Hit-and-run car accidents are a big problem in the state of Florida, with nearly 25% of all crashes involving a hit-and-run driver. Most of these accidents result in property damage, but the reality is that a good amount of hit-and-run accidents can result in serious injuries or even death.

According to the FLHSMV, there were 104,273 hit-and-run crashes in Florida in 2023, a decrease of less than 1% from 2022. Of these hit-and-run collisions in 2023, 271 lives were lost, and another 871 suffered serious bodily injuries. In 2023, 271 people were killed in hit-and-run accidents, including 159 pedestrians and 47 bicyclists.

What Are the Laws in Florida Regarding Hit-and-Run Accidents?

Florida law requires drivers to stop immediately when a collision occurs on private or public property, causing property damage, injuries, or fatalities.

On July 1, 2014, Florida enacted the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act, which increases penalties for hit-and-run drivers. The statute bears the name of Aaron Cohen, a father of two and an active cyclist who died in February 2012 in South Florida after being hit by a drunk driver who fled from the scene of the crash. The hit-and-run driver received a two-year prison term, less than what would have resulted from a DUI manslaughter conviction. A driver found guilty of fleeing the scene of a collision that results in death faces a minimum sentence of four years under the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act.

If you’re in an accident, stay at the scene and call for help. It is more than just the law; you could save someone’s life.

Some crashes may result in property damage, like a parked car, mailbox, fence, or garden. Stay at the accident scene and contact the property owner. If the property owner is unavailable, the driver should leave their contact and insurance information in a visible spot.

If the accident only involved property damage, the motorist and crash victim can self-submit a crash report with FLHSMV after establishing contact, negating the requirement for a police officer to police to file a crash report.

Why Do People Leave the Scene of a Crash?

There are many studies regarding why people flee the scene of the crash, but some of the main reasons are:

• Fear of consequences, such as arrest, deportation, civil liabilities, and more
• Under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
• Driving a stolen car
• Transporting illegal or stolen goods
• Irrational decisions/sheer panic
• Avoiding arrest/additional charges
• Unlicensed
• Uninsured

Regardless of your fears, you should never flee the scene of a car crash. Leaving the scene of a car accident before the police arrive can result in serious legal consequences. Everyone involved in an accident should follow the law in their best interest.

Who Pays for Damages in a Hit-and-Run Crash?

In Florida, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage compensates you for damages when you are involved in a crash with a driver who either lacks insurance or has insufficient insurance to cover the damages. UM coverage also comes into play if the driver leaves the accident scene.

Our Florida Car Accident and Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton are ready to offer you our experience handling car accidents, including hit-and-runs. We can help you review your UM coverage, file any insurance claims, and investigate your accident, hoping to find the person responsible. We help injury victims resolve car accident claims and fight for the compensation they deserve. To learn more, call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation.

The holiday season can bring lots of joy, family traditions, social gatherings, and so much more, but there can also be unexpected hazards. While the twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, sparkly décor, and festive celebrations may transform our homes into winter wonderlands, they also create a lot of potential hazards for your family and any guests. 

Frequent Holiday Home Catastrophes

Decorating Disasters

Holiday décor can lead to a lot of clutter, creating a potential for trip and fall accidents. Decorative rugs, holiday adornments, wrapped presents, and extension cords for lights can all lead to serious trip and fall injuries. Visitors to your home that may be unfamiliar with your set up, or children that may get a little too rowdy, can easily slip, trip, and fall over your festive embellishments. According to the CPSC, approximately 14,900 people received hospital treatment for injuries connected to Christmas decorating during the 2023 holiday season, which ran from November 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023.

Christmas Trees Getting Knocked Over and Fires

A gorgeously decorated Christmas tree is a staple in most homes for the holiday season, but a tree that is not secured can quickly lead to a disaster. When the tree base is unstable, or if children or pets pull on or knock over the tree, then serious head and crush injuries can happen. Keep in mind that sharp branches and heavy ornaments can also lead to head injuries, cuts, bruises, and scratches. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are approximately 400 Christmas tree fires annually. Short-circuiting of tree lights is the primary reason.

Burn Injuries from Candles, Stoves, and Fireplaces

Candles and the glow of a fire really set the mood for a beautiful winter holiday. However, open flames can increase the risk of house fires and burn injuries. Make sure children know not to try and touch any flames, as tempting as it may be. Avoid flames if you expect many guests and your home will be crowded. This way, you can prevent anyone from falling into or getting too close to the fireplace and risking serious injury. If you cook a family meal, never leave your stove unattended.

Make sure children and pets steer clear of your hot zones. Keep your pot holders handy so you do not accidentally grab a hot pan. Position the handles of your pots and frying pans inward toward the stove or counter to prevent bumps that might spill hot liquids. Kids can easily reach up and pull hot pans or pots of hot liquid onto themselves when the handles point outward.

Christmas is the most popular day for candle fires, with an average of 35 fires each day. Christmas Eve comes in second place, followed by New Year’s Day.

The most common days for cooking fires are Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and Christmas Eve.

Contact Our Tampa Bay Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton 

After a holiday mishap, get medical attention as soon as possible. Tending to your injury is the top priority. Get checked by a doctor or at a hospital to create proper medical records for your injury. If you think another person’s negligence caused your injury, our Tampa Bay Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can review your case for free and outline your next steps. Call us today at 727-823-0000 or contact us online to set up a free initial consultation. 

From all of us at Whittel & Melton, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year! 

The holidays are a joyous time, and while there is much fun to be had, there are also safety concerns. Traffic increases during the holidays as people travel, shop, and attend parties. It is important to take safety precautions to keep you and your loved ones safe this season, so our Florida Injury Lawyers have compiled a list of 5 safety tips to keep in mind as you are out and about celebrating.

1. Drive Responsibly

Congested roads with people rushing to get where they need to go can be a recipe for disaster. Please try to remember to: 

• Give yourself extra time to get to your destination. Plan for bad weather and increased traffic. 
• Avoid distractions while driving—put down your cell phone and avoid letting festive coffee or Christmas tunes divert your attention from the road.
• Never drink and drive – this includes no drugged driving as well. Use a rideshare or designated driver to get home safely if you drink.

2. Stay Alert When Shopping

Holiday shopping carries its own set of risks, so remember to: 

• Exercise caution in parking lots – many people are backing out of spots, so pay attention when walking so that you are not hit. 
• Keep your eyes peeled for any dangers at stores, such as spills or clustered areas that could be slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall hazards. 
• Keep your personal belongings close to you. You do not want to have your wallet, car keys, shopping bags, or anything else stolen. 

3. Host Holiday Gatherings Responsibly

If you are hosting a holiday party or just having a family gathering, then you must take extra steps to keep your guests safe, including: 

• Keeping entryways free of any clutter that could be a tripping hazard. 
• Having plenty of lighting outside your home, so that guests can see in the dark. 
• Monitoring how much alcohol you are serving and make sure everyone has a safe ride home. 

4. Decorate Safely

Holiday decorations really make the season festive but they can also be dangerous, so make sure you are not careless with your setup and take down. 

• Inspect electrical lights and decorations for frayed wires or faulty connections before you plug them in. 
• Use a sturdy ladder to hang any lights and décor, and make sure you have someone who can hold the ladder and spot you if you slip and fall. 
• Do not overload your outlets, as this can cause an electrical fire. 
• Make sure your Christmas tree is secured correctly. Having a stable base for your tree can prevent unnecessary trip and fall incidents, especially if you have young children or pets at home. 

5. Be Safe in the Kitchen 

Cooking for family and friends is a huge part of the holiday season, but when there is a lot going on and things are forgotten, kitchen accidents can easily happen. 

• Use timers to make sure you do not forget about food on the stove, grill, air fryer, or in the oven. 
• Be careful if kids and pets are present. Make sure all sharp knives are kept out of reach, and that they are not getting too close to any hot surfaces. 
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working – you can do this by pushing the test button. 
• Be careful with pot handles. It is best to turn handles towards the back of the stove to prevent someone from bumping them and causing a hot liquid spill. 
• Wash your hands frequently. You do not want to be the reason friends and family get sick. 

Whittel & Melton Are Here to Help this Holiday Season 

Accidents can still happen despite our best efforts to prevent them. If you or someone you love is injured this holiday season due to someone else’s carelessness, we are available 24/7 to help. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation.