Five members of a family were crossing Gulf Boulevard last Thursday night when a small red Nissan plowed into them, the Tampa Bay Times and Fox 13 News reported. One person died, and four others were injured. The deadly pedestrian crash was reported in the 4800 block of Gulf Boulevard at 8:45 PM. The group, all members of the same family, ages 70, 77, 76, 51, and 67, was crossing the street together, headed towards the beach side of Gulf Boulevard, when they were struck by the vehicle. After the collision, the driver did not remain at the scene.
Our thoughts go out to the entire family who were involved in this crash, and witnessed the distressing incident. Anyone with information about the driver or vehicle involved in the crash is asked to contact Cpl. Jon Dobson at 727-580-4505 or by email at [email protected] you have information on a hit-and-run crash, you can also report it by calling *FHP (*347) or report it anonymously to Florida Crime Stoppers by calling **TIPS (**8477).
Florida has a concerningly high number of hit-and-run accidents. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that nearly 25% of all crashes involve a hit-and-run driver. Pedestrians and bicyclists are especially vulnerable to hit-and-run injuries or deaths. Gulf Boulevard in St. Pete Beach area has had eight incidents of car vs. pedestrian accidents since 2019.
For an accident involving a fatality, not staying at the scene of a crash is a first degree felony under Florida law. Drivers may have their license revoked for at least three years, and will spend up to 30 years in prison (a mandatory minimum of 4 years in prison). The criminal consequences for hit and run is a separate legal case from a lawsuit against a driver, or a personal injury claim against your own insurance company. A Florida Personal Injury Lawyer can help you with a civil claim for your injuries, including medical care expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
Hit-and-run accidents are unique events – and most people who are victims of them are unfamiliar with what steps to take to protect their legal rights. Locating the driver can be a challenging process – solving a mystery that no one wants to have to solve. In the immediate aftermath of an accident, it may be possible to investigate the incident beyond the initial investigation performed by law enforcement.
Speaking to an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident can give you the best chance of recovering compensation for your injuries, or a loved one’s wrongful death. Because evidence can be quickly destroyed or lost, and you have a strict time-limit window to file a claim. You should not delay reaching out to a skilled and knowledgeable attorney.
Were you or a loved one involved in a Florida hit-and-run accident? The Coleman Law Group offers a free consultation to review your legal rights and answer your questions. We will listen to your story, and offer an experienced-based opinion of your potential case value, and options to pursue compensation from your own insurance company, or the driver’s insurance company, if they are located. If we represent you, we will not charge any legal fees unless we recover money for you. Call us today at (877) 822-9292.
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