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Leaving the Scene of a Crash

Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Damage to an UNATTENDED Vehicle or Property:​
Defined as:
  • Driving a vehicle involved in a crash that resulted in damage to an unattended vehicle or property; AND
  • Failing to immediately stop at the scene and either:
    • Locate and notify the operator or owner of the vehicle or other property of your (1) name; (2) address; and (3) registration number of your vehicle; OR
    • Securely and conspicuously attach written notice in or on the vehicle or other property giving your: (1) name​; (2) address; (3) and registration number of your vehicle; AND (5) notify the nearest police office.
Penalties:
  • Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Damage to an Unattended Vehicle or property is a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable by up to 60 days in the county jail & no more than a $500 fine.
- Section 316.063(1) of the Florida Statutes
Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Damage to an ATTENDED Vehicle or Property:
Defined as:
  • Driving a vehicle involved in a crash that resulted in damage to an attended vehicle or property; AND
  • Failing to stop at the scene of the crash or as close as possible and remain there until you have given identifying information to: (1) the other party; and (2) any police officer at the scene who is investigating the crash.
Penalties:
  • Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Damage to an Attended Vehicle or property is a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable by up to 60 days in the county jail & no more than a $500 fine.
- Section 316.061(1) of the Florida Statutes
Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Injury:
Defined as:
  1. Driving a vehicle involved in a crash that resulted in injury to the victim;   
  2. Knowing that you were involved in a crash;
  3. Knowing (or you should have known from the circumstances of the crash) that the victim was injured; AND
  4. Willfully failing to immediately stop at the scene of the crash or as close to the crash as possible, and failing to remain until you have;
    1. Given identifying information to the victim and to any police investigating the crash; AND​
    2. Rendered reasonable assistance to the victim.
Penalties:
  • Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Injury is a felony of the third degree, punishable by up to 5 years in prison & no more than a $5,000 fine.
- Section 316.027(2)(a) of the Florida Statutes
Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Serious Bodily Injury:
Defined as:
  1. Driving a vehicle involved in a crash that resulted in "serious bodily injury" to the victim;
    • "Serious bodily injury" means an injury which consists of a physical condition that creates a substantial risk of death, serious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member or organ.​
  2. Knowing that you were involved in a crash;
  3. Knowing (or you should have known from the circumstances of the crash) that the victim was injured; AND
  4. Willfully failing to immediately stop at the scene of the crash or as close to the crash as possible, and failing to remain until you have;
    1. Given identifying information to the victim and to any police investigating the crash; AND​
    2. Rendered reasonable assistance to the victim.
Penalties:
  • Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Serious Bodily Injury is a felony of the second degree, punishable by up to 15 years in prison & no more than a $10,000 fine.
- Section 316.027(2)(b) of the Florida Statutes
Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death:
Defined as:
  1. Driving a vehicle involved in a crash that resulted in the death of the victim;
  2. Knowing that you were involved in a crash;
  3. Knowing (or you should have known from the circumstances of the crash) that the victim was injured or killed;
  4. Willfully failing to immediately stop at the scene of the crash or as close to the crash as possible, and failing to remain until you have:
    1. Given identifying information to the victim or occupant of the vehicle and to any police investigating the crash; AND​
    2. Rendered reasonable assistance to the victim. 
Penalties:
  • Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death is a felony of the first degree, punishable by up to 30 years in prison (including a mandatory minimum of 4 years) & no more than a $10,000 fine. 
- Section 316.027(2)(c) of the Florida Statutes
Mandatory Driver's License Revocation:
  • Anyone convicted of Leaving the Scene of a Crash with (1) Injury; (2) Serious Bodily Injury; OR (3) Death SHALL have his or her driver's license revoked for at least 3 years. 
- Section 316.027(2)(e) of the Florida Statutes
CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE CASE CONSULTATION WITH A TAMPA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
  • A conviction for Leaving the Scene of a Crash can have serious consequences including significant fines, driver's license revocations and even jail or prison time.  
  • If you have been charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash call (813) 787-4849 now for a free case consultation. 
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