Leaving the scene of a crash that results in property damage, injury, or death is not only against the law but also irresponsible. This month, the Florida Highway Patrol reminds Floridians that receiving a Florida license is a privilege, and with that, motorists are responsible and face criminal penalties if they leave the scene of a crash.
Be responsible, stay at the scene.
- In 2023, there were 104,273 hit-and-run crashes in Florida, a decrease of less than 1% from 2022.
- Hit-and-run crashes in 2023 resulted in 271 fatalities and 871 serious bodily injuries.
- Vulnerable road users are particularly at risk. Of the 271 hit-and-run fatalities in 2023, 159 were pedestrians and 47 were bicyclists (76% of hit-and-run fatalities).
- Of Florida’s 104,273 hit-and-run crashes last year, 86,987 involved property damage only.
- In 2023 alone over 81% of hit-and-run fatalities occurred during dawn, dusk, or nighttime conditions.
- Under Florida law, a driver MUST stop immediately at the scene of a crash on public or private property which results in property damage, injury, or death.
- If a driver flees the scene, the situation becomes even worse.
- If the crash involves property damage, leaving the scene is classified as a second-degree misdemeanor with penalties of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
- Leaving the scene of a crash with injuries is a second-or third-degree felony and a driver, when convicted, will have their driver license revoked for at least three years and can be sentenced up to five years in prison and incur a $5,000 fine.
- Drivers leaving the scene of a crash with a fatality could be sentenced up to 30 years in prison and incur $10,000 fine.
- If involved in a crash involving property damage, you must stay at the scene and attempt to locate or contact the property owner. If you cannot locate the property owner, the driver responsible for the crash should leave contact and insurance information in an identifiable location.
- In the case of property damage only, the driver and crash victim – once contact has been made between them – can self-file a crash report with FLHSMV, and do not need law enforcement to file a crash report.
- The most important thing a driver can do when involved in a crash is to stay at the scene.
- Make sure you and any passengers are okay. Remain calm.
- If possible, move to the side of the road. Remove your keys if you get out of your vehicle, move off the roadway, and stay in a safe area.
- Check on others involved. Call 911 if anyone might be injured or a vehicle is inoperable.
- If there are no injuries or major property damage, gather information. Get the name, driver license, insurance and tag information from the other driver(s). Take photos of the vehicles and information if you can’t write it down and then file a report online.
- Most importantly, always stay at the scene. Leaving the scene of a crash will only make matters worse.
- Staying at the scene will not only spare a driver significant legal penalties, but it may save a life.
- Even a small tip can help solve a hit-and-run case. If you see something, say something. If you have information on a hit-and-run crash, you can report it by calling *FHP (*347) or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at **TIPS (8477).
