What to Know About Hit and Run Accidents in Miami-Dade County
Picture this: you’re stopped at a red light on Bird Road, and out of nowhere, another car clips your bumper and speeds off without so much as a backward glance. It happens more often than most drivers realize. Miami-Dade’s dense traffic, packed expressways, and constant tourist flow create the perfect conditions for drivers to flee rather than face the consequences. But why do people run? Fear of a DUI charge, an expired license, lack of insurance, and sometimes plain panic all play a role.
What Florida Law Actually Requires
Does a driver have a legal duty to stop after any collision? Yes, and the requirement isn’t vague. Under Florida Statute 316.027, any driver involved in a crash that results in injury or death must stop immediately, remain at the scene, and provide identifying information such as name, address, and registration. If the injured person cannot receive that information, the driver must report the crash to law enforcement as soon as possible. Leaving before doing so isn’t just rude. It’s a crime, with penalties ranging from a third-degree felony for non-serious injuries to a mandatory minimum prison sentence when a crash results in death.
Steps to Take If You’re the Victim
So what should you do in the chaotic minutes after a hit and run? A few things matter more than others:
- Note the vehicle’s color, make, and any partial license plate digits you can catch.
- Look for nearby security cameras, traffic cameras, or witnesses who may have seen the crash.
- Call 911 immediately rather than waiting until you get home.
- Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms surface later.
- Report the crash to your own insurer, since uninsured motorist coverage may apply if the driver is never found.
Florida drivers are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage or reject it in writing, which becomes critical when a fleeing driver can’t be identified.
Why These Cases Are Uniquely Frustrating
Unlike a typical crash where liability is straightforward once the other driver is found, hit and run cases often stall in a frustrating limbo. Investigators may take weeks to track down a suspect, if they ever do. Meanwhile, medical bills pile up and vehicles sit unrepaired. This is precisely where legal guidance becomes valuable, particularly in sorting out whether a claim proceeds against an identified driver, an insurer, or both.
If you’ve been hurt by a driver who fled the scene anywhere in Miami-Dade, we encourage you to reach out. Our Miami car accident attorneys have spent years untangling exactly these kinds of cases, and we know how to pursue compensation even when the at-fault driver seems to have vanished into traffic. Pita Weber Del Prado offers a free consultation to walk through what happened and lay out your options.
Source:
flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/0316.027
