Teenager Critically Injured in Jacksonville Hit-and-Run Crash
A teenage boy is in critical condition after being struck by a hit and run driver. According to a News 4 Jax report, the hit-and-run accident happened on 103rd Street near Tampico Road in Jacksonville.
Officials say the pedestrian may have been outside the crosswalk when the driver of a small, dark-colored car struck him and drove away. The young victim was taken to UF Health Jacksonville with critical injuries. Authorities are asking for information about the hit-and-run driver.
Motorists in Florida are required to drive with reasonable care. They are also required under the law to remain at the scene of an accident when someone gets injured. In fact, in July 2014, leaving the scene of a serious injury crash became a second-degree felony in the state.
Despite the harsh penalties for leaving the scene of an accident, hit-and-run accidents remain common in Florida. According to the Florida Sheriffs Association, one in four Florida crashes involved a hit-and-run in the year 2014. In fact, fatal hit-and-run crashes increased by 23 percent from the year 2013 to 2014, and the total number of hit-and-run crashes increased by 7 percent statewide.
Police make every effort to track down and arrest hit-and-run drivers, but not all of them get caught. When a hit-and-run driver is arrested, the victim may file a personal injury claim to receive support for their injuries and losses.
When a hit-and-run driver isn’;t found, compensation may still be available through the uninsured motorist clause of the victim’;s own auto insurance policy. Farah & Farah can review the circumstances of the accident to determine the best course of action for victims and their families. Let us help you.
Contact us at (800) 533-3555 to discuss your situation.
