Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Are you facing charges for "fleeing the scene"?
Leaving the scene of a motor-vehicle accident carries extreme consequences
under the law if you are convicted. This holds true in accidents involving
sober drivers and accidents involving
DUI as well. However, when the charge involves a DUI, the consequences can
be much more severe. At Parks & Braxton, PA, our DUI attorneys in
Tampa realize that there are many reasons why a person may leave the scene
of an accident. Drivers may "flee the scene" without knowing
they are breaking the law.
We also know that ignorance of the law is not a strong defense. If you
have been charged with leaving the scene in a DUI accident, it is important
to understand the charges you are facing and retain an experienced legal
professional that can help you protect your rights. Parks & Braxton, PA has
more than 50 years of collective experience in criminal defense. Over the years, we have
handled thousands of DUI cases, and our record of success speaks for our reputation as dedicated legal
advocates who aggressively fight to protect our clients' interests.
Our Tampa DUI defense lawyers are here to help. Contact Parks & Braxton, PA today!
Florida Duty to Render Aid After an Accident
Citizens have a duty to render aid, also known as a "duty to rescue." What this means is that individuals
can be held liable in certain circumstances if they failed to give the
necessary care that could have prevented further injury or death. Those
who are involved in accidents with other vehicles are obligated to stay
at the scene of the accident and render aid to the person that they hit.
Attempting to "flee the scene" is equated with attempting to
evade law enforcement.
Individuals may not know they have an obligation to remain at the scene
of an accident—some may not even know that an accident occurred.
For example, a driver who bumps into another car while drifting out of
a lane may not realize they hit the car. The driver may then drive off
and not realize they have fled the scene of an accident. Many of these
situations can occur with sober drivers, not just those that are under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Leaving the Scene of a DUI Accident
There are severe penalties for being convicted of a DUI charge, including
fines, a jail sentence, and license suspension. Multiple convictions may
result in greater fines, longer jail sentences, longer license suspensions,
and other penalties. When a DUI charge involves an accident that resulted
in injuries or death, the consequences may be even more severe.
Being charged with leaving the scene of a DUI accident may only make the
penalties of a conviction worse. Our Tampa DUI attorney may help you gather
evidence in your defense and aggressively defend your rights in court.
By proving that you did not intend to leave the scene of the accident,
you may be able to avoid the penalties of the charges placed against you!
Minimize the damage of a "fleeing the scene" charge!
Just because you may have hit and run, it does not mean that you were intoxicated
and intentionally fleeing the scene of an accident. Our firm understands
that there are many reasons why this may happen. With a strong defense
and dedicated legal representation, you may be able to minimize the consequences
of the charges brought against you, or even have them dismissed entirely.
If you have been charged with fleeing the scene, contact Parks & Braxton,
PA and discuss your situation with our Tampa DUI lawyers.
We are available 24/7, on weekends and holidays.
Schedule a free case consultation today!