Legal Question in Traffic Law in Florida

leaving the scene

Florida: What are the consequences

for leaving the scene of an accident if

you are not at fault? My father was

rear ended on a highway 19 in

Clearwater. He pulled over a few

blocks from the accident and saw the

driver get out of the car, but he was

unable to turn around because of the

one way traffic. Shook up, he went

home and got me, his daughter, to

drive him back to the accident site.

When we returned to the accident

site (40 minutes later), no one was

there except the policeman who then

issued a ticket to him for leaving the

scene of the accident. The other

driver had refused medical assistance

at the time of the accident, and she

received the ticket for the accident. It

was clearly her fault (stated by the

police). Does he need representation

when going in front of the judge?

What are the consequences for a

guilty or not guilty plea? His court

date is Aug 4


Asked on 7/10/09, 8:01 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Aaron Slavin Slavin Law Firm, LLC

Re: leaving the scene

Your father will probably want to discuss this with a local criminal defense attorney. Leaving the scene of an accident with property damage is a second degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to sixty days in jail and/or a $500 Fine (irrespective of whose at fault in the accident).

Because your father returned to the scene, and because the traffic made it difficult for him to return to the scene immediately, he may have some mitigating information to present to the Judge.

My office is here in Clearwater. I'd be more than happy to discuss this matter with you and/or your father and/or offer a free consultation.

My best,

Aaron J. Slavin, Esq.

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Answered on 7/10/09, 10:38 am


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