What Constitutes A Hit And Run In Florida?

A couple of state laws define what constitutes a hit–and–run in Florida. Florida Statute § 316.027 covers leaving the scene of a crash involving injury or death, requiring a driver to stop, remain at the scene, provide identification and insurance, and render reasonable aid. 

Florida Statute § 316.061 addresses crashes with only property damage, requiring the driver to stop and exchange information or promptly report. Failing to meet any of these duties is illegal. Penalties range from misdemeanors for property damage to felony charges for injury or death, with possible license revocation. Victims can seek recovery through civil claims if the at-fault driver is identified. 

A Florida hit-and-run accident lawyer can explain your legal options and next steps to seeking justice and compensation. 

Example Scenarios That Qualify as Hit-and-Runs in Florida

Hit-and-run laws apply to more situations than many drivers realize. Anytime a collision occurs, whether with another vehicle, property, or a person, Florida law imposes duties to stop, identify yourself, and, when needed, render reasonable aid. 

What is considered a hit-and-run accident in Florida includes failing to complete any of these required steps after a crash:

• Property damage: Hit-and-run accidents include incidents in which fleeing drivers have hit a parked vehicle, whether it was currently unoccupied or not. 
• Minor fender‑benders: Even with light damage and no visible injuries, a driver must stop and exchange information. Leaving after a “minor” bump can still be a hit-and-run.
• Pedestrian or cyclist strikes: Any contact with a person requires stopping, identifying yourself, and rendering reasonable aid. Departing the scene triggers hit‑and‑run liability.
• Multi‑car incidents: In multi-car pileups, each involved driver must stop and provide information, regardless of who caused the accident.

A Florida car accident lawyer can explain these duties and what to do if another driver flees. You do not have to wait until authorities identify the at-fault driver to hire a Florida personal injury lawyer. They can explore other avenues for accessing compensation. 

How the Florida Statutes Define Hit-and-Runs

Florida law sets clear responsibilities after a crash so that victims can receive emergency aid and accurate information for insurance and legal claims. These provisions explain when leaving the scene becomes a hit-and-run and what obligations apply in injury, death, and property damage situations.

Crashes Involving Injury or Death

Florida Statutes § 316.027 requires drivers who are involved in an accident to stop, remain at the scene, provide identification and insurance information, and render reasonable aid, such as calling for medical help. 

Violations are prosecuted as felonies, and cases often involve serious investigative steps that a Fort Lauderdale hit-and-run accident lawyer can help victims understand.

Crashes Involving Damage to Vehicle or Property

Florida Statutes § 316.061 applies to incidents with property damage only. It requires stopping and exchanging information with the other party or reporting promptly when contact cannot be made. Failing to do so qualifies as a hit-and-run under Florida law.

Duty to Give Information and Render Aid

Florida Statutes § 316.062 details what information must be shared and the duty to provide or obtain reasonable assistance for anyone injured. This section works alongside the other two to outline the core obligations that define what constitutes a hit-and-run accident in Florida.

All drivers have duties to stop, identify, and assist so that victims are not left without help or accountability. 

Civil Liability After a Hit-and-Run

Drivers who flee the scene of an accident can face more than just criminal charges. Hit-and-run accident victims can pursue compensation through civil claims if authorities identify the at-fault driver. 

Potential damages that you could claim include medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and property losses.

What Happens if Authorities Cannot Identify the At-Fault Driver?

If authorities cannot identify the at-fault driver or they can, but they lack sufficient coverage, your own UM/UIM benefits policy can provide compensation for bodily injury losses. This coverage is optional, though, and it cannot be applied retroactively to a previous claim. 

Pursuing these options requires meeting deadlines, proving fault and injury, and coordinating with insurers. A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help by evaluating insurance coverage and preserving critical evidence. They can also prepare and present a well-documented claim on your behalf.

Call Us for Help After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Florida

Our attorneys can explain more about what a hit-and-run is and explore your options for recovery. We stand with hit-and-run victims and focus on clear guidance, prompt communication, and results. 

The Schiller Kessler Group has recovered over $250 million for our clients, and we bring that courtroom-ready approach to every case. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options and next steps.