take these steps to protect yourself:

Talk to Police With an Attorney Present

If there are police officers at the scene, answer their questions, but do not admit guilt or sign anything. If police officers ask you to come in for questioning or approach you after the accident, call an attorney to represent you.

Talk to an Insurance Company With an Attorney Present

After hit-and-run accidents, it’s common to talk to a representative from an insurance company. Always have a car accident attorney present, and do not sign anything or admit guilt without a lawyer.

Do Not Discuss the Case With Anyone

Talking to friends, family members, or acquaintances about the accident scene can be damaging in court. Anything you say to another party can be used against you, so keep details of the car accident and the hit-and-run case to yourself.

Contact Witnesses From the Scene of an Accident

Witness statements can help you prove your innocence and defend yourself against false accusations. If you are still in contact with any witnesses from the crash, get in touch with them as soon as possible.

Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney

Being accused of a hit-and-run accident can lead to severe consequences, including jail time and hefty fines. If you’ve been accused of a hit-and-run, call a hit-and-run attorney right away to discuss your case and plan your next course of action.

What Are the Penalties for a Hit and Run in Florida?

If a hit-and-run driver in Florida is arrested, the alleged at-fault driver can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor for damaged property, which often results in jail time and a fine. If found guilty, the driver will likely also have their license and driving privileges revoked. The alleged victims involved may also seek compensation, including a hit-and-run settlement, coverage of medical bills, coverage of property damage, coverage of lost wages, and more.

If the other party was injured in the accident and had to seek medical attention, the guilty party can be charged with third-degree felony charges. This may result in further jail time and higher fines.

If the accident in question was a fatal accident, an individual can be charged with a first-degree felony. This is a serious offense and can result in decades of jail time as well as hefty fines. The alleged victims involved may also sue for wrongful death in civil court.

What are Common Defenses for a Hit and Run?

If you’ve been accused of a hit and run, your defense team will likely choose one of three common defenses.

These include:

• Lack of knowledge: If you were unaware that an accident happened or unaware that the other driver was hurt, you may be able to claim innocence.
• Involuntary intoxication: If you were intoxicated against your will when the accident happened, you may not be at fault for the car accident.
• Responding to an emergency: If you fled the scene of an accident because of an emergency (like seeking emergency medical care), you may be able to claim that you were unable to stay at the scene.

How Can a Hit and Run Lawyer Help Me?

Being accused of a hit-and-run crash can be overwhelming and upsetting. A hit-and-run lawyer will help you prove your innocence in court and find evidence to support your case in front of a judge. They can also help protect you from being sued by the other driver and avoid fines and penalties you may be facing.

Hiring a professional hit-and-run accident lawyer is the best way to defend your innocence. Contact the experienced lawyers at Weldon Law Group, PLLC today for a free legal consultation by calling 904-204-3420.