Do Police Officers Catch Hit-And-Run Drivers In Florida?
Hit-and-runs highlight the lack of responsibility in the general population today, and this issue has affected the lives of many injured victims in Florida. But what are the chances that the hit-and-run driver will be brought to justice? Will the person who caused your injuries be allowed to get away with their crime, or do police officers tend to track these criminals down? These are questions that many hit-and-run victims find themselves asking. The truth is that it depends on your unique situation. That being said, recent news articles are encouraging – and they suggest that the majority of hit-and-run drivers do in fact experience consequences for their actions.
Three Recent Hit-and-Run Cases in Florida
Let’s take a look at three recent hit-and-runs in Florida: The most recent occurred on April 9th, and involved a pedestrian who was struck and killed in Goldenrod. The victim was immediately identified, and this was in large part thanks to surveillance footage. This case is slightly different because the footage actually shows the victim tripping and falling before being struck by a vehicle. He was also technically jay-walking, as he was not using a crosswalk. However, the driver who struck him still committed a crime when they fled the scene of the crash. As far as the criminal justice system is concerned, the manner in which the pedestrian crossed the street is irrelevant. Trying to sue the driver for wrongful death may be difficult, however. The driver is still on the run, and it’s not clear whether police will ever locate him.
Another hit-and-run crash occurred on April 5th, and this involved a motorcyclist who was struck and killed in Sarasota County. Police immediately reported that they were searching for the driver of an SUV who allegedly fled the scene. This driver apparently went through a red light and struck the motorcyclist, who had a green light. Police also announced that they had found an SUV abandoned nearby on the side of the road, and this could eventually lead them to the culprit. In this situation, the family could file a wrongful death lawsuit because there was clear negligence involved (moving through a red light).
The last recent hit-and-run crash involved another pedestrian death – this time in Miami. This occurred on April 3rd, and the driver was quickly arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death. The victim was struck in a manner that left them wedged between a pole and the defendant’s vehicle. In the end, the driver had to call his friends to help him lift his vehicle off the body. Fortunately, a witness photographed the entire incident and managed to snap photos of their license plate. This shows not only the importance of witnesses and surveillance, but also the fact that hit-and-run drivers are often brought to justice.
Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Florida?
If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced Orlando personal injury attorney, look no further than Payer Law. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs pursue positive results, and we know how daunting it can be to face injuries after a hit-and-run. While you can certainly rely on the police to track down the criminal driver, you can also get started and be proactive by exploring your legal options. Book a consultation with us today, and we can provide sound legal guidance based on your unique situation.
Sources:
clickorlando.com/traffic/2023/04/09/orlando-man-39-idd-as-pedestrian-killed-in-goldenrod-hit-and-run-crash/
patch.com/florida/sarasota/motorcyclist-killed-sarasota-county-hit-run-driver-sought-fhp
nbcmiami.com/news/local/driver-who-killed-pedestrian-in-hit-and-run-near-downtown-miami-arrested-police/3006886/
