Where Are The Red-light Cameras in Tampa?
To start with, they discontinued red-light cameras in about half of all surrounding communities. Yet, Tampa still has its red-light cameras. Thus, victims of the cameras haven’t found them to be cheap either. In fact, red light tickets start out at $158, and if a motorist fails to pay the fine after their first notification, the fine increases to $262.
Consequently, red-light camera tickets are mailed to the person that the offending vehicle is registered. So, if somebody else is using your car, you’re the person who gets the ticket. However, you can contest the ticket. But, proving that you weren’t the driver of the vehicle at the time that the alleged offense was committed can be difficult.
Granted, if you pay the ticket on a timely basis, no points are going to be tacked onto your driver’s license. Yet, if you fail to pay it within the time prescribed, you’ll be paying the increased fine, and you’ll receive the points on your license. So, if a person wishes to contest his or her ticket, he or she must appear in court.
Red-light Cameras in Tampa
In fact, there are a total of 55 red light camera controlled intersections in Tampa. Here are all of their locations:
- Eastbound E. Fowler at N. Nebraska Avenue.
- Westbound E. Busch Boulevard at N. Nebraska Avenue.
- Southbound N. Nebraska Avenue at E. Busch Boulevard.
- Northbound N. Nebraska Avenue at E. Fowler Avenue.
- Westbound E. Hillsborough Avenue at N. Nebraska Avenue.
- Northbound N. Nebraska Avenue at E. Hillsborough Avenue.
- Eastbound E. Hillsborough Avenue at N. 40th Street.
- Westbound E. Hillsborough Avenue at N. 40th Street.
- Northbound N. 40th Street at E. Hillsborough Avenue.
- Eastbound E. Hillsborough Avenue at N. 22nd Street.
- Westbound E. Hillsborough Avenue at N. 22nd Street.
- Eastbound W. Waters Avenue at N. Florida Avenue.
- Southbound N. Florida Avenue at E. Waters Avenue.
- Northbound N. Florida Avenue at E. Waters Avenue.
- Southbound N. Florida Avenue at E. Busch Boulevard.
- Eastbound E. Busch Boulevard at N. Florida Avenue.
- Westbound E. Busch Boulevard at N. Florida Avenue.
- Westbound W. Waters Avenue at N. Armenia Avenue.
- Southbound N. Armenia Avenue at W. Waters Avenue.
- Eastbound W. Waters at N. Armenia Avenue.
- Northbound N. Armenia at W. Hillsborough Avenue.
- Southbound N. Himes at Avenue at W. Hillsborough Avenue.
- Northbound N. Lois Avenue at W. Hillsborough Avenue.
- Eastbound E. Adamo Drive at S. 50th Street.
- Northbound S. 50th Street at E. Adamo Drive.
- Eastbound W. Kennedy Boulevard at E. Adamo Drive.
- Eastbound W. Kennedy Boulevard at N. Ashley Drive.
- Eastbound S. Dale Mabry Highway at W. Kennedy Boulevard.
- Northbound S. Dale Mabry Highway at W. Kennedy Boulevard.
- Southbound S. Dale Mabry Highway at W. Gandy Boulevard.
- Eastbound W. Gandy Boulevard at S. Dale Mabry Highway.
- Eastbound N. Dale Mabry Highway at W. Columbus Drive.
- Westbound N. Dale Mabry Highway at W. Columbus Drive.
- Southbound S. Manhattan Avenue at W. Gandy Boulevard.
- Eastbound W. Gandy Boulevard at S. Manhattan Avenue.
- Westbound W. Gandy Boulevard at S. Manhattan Avenue.
- Westbound W. Gandy Boulevard at S. Westshore Boulevard.
- Eastbound W. Gandy Boulevard at S. Westshore Boulevard.
- Northbound S. Westshore Boulevard at West Gandy Boulevard.
- Eastbound E. Busch Boulevard at N. Nebraska Avenue.
- Northbound S. Dale Mabry Highway at W. Gandy Boulevard.
- Southbound S. Dale Mabry Highway at W. Kennedy Boulevard.
- Eastbound E. Fowler Avenue at N. 30th Street.
- Westbound E. Fowler at N. 30th Street.
- Northbound N. 30th Street at E. Fowler Avenue.
- Southbound N. 30 Street at E. Fowler Avenue.
- Northbound S. Howard Avenue at W. Kennedy Boulevard.
- Eastbound W. Kennedy Boulevard at S. Howard Avenue.
- Westbound E. Hillsborough Avenue at N. Florida Avenue.
- Southbound N. Westshore Boulevard at W. Kennedy Boulevard.
- Eastbound W. Kennedy Boulevard at N. Westshore Boulevard.
- Westbound W. Kennedy Boulevard at N. Westshore Boulevard.
- Westbound W. N. Dale Mabry Highway at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
- Southbound W. N. Dale Mabry Highway at W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Boulevard.
- Westbound W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at W. N. Dale Mabry Highway.
Finally, a bill in the state legislature is presently being pushed to eliminate all red-light cameras in Florida. In fact, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has released its study on red light camera intersections. However, it found that minor accidents increased at red light camera controlled intersections, major accidents decreased. Thus, recommendations were published in the study on how to decrease accidents at these intersections.
CONTACT TAMPA TRAFFIC TICKET ATTORNEY
In short, RHINO Lawyers can help and guide you through a system molded by law enforcement, judges, and lawyers for decades. Thus, having won cases for our clients in similar circumstances, our criminal defense team know what it takes to fight on your behalf.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
Read MoreDoes Tampa Still Use Red Light Cameras?
Other than a few people at Tampa City Hall, it’s hard to find anybody else who lives in the city that likes red light cameras. They’re beyond controversial, and tickets issued for alleged red light violations aren’t cheap either. They can cost you $158 with no points on your license if you make a timely payment. However, they will cost $262 with points added to your license if you pay late. Floridians first started seeing red light cameras in 2010, and they’ve proliferated across the state. Tampa has them positioned at about 54 locations now.
Florida House Bill 6003
Florida House Bill 6003 is presently pending in the Senate. Its proponents want to ban red-light cameras across the state. The cameras are in about 50 Florida communities now. Bill 6003 passed overwhelmingly in committee. An opponent of the cameras has remarked Florida municipalities have become addicted to the revenue that red light cameras produce.
One company that manufactures and operates the cameras has retained 26 lobbyists. They do not want the cameras discontinued or the revenue generated from them. Proponents of the cameras rely on public safety grounds. In fact, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FDHSMC) says that the cameras resulted in a five percent decrease involving drivers running a red light.
Opponents of red-light cameras
Opponents argue that proponents are using red-light cameras to support the FDHSMC’s numbers and disregarding the unfavorable data. They also argue camera controlled intersections have a shortened time frame for yellow lights. Opponents also maintain that the cameras are a violation of a person’s 6th Amendment right to confront witnesses against them. It’s impossible to cross-examine a camera.
Even if a police officer testified on behalf of the prosecution in a red light camera case; he or she could only testify to the fact that such a camera is in place at a certain intersection. Any testimony about a specific driver, installation of the cameras, functionality, or maintenance is based on speculation and hearsay. The cameras also have a highly limited field of recording. They don’t show their own errors or traffic conditions on their sides or ahead of them. Consequently, that might explain an alleged violation or a defense of necessity.
Previous attempts at legislatively discontinuing red light cameras have failed in Florida’s Senate. The lawmakers who voted against discontinuing the cameras maintained that it is less expensive to rely on the red light cameras than to have police officers patrolling problematic intersections. It’s likely far more profitable too. A House staff analysis has estimated that local participating governments who discontinue the cameras could see an estimated $80 million loss in revenue per year.
Contact Tampa’s Traffic Ticket Lawyer, RHINO Lawyers
Lastly, if you received this type of ticket, contact the RHINO Lawyers. We are a tough, thick-skinned law firm offering a robust approach to traffic ticket defense and all Florida driver’s license issues. Our criminal defense team knows the importance of keeping you in the driver’s seat with a clean driving record. Moving violations can easily result in dramatically increased automobile insurance rates, substantial fines, and even driver’s license suspension. Disputing your citation is your only chance of getting it dismissed, even if you think you are “guilty.”
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Felony Speeding in Florida?
We’ve probably all received a ticket for speeding. Yet, it’s highly unlikely that we’ve received a charge of felony speeding. That can happen in Florida though.
If a person who is operating a motor vehicle at 50 mph or more over the posted speed limit on a third or subsequent violation, he or she can expect to be charged with felony speeding. Or, a third-degree felony. Felony speeding is punishable by up to five years in a state prison, a driver’s license revocation for 10 years and a fine not to exceed $5,000.
There are also likely to be consequences in employment, educational and housing opportunities along with a person’s eligibility to own or possess a firearm and vote.
Always remember that the prosecution has the burden of proving you guilty of a criminal offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Don’t give the state any additional evidence to try and convict you with. If a police officer asks you if you know how fast you were going, politely reply that you don’t know. However, you must produce your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Yet, the law does not require you to answer any questions without an attorney being present on your behalf.
Invoke your right to an attorney as soon as possible by asking to speak with us. Law enforcement will take you into custody and place you under arrest for going 50 mph or more above the speed limit. Not to mention, posting a cash bond is often required for release. Rather than answering any questions, ask to be able to contact our offices at your earliest opportunity.
Contact Tampa’s Traffic Ticket Lawyer, RHINO Lawyers
If you received this type of ticket, contact the RHINO Lawyers. We are a tough, thick-skinned law firm offering a robust approach to traffic ticket defense and all Florida driver’s license issues. Our criminal defense team knows the importance of keeping you in the driver’s seat with a clean driving record. Moving violations can easily result in dramatically increased automobile insurance rates, substantial fines, and even driver’s license suspension. Disputing your citation is your only chance of getting it dismissed, even if you think you are “guilty.”
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Can a Reckless Driving Charge Be Dismissed in Florida?
Reckless driving is a serious offense in Florida. It’s the closest offense to drunk driving that exists. We have seen drunk driving charges reduced to a lesser charge of reckless driving. In fact, under those circumstances, they often refer to the offense as a “wet reckless.”
A person shows a willful and wanton disregard for the person and property of others when they drive recklessly. A conviction for a first charge of reckless driving will carry a possible sentence of six months in jail and a fine not to exceed $500. A second conviction carries up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
The Florida court system hears reckless driving cases daily. In some cases, they actually dismiss the charges. Such a dismissal is sometimes based on evidentiary grounds in return for a plea of guilty to a lesser offense like careless driving. It might also occur pursuant to a negotiated plea of guilty to reckless driving. Yet, the dismissal would be contingent upon payment of fines and court costs and compliance with any terms of probation. On a straight plea or finding of guilt, it’s unlikely that the ultimate dismissal of a reckless driving charge would be available.
Always remember that even if they dismiss the reckless driving case against you, that charge will remain on your record. However, the record of that arrest will stay with you for the rest of your life unless you have it expunged. Having the charged expunged is another process. It involves the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the courts in the county the arrest occurred. Without that expunction, you can expect the prosecution to take a harsher approach to the disposition of a second reckless driving charge.
Contact Tampa’s Traffic Ticket Lawyer, RHINO Lawyers
If you received this type of ticket or a careless driving ticket, contact the RHINO Lawyers.
As a tough, thick-skinned law firm we offer a robust approach to traffic ticket defense and all Florida driver’s license issues. Our criminal defense team knows the importance of keeping you in the driver’s seat with a clean driving record. Moving violations can easily result in dramatically increased automobile insurance rates, substantial fines, and even driver’s license suspension. Lastly, disputing your citation is your only chance of getting it dismissed, even if you think you are “guilty.”
Can I Move My Car After an Accident in Florida?
To begin with, many people wonder if the law allows them to move their cars after an accident. As well as moving the cars before the police arrive. In a typical case, two cars hit each other on the freeway causing light damage to both cars. But then instead of pulling over, just sit in the lane to wait for police to arrive. Common sense might tell them to move to avoid getting hit. Yet, many motorists aren’t sure if they must stay in that spot or move their cars. They don’t want to do something illegal if they can help it.
Florida Law
In Florida, the law actually requires you to move your cars out of traffic. And, to a safe location after a wreck. This is common in most states. Thus, the purpose of the law is the safety of the people involved in the crash and to those in traffic vulnerable to secondary crashes.
Florida Motor Vehicle Code Section 316.061 and 316.071 require that anyone involved in a crash must attempt to move the vehicle out of the flow of traffic if possible, and if they are unable, then get help to do so.
This means if two cars get into an accident and come to a rest in traffic, then they need to drive the cars to the side of the road. If the vehicle won’t run, then they need to get help. This means that if needed, call a tow truck to move the car out of traffic.
The penalty for violating these sections is a fine and court costs which vary over time in amount. Historically, it’s rare that the Florida Highway Patrol will give out fines. However, they are out on the highways every day. As a result, they see small wrecks end up leading to a secondary with serious damage and injuries.
In a rear-end accident in April 2019, a Florida Highway Patrol Helicopter spotted two cars that collided. The cars stopped in one of the middle lanes on Brandon Boulevard approaching the onramp to I-75. A video shows several near misses that could have caused serious injuries, especially one near-miss involving a motorcycle. This poignantly illustrates how important it is to remove the cars from traffic.
What if I’m Injured?
The law requires the driver of the wrecked car to make “every reasonable effort” to move the car out of traffic. This language means that if the driver suffers injury or just incapable of moving the car, or if moving the car would actually cause more risk of injury or secondary crashes, then it’s not a violation of the law to leave it there.
In most cases, the courts will allow the driver to use common sense. However, moving the vehicle when its unreasonable to leave the vehicles there could avoid an accident, the police have the option of issuing a ticket.
Tampa Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a crash, contact the Tampa Car Accident Lawyers at RHINO Lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation. The personal injury team at RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!”
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Can Reckless Driving Be Reduced in Florida?
The State of Florida takes reckless driving charges seriously. Even a conviction on a first offense is punishable. You could face up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. Under certain circumstances, a felony could result from a reckless driving charge. Other long-term consequences can follow a reckless driving conviction that might affect a person’s employment, educational and housing opportunities. You can even expect car insurance premiums to rise significantly.
As per Florida Statutes section 316.192, a person is guilty of reckless driving if he or she drives a vehicle in a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Speed alone does not constitute reckless driving. There needs another unlawful behavior coupled with it. The most common example of reckless driving might be when a driver willfully and wantonly disregards a stop sign and causes a crash when blowing through that stop sign at 50 mph. Under those circumstances, there is a high likelihood of a reckless driving charge. However, they are unlikely to receive a reckless driving charge if they rolled through that same stop sign at one or two mph and hit another vehicle.
When charged with reckless driving, it’s perfectly within the discretion of the prosecution to offer to reduce that charge to a lesser offense in return for a plea of guilty. If that is acceptable to the defendant. It’s still within a judge’s discretion to accept that plea of guilty with the terms and conditions of it. For example, they can reduce the charges from reckless driving to careless driving or failure to yield the right-of-way in return for a plea of guilty along with payment of a fine and court costs. If a judge accepts that plea of guilty, they order the terms and conditions of the plea.
Every case stands on its own set of facts. There are times when a reckless driving charge might be excessive under the circumstances. If seeking a reduction in charges you will need an experienced and effective Florida traffic attorney.
Contact Tampa’s Traffic Ticket Lawyer, RHINO Lawyers
If you received this type of ticket or a careless driving ticket, contact the RHINO Lawyers.
As a tough, thick-skinned law firm we offer a robust approach to traffic ticket defense and all Florida driver’s license issues. Our criminal defense team knows the importance of keeping you in the driver’s seat with a clean driving record. Moving violations can easily result in dramatically increased automobile insurance rates, substantial fines, and even driver’s license suspension. Disputing your citation is your only chance of getting it dismissed, even if you think you are “guilty.”
Fatal Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Crash
A fatal hit-and-run on Saturday, March 30, 2019, killed the rider after throwing them and their passenger off the bike and onto the pavement. Tragically, the operator of the motorcycle died from his wounds, and they took the passenger to a nearby hospital where she is recovering.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the driver of the car, a 2001 Hyundai, then fled the scene leaving the victims on the pavement. Police are still looking for the driver, and it’s unclear at this time if alcohol was a factor. Once found the driver is potentially facing felony charges of leaving the scene of an accident with serious injury. (Update: 4/1/2019 the driver turned themselves in and received a charge with leaving the scene of a fatal crash and hit-and-run crash with serious injury.)
Hit-and-Run Accidents
A victim of a hit-and-run accident faces a unique risk caused by the fleeing driver. Many times, the injured person in an accident is unconscious or unable to assist themselves even to get help. If no Good Samaritans are nearby, this delay could mean the victim is more seriously injured or dies.
Also, victims of a hit-and-run feel twice victimized, once by the accident and again when the person flees. This often adds to the stress and anxiety that already accompanies a motor vehicle accident.
Injuries at Further Risk in a Hit-and-Run
There are many types of injuries that can happen in a hit-and-run; with some putting the victim at a higher risk of death or more serious injury. They are:
- Neck Injuries: Stabilize neck injuries quickly because delays might cause more problems.
- Deep lacerations: Any loss-of-blood injuries can put the victim in danger if first aid is delayed.
- Punctured Lungs: Broken ribs can lead to a punctured lung; which can deprive a person of their ability to breathe and get oxygen.
- Heart Attack: The stress of an accident can cause a heart attack. A quick response from EMS can make a difference.
- Pregnancy/Delivery: An accident can put a pregnant woman into labor. The quicker the response, the more likely there will be a good outcome.
Liability in a Hit-and-Run
For some victims, the hit-and-run driver adds a third victimization when the bills begin piling up. Because the at-fault driver isn’t known, the person is unable to collect from that person’s insurance, and the victim wonders how they will pay their bills.
However, if they don’t find the driver there are some resources that someone can use to compensate them for their injuries:
- Medpay: This is a provision that drivers can get on their own policy that will pay for medical bills regardless of who is at fault or injured. So long as the insured or their vehicle is involved.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This works similar to Medpay, but it pays medical bills and other damages like pain and suffering and loss of wages. It also pays out regardless of the person injured or at fault so long at the insured or their vehicle is involved.
- Uninsured/Underinsured (UM/UIM): Most insurance policies have uninsured/underinsured provisions. These will pay those covered by the policy for all personal injury damages; if the other driver is underinsured or has no insurance. This can include not finding a hit-and-run driver, so long as they were at fault in the accident.
Do I need an Attorney?
If a hit-and-run driver injures you or a loved one, you need to talk to an attorney. They can evaluate your circumstances and find all sources of compensation for your injuries. Don’t wait for the other driver to be found, act quickly and get the right advice.
If you were involved in a crash similar to this one, contact our personal injury team today for a free consultation and case evaluation. RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” We describe our bold modern approach to “Accident & Personal Injury Law” and “Our Personal Mission” to empower Florida’s families to “Take Charge!”
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Can Reckless Driving Be Expunged in Florida?
As per Florida Statute 316.192, reckless driving involves operating a vehicle with “a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” Any number of driving behaviors can constitute reckless driving. Those might include:
- Following a vehicle too closely.
- Intentionally running a red light or other traffic control devices.
- Weaving in and out of traffic.
Fleeing a law enforcement
Fleeing a law enforcement officer in a motor vehicle is also reckless driving. The offense is generally a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida. Punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. Under certain circumstances, reckless driving is a felony.
A closed and dismissed charge
A closed and dismissed reckless driving charge can get expunged. That includes compliance with all terms and conditions of supervisory court orders. As well as, payment of all fines and costs with successful completion of any probation. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement determines whether a person is eligible to have a reckless driving charge expunged. If a person is eligible. The department will issue a certificate of eligibility for expunction to accompany any actual petition to expunge. A person previously adjudicated guilty of any misdemeanor or a felony crime found to be delinquent as a minor, he or she is not eligible for expunction.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court where the arrest occurred destroys the expunged file. They also delete any pertinent records from the Circuit Court Clerk’s database. In addition, they order the arresting law enforcement agency to destroy its records. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will still maintain a record of the arrest. It’s likely that the Federal Bureau of Investigation will also retain a record. Take notice the law allows only one criminal record to get expunged in your lifetime. If numerous charges result from your charge of reckless driving. The court may, in its sound discretion, order expunction of more than one charge.
Contact Tampa’s Traffic Ticket Lawyer, RHINO Lawyers
If you received this type of ticket or a careless driving ticket, contact the RHINO Lawyers.
We are a tough, thick-skinned law firm. In fact, we offer a robust approach to traffic ticket defense and all Florida driver’s license issues. Our criminal defense team knows the importance of keeping you in the driver’s seat with a clean driving record. Moving violations can easily result in dramatically increased automobile insurance rates, substantial fines, and even driver’s license suspension. Disputing your citation is your only chance of getting it dismissed, even if you think you are “guilty.”
Head-On Wrong-Way Crash Injures One in Tampa Bay
A 37-year-old woman was driving the wrong way on I-275 and struck another car head-on seriously injuring its driver. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the wrong-way driver was driving a 2017 Subaru Forester north in the southbound lanes of I-275 near mile marker 26.5. It was around 3:15 a.m., Friday, March 22, 2019, when she struck a 2013 Buick Verano.
Right after the collision, the Subaru burst into flames, but the driver escaped in time. However, they took the driver of the Buick to Bayfront Health, St. Petersburg with serious bodily injury. The Subaru driver was charged with DUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury.
Head-On Collision Accidents
When someone is involved in a head-on collision, they are at more risk of death and serious injury according to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The head-on collision accounts for only 2% of all accidents in a year. Yet, they account for 10 percent of all fatalities. They are also responsible for some of the most traumatic injuries of all crash types.
Head-On Collision Injuries
The reason a head-on collision is so dangerous is because the impact is comprised of the speed and weight of both vehicles coming to a dead stop simultaneously. This throws the occupants of the car around. Thrusting them forward, backward and side to side inside of the vehicle.
Also, head-on collisions severely damage the vehicles. Cushing the passenger compartments leaving little room for those inside. Because of these dynamics, there are injuries common to a head-on collision:
- Blunt Force Trauma: The vast majority of fatalities come from the impact of the person into whatever is in front of them.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: Not always fatal and happens with the impact of the body at the time of collision.
- Thoracic Spine Injury: (Whiplash) This injury is not necessarily fatal, but it often results in paralysis. It comes from the collision throwing the body forward, stretching the spine and the neck, and then violently compressing when thrown back into the seat.
- Broken Bones: Skull fractures, facial bones, ribs and extremities such as wrists, ankles legs.
Do I need an Attorney if I’m injured in a Head-On Collision?
Before you speak to anyone from an insurance company, it’s best to talk to an experienced auto accident attorney who knows the law and is experienced in personal injury claims and head-on collision. The personal injury team at RHINO Lawyers have that knowledge and experience and can get you the compensation you deserve.
RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” We describe our bold modern approach to “Accident & Personal Injury Law” and “Our Personal Mission” to empower Florida’s families to “Take Charge!”
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Hit-and-Run Driver Sought After Injuring Two in Tampa
Police are looking for a driver of a blue 2019 Nissan Rogue. They believe a hit-and-run around 9:45 p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2019, involved the driver. Witnesses say that the Nissan struck a Toyota Sienna Van being used as a taxi to transport a 91-year-old man. The van sustained significant damage. They took the man and the driver of the van to AdventHealth with significant injuries.
Police posted a picture of a blue 2019 Nissan Rouge similar to the one involved in the accident. Except that there will be significant damage to the one involved. Police are also offering a cash reward for information. As well as, asking anyone who knows of anything or witnessed the incident to call them at 813 247-8200. They can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477).
Hit-and-Run Accidents
When a driver involved in an accident flees, it creates a higher risk for anyone injured in an accident. This is because anyone uninjured in the accident are able to call for help and even administer first aid to the victim.
In today’s world, people have cell phones, and if anyone else is around they can also call for help. Though, this can’t be relied upon in every case. In some cases, any delay in getting help can mean the injured person’s chance of survival goes down. Plus, their injuries might become more severe.
Injuries at Further Risk in a Hit-and-Run
There are many types of injuries that can happen in a hit-and-run with some putting the victim at a higher risk of death or more serious injury. They are:
- Neck Injuries: You need to stabilize neck injuries quickly because delays might cause more problems.
- Deep lacerations: Any loss-of-blood injuries can put the victim in danger if first aid is delayed.
- Punctured Lungs: Broken ribs can lead to a punctured lung which can deprive a person of their ability to breathe and get oxygen.
- Heart Attack: The stress of an accident can cause a heart attack, and a quick response from EMS can make a difference.
- Pregnancy/Delivery: An accident can put a pregnant woman into labor, and the quicker the response, the more likely there will be a good outcome.
Can I Receive Compensation for a Hit-and-Run?
Also, when a driver flees, unless they find the driver the victim is often left to face the financial burden without compensation. However, they have some resources that someone can use to compensate them for their injuries if the driver is never found:
- Medpay: This is a provision that drivers can get on their own policy that will pay for medical bills regardless of who is at fault or injured. So long as involvement included the insured or their vehicle.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This works similar to Medpay, but it pays medical bills and other damages like pain and suffering and loss of wages. It also pays out regardless of the person injured or at fault. So long as involvement included the insured or their vehicle.
- Uninsured/Underinsured: Most insurance policies have uninsured/underinsured provisions. These will pay those covered by the policy for all personal injury damages; if the other driver is underinsured or has no insurance. This can include not finding a hit-and-run driver, so long as they were at fault in the accident.
Florida Auto Insurance
Florida law requires every auto insurance policy to have PIP. This would cover damages and losses stemming from a hit-and-run car accident. Since PIP pays for medical bills also, Florida drivers do not need to get Medpay.
Florida does not require motorists to have uninsured/underinsured, but most drivers carry this as it as a small add-on charge and can provide compensation in cases of a hit-and-run. However, the insured must ask specifically for this coverage.
Do I need an Attorney for a Hit-and-Run?
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run, you need to talk to an auto accident attorney who can evaluate your circumstances and find all sources of compensation for your injuries. Don’t wait around for them to find the other driver, act quickly and get the right advice.
RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” Our personal injury team describes our bold modern approach to “Accident & Personal Injury Law” and “Our Personal Mission” to empower Florida’s families to “Take Charge!”
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