In Florida, the number of hit-and-run crashes has steadily increased over the years. It is the law in Florida that drivers involved in an accident must stay at the scene until police arrive, yet nearly a quarter of all crashes in the state involve a hit and run.

Florida car accident attorney, Ted Babbitt, wrote an article for The Palm Beach Post explaining the numbers behind hit-and-run crashes.

The statistics, whether around the frequency of these kinds of accidents or the penalties, are not to be taken lightly:

  • According to the Florida Highway Patrol, drivers leave the scene of these hit-and-run accidents roughly 25 to 40 times per day.
  • There were more than 105,000 hit-and-run crashes in Florida in 2019, according to FHSMV. The most deadly crashes tend to happen after dark.
  • Leaving the scene of a crash where there are injuries or fatalities is a felony in Florida.

Victims of hit-and-run crashes will ideally have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage, also simply known as UM coverage. Under Florida law, a person’s auto insurance provider must offer UM coverage. Drivers in Florida are not required to have it, but given the statistics around hit-and-run crashes, motorists should sign up for it in order to recover the maximum amount of damages if they are involved in an accident.

For more information read Ted’s article: “Know the numbers behind hit-and-run crashes in Florida.”

If you or a loved one has been involved in a hit-and-run don’t hesitate to call our Florida car accident attorneys at (561) 375-2841 for a consultation. We will answer your questions and give you an honest assessment of your case.