Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyers

Hit-and-run accidents always add an unnecessary layer of stress and anxiousness to any Fort Lauderdale auto accident, and unfortunately yet another hit-and-run crash occurred early this morning that left the driver of the vehicle that was hit in critical condition.  The collision occurred in the pre-dawn hours and police are actively looking for the driver of the vehicle who fled the scene afterward.  Fortunately, they have a description of the car suspected in the incident.

The accident occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. on the southbound Interstate 95 near the Broward Boulevard exit.  According to reports, the driver of the vehicle that was hit, Velinet Cine, 50, was taken to Broward General Medical Center with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening at this time.  In addition to these facts, police also stated that they do not believe that the owner of the vehicle at issue, a Mercury sedan, was driving the vehicle at the time.

Florida Auto Accident Statistics and Hit-and-Run Statute

While it’s fortunate that the man who was hit is likely going to survive his injuries, it’s unfortunate that he will now become part of a troubling set of statistics.  In 2008 alone, almost 200,000 people were injured in Florida auto accidents, and an untold number of them involved drivers fleeing the scene.  If or when this driver is located, he’ll likely face substantial criminal liability.

According to the Florida statutes:

316.027 Crash involving death or personal injuries.–

(1)(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in a crash resulting in injury of any person must immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the crash, or as close thereto as possible, and must remain at the scene of the crash until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of s. 316.062. Any person who willfully violates this paragraph is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

Contact a Fort Lauderdale Auto Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been harmed by a hit-and-run driver, you could also have legal options available to you via a Florida personal injury lawsuit.  Do not wait until the driver is apprehended before seeking the help of a Fort Lauderdale auto accident lawyer who has years of experience in holding those responsible for this sort of conduct accountable. Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.