In Florida, no matter the circumstances, if you find yourself involved in an accident, it is a legal obligation to stop at the scene. This legal obligation is necessary in order to exchange insurance details with others, as well as to render appropriate assistance for any injury or damage caused. Failure to stop at the scene of an accident is a criminal offense and may result in serious consequences, including large fines and a length of time behind bars.
If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident that has resulted in serious bodily injury, then it is strongly advised to seek representation from a skilled personal injury lawyer. At The Law Place, we have a team of lawyers with an abundance of experience in defending the accused. Contact us to arrange a free consultation with Bradenton criminal defense lawyer. Our Bradenton phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can rest assured that a traffic defense attorney will be on hand to offer support and valuable legal advice whenever you need it most. What are you waiting for? Call us today at (941) 444-4444.
How Is Leaving the Scene of an Accident Defined Under Florida Law?
In Florida, leaving the scene of an accident is also known as a hit and run. According to Florida Statute 316.062, any driver who is involved in a car accident is required by law to stop at the scene.
Florida Statute 316.027 highlights that the person’s statutory duties are as follows:
- Following an accident, the driver must stop their vehicle as close to the scene as is safe to do so.
- Drivers must remain at the scene of the accident and offer reasonable assistance to those that require it.
- Drivers must report the accident to law enforcement.
- Any driver involved in an accident must give all required information to other drivers at the scene as well as investigating officers. This information includes their full name, contact details, vehicle registration, and license information.
If the driver cannot find the person that owned the property that was damaged in the crash, then they are still required to contact a law enforcement agency and make them aware of the property damage situation. They should also leave a note. Again, failure to do so would be considered a criminal offense.
What Are the Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Serious Bodily Injury in Bradenton?
Penalties for a hit and run will vary greatly depending on the severity of injury and damage sustained in the accident. As a result, the type of charge, the amount payable in fines, and the length of your prison sentence will differ depending on the case.
Accidents Involving Property Damage
If you are caught leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in property damage, then you will face a second-degree misdemeanor charge. A second-degree misdemeanor charge is punishable by 60 days in jail, up to $500 payable in fines, as well as an additional 6 months spent under probation.
Accidents Involving Injury
If a driver is caught leaving the scene of an accident that has resulted in the injury of another person, then they will be charged with a third-degree felony. A felony charge is much more serious, and the criminal record that you receive as a result of the criminal offense will remain on your record for life.
A third-degree felony charge can result in up to fines of up to $5,000, up to five years behind bars, and an additional five years spent under probation.
Accidents Involving Serious Bodily Injury
A serious bodily injury is defined as an injury that poses a substantial risk of death, extreme physical pain, disfigurement, or the disabling of any part of the body. If you are charged with leaving the scene of a crash that resulted in such injury, then you will face a second-degree felony charge. A successful conviction for this crime could include a jail sentence of up to 15 years, an additional 15 years of probation following a jail sentence, as well as fines of up to $10,000.
Accidents Involving Death
Leaving the scene of an accident that involved the death of another person will result in the most serious punishments. This type of crime is a first-degree felony and can result in fines of up to $10,000. It is also likely that you will receive a prison sentence of up to 30 years, as well as an additional 30 years on probation following the prison sentence.
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Consequences of Receiving a Criminal Record
If you are unfortunate enough to be convicted for leaving the scene of an accident, then it is likely that you will receive a criminal record. Whilst a criminal record may sound like a minor punishment in comparison to jail time and hefty fines, a criminal record can have life-changing consequences for you and your loved ones. A criminal record can drastically impact your ability to gain employment or educational opportunities or receive financial loans or mortgages from banks. In addition, it can also affect your ability to gain child custody. Therefore, if you have been accused of leaving the scene of an accident, it is vital to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Call our offices in Florida today to speak to a defense attorney and get started with your case.
New Law Updates – HB 479: Hit-and-Run Restitution
As of October 1, 2025, Florida’s House Bill 479 has introduced a new requirement for courts to order restitution in all hit-and-run cases that cause injury or property damage. This means that any driver convicted of leaving the scene in Manatee County must now repay victims for their losses as part of their sentence.
At the Manatee County Judicial Center, judges are implementing this rule by including restitution orders in both misdemeanor and felony cases. Even when insurance coverage helps cover repair or medical costs, the defendant remains responsible for paying the balance directly to the victim. For serious bodily injury cases, restitution has become a standard component of probation and parole terms, ensuring that victims receive full financial compensation.
For victims and their families, this change provides an additional layer of accountability. Restitution can now be paired with civil personal injury claims, giving victims in Bradenton and across Manatee County a stronger path to recover expenses related to vehicle damage, medical bills, or long-term care.
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Possible Defences for Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Injury in Bradenton
If you have been accused or charged with leaving the scene of an accident, then it is strongly recommended to seek the advice of a knowledgeable traffic defense lawyer. A traffic defense attorney will assess the circumstances surrounding your case and will work to build a strong defense strategy that can stand up in court. A strong defense strategy may see your charges reduced or even eliminated. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, your attorney may put forward any number of the following defenses:
- There was an apparent lack of knowledge about your role in the accident.
- There has been a case of mistaken identity, and you were not the driver who left the scene of the accident.
- You were unaware that the accident was serious and, therefore, were not aware that you were required to stop.
- Your own injuries prevented you from rending aid or reporting the accident.
- It was not safe to stop at the scene of the accident.
- You did not leave the accident willingly, but there were certain circumstances that meant you were unable to remain at the scene.
- The other driver involved refused to take your information or forced you to leave the scene of the accident.
- You offered reasonable assistance as defined within the terms of the statute.
Meet the Team
The Law Place’s Bradenton attorneys have extensive experience handling hit-and-run cases involving serious bodily injury. Our office is located near the Manatee County Courthouse, allowing our team to respond quickly to hearings, coordinate with local investigators, and engage directly with prosecutors.
Our lawyers are familiar with the traffic patterns and accident risks along Highway 41, State Road 70, and Manatee Avenue. We work closely with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to ensure the facts are presented clearly and accurately.
Our Bradenton defense team regularly handles leaving-the-scene cases at the Manatee County Courthouse and works closely with local investigators to ensure your side of the story is heard.
Reviews
“They stood by me during a very difficult time and handled everything with professionalism and care.” – Lisa H., Bradenton, 2024
“The communication was clear from start to finish. They took time to explain my options and protect my record.” – Paul G., Palmetto, 2023
Local Resources
- Manatee County Clerk of Court – Criminal Division
Access court records, restitution payment information, and probation compliance updates. - Bradenton Police Department – Traffic Homicide Unit
Provides reports and investigation records for crashes involving injury or death. - Manatee County Victim Services Program
Offers resources for victims seeking restitution, counseling, and compensation tracking after serious accidents.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers.
Contact The Law Place in Bradenton Today!
If you have been accused or charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, then it is important to seek legal representation from an adept criminal defense attorney. At The Law Place in Bradenton, we have a team of highly skilled attorneys with over 75 years of combined experience in defending the accused. At our law firm, many of our attorneys are AVVO rated 10.0, which is the highest possible rating, so you can rest assured that your case will be in knowledgeable and competent hands.
At our law firm, we offer all our customers a free case evaluation, where we will assess your case and offer valuable legal advice and guidance at no obligation. Call our offices in Bradenton to schedule your free consultation. Our phone lines are open around the clock, so you can call us at a time that suits you best. Call us today at (941) 444-4444.
