Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling frustrated, angry, and helpless. This is true especially when the responsible driver flees the scene without providing any information or assistance. In Florida, leaving the scene of an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage is a severe criminal offense. In addition, law enforcement agencies take these incidents very seriously. If you have been the victim, you may wonder how long does a hit and run investigation take after the accident and what steps the police will take to find the responsible driver.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Florida
Under Florida law, drivers involved in an accident involving and resulting in bodily injury, death, or property damage must stop at the scene. They must also provide their contact and insurance information to the other parties involved, and render aid if necessary. Failing to do so constitutes leaving the scene of an accident, also known as a hit-and-run.
The penalties for leaving/fleeing the scene of an accident in Florida depend on the severity of the incident:
- Property damage — Leaving the scene of an accident that results in only property damage is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
- Injuries — Leaving the scene of an accident that results in injuries to another person is a second or third-degree felony. This is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
- Fatalities — Leaving the scene of an accident that results in a fatality is a first-degree felony. This is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
In addition to criminal penalties, hit-and-run drivers may also face civil liability for the damages they cause. This includes medical bills and expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Will Police Investigate a Minor Hit-and-Run?
If you are involved in a minor hit-and-run accident that results in property harm, will the police investigate the incident? In most cases, the answer is yes. Law enforcement agencies in Florida must investigate all reported hit-and-run incidents, regardless of the severity of the losses.
The extent of the investigation may vary, however, depending on the available evidence and resources. So how long does a hit and run investigation take after the accident if it is a minor hit-and-run accident? In minor cases with limited evidence, the investigation may consist primarily of taking a report from the victim. This may include checking for any available surveillance footage or witness statements. More severe cases involving injuries or fatalities will typically receive a higher priority and more extensive investigative efforts.
How Do Police Find Hit-and-Run Drivers?
How long does a hit and run investigation take after the accident, if they haven’t found the hit-and-run driver? When investigating a hit-and-run accident, police officers in Florida use a variety of techniques and resources. To identify and locate the responsible driver, law enforcement may use:
- Witness statements — Officers will interview any witnesses who may have seen the accident or the fleeing vehicle. They may gather information about the car’s make, model, color, and license plate number, as well as the driver’s distinguishing features.
- Surveillance footage — Officers will check for surveillance cameras in the area that may have captured the accident or the fleeing vehicle. This includes traffic cameras, business security cameras, or residential doorbell cameras.
- Physical evidence — Officers will collect any physical evidence left at the scene that can identify the car’s make and model. This includes debris from the fleeing vehicle, paint transfers, or skid marks.
- Database searches — Officers will run the license plate number or vehicle description through databases to identify the vehicle’s registered owner. This includes the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles registry
- Public outreach — In some cases, officers may release information to the public through news media or social media. They may also ask for help identifying the responsible driver and show videos of the accident and the fleeing vehicle.
How Long After a Hit-and-Run Will Police Contact You?
How long does a hit and run investigation take after the accident? The time it takes for the police to contact you after a hit-and-run accident can vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of the incident, the available evidence, and the workload of the investigating officers. In some cases, officers may contact you within a few hours or days of the accident to provide an update on the investigation or to request additional information.
In other cases, however, it may take several weeks or even months for the police to make significant progress in the investigation, especially if there is limited evidence or the case is complex. It is essential to remain patient and cooperative throughout the investigation, as rushing the process or becoming aggressive with the officers will not speed up the timeline.
If you are still unsure of how long does a hit and run investigation takes, be patient as these can take time. Suppose you have yet to hear from the police within a reasonable amount of time after reporting the hit-and-run. In that case, you can contact the investigating officer or the local police department to request an update on the case status. Ensure your case or incident report number is available when making this request on the police report.
How Long Does a Hit-and-Run Investigation Take?
So, despite these processes, how long does a hit and run investigation take? The duration of a hit-and-run investigation in Florida varies depending on the complexity of the case, available evidence, and resources of the investigating agency. Some investigations may be resolved within a few days or weeks, while others may take several months or years.
If there is uncertainty on how long does a hit and run investigation takes, some factors can delay the investigation. Factors that can impact the duration of a hit-and-run investigation include:
- Severity of the incident — Investigations involving injuries or fatalities will typically receive a higher priority and more extensive resources than those involving only property damage.
- Available evidence — Cases with clear surveillance footage, witness statements, or physical evidence may resolve more quickly than those with limited evidence.
- Workload of the investigating agency — The duration of the investigation may be impacted by the workload and resources of the local police department or the Florida Highway Patrol.
- Cooperation of the parties involved — The investigation may take longer if the victim or witnesses are uncooperative or if it is challenging to locate the responsible driver.
Throughout the investigation, maintain open communication with the investigating officers. Provide any new information or evidence that becomes available. If the police cannot identify the responsible driver or if the investigation stalls, work with an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney. They can help you explore additional legal options for seeking compensation for your damages.
How Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers Group Can Help with Your Florida Hit-and-Run Case
Still unsure how long does a hit and run investigation takes? At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, our Tampa hit-and-run accident attorneys have the knowledge, experience, and resources to handle your case and get the compensation you deserve. Our law firm understands the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you may face after a hit-and-run charge. Our legal team is committed to providing compassionate, personalized representation tailored to your unique needs and goals.
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Florida, do not wait to seek legal help. Contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers at (619) 233-5020 to schedule your free consultation. Learn how our skilled hit-and-run accident attorneys can help you navigate the investigation process and pursue the compensation you deserve.
