Basics of a hit and run accident in Florida.

A 13-year-old boy recently died in a Fort Lauderdale hit-and-run accident while riding his bike. Apparently, another teen was also riding in the area. Both children were struck and sent to the hospital soon after the accident. The 19-year-old driver responsible for the accident was located and also detained shortly after.

Michael Jump, a senior at a local Fort Lauderdale high school, is facing charges for causing the accident, severe injuries, and death of the victim. He was also driving without a valid license and didn’t stop after the accident occurred but rather went to his parents’ house and called 911. Jump told the police he was too scared and didn’t know what to do. He later turned himself in.

According to a Broward County school board member, 13-year-old Zagwe St. Dic, was in a middle school’s football team and enjoyed attending school. The victim’s family is deeply affected by his death. It is a devastating tragedy that has also impacted his classmates and friends.

A hit and run bike accident is a crime basically having more to do with the aftermath of the accident than the events leading to the accident. Some of the most important aspects of hit and run accidents include:

  • Whether the driver stopped at the scene of the accident and provided the required identification.
  • Whether the driver responsible for the accident offered assistance to the injured victims.

What about if none is around?

There are times when a driver hits a parked vehicle or bike, therefore, it is difficult to inform the owner. Under such circumstances, the driver should leave a note with his contact info and report the accident. Even if it wasn’t the driver’s fault, he or she must stop at the scene of the accident and provide help. Drivers who convince a cyclist or the other driver to flee will also face serious charges.

Penalties

In Florida, the penalties can vary depending on the type of accident and damages thereof. Accidents involving damages to the vehicles and severe injuries, have penalties of 5 years in prison and probation, plus $5,000 in fines.

Accidents involving death and property damage

These accidents involve up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines. If the driver leaving the scene of the accident was driving under the influence, the defendant will have to spend a minimum of 2 years in prison and driver’s license revocation. Likewise, accidents involving damage to property have $500 in fines and up to 60 days in jail.

Restitution

The driver staying at the scene of the accident generally qualifies for restitution as long as the driver fleeing the scene of the accident was responsible for the crash. However, it is only after the loss has been estimated that the victim is entitled to receive compensation.

Your free initial case assessment

If you have been involved in a hit and run accident in Fort Lauderdale and would like to learn about your legal rights, call us today and schedule a free case evaluation with one of our talented Fort Lauderdale hit and run accident attorneys.

Note: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Our dedicated team compiles accident news reports using a variety of trusted external sources, such as local news outlets, official police reports, social media updates, and eyewitness statements regarding incidents in Florida. While we strive for accuracy, the facts in this post have not been independently verified by our writers. If you identify any inaccuracies, please contact Neufeld & Kleinfeld, PA, immediately, and we will promptly address any corrections. Posts can also be removed upon request.

Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a business solicitation. The information provided should not be interpreted as medical or legal advice. Additionally, the photo accompanying this post does not depict the accident scene described in this post.

Previous PostNext Post

Over 100 Years of Combined Personal Injury Experience in Florida

Start My Claim (305) 404-8217

Reviews

Quote Quote

You Only Pay Legal Fees if We Win a Settlement

Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA handles a variety of personal-injury cases. We understand that you are concerned about getting healthy, getting back to work, paying your bills and of course, being fully compensated for your loss. Contact us to start the path to wholeness from your injury today.

Get Consultation
  • NEVER Pay A Fee Unless We Win Your Case

  • Highly Experienced & Professional Representationur

  • Start Your Claim Off With A FREE Case Evaluation

  • Get Back To NORMAL... As Soon As Possible

Request a Free Consultation

All Consultations Are Free of Charge

Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Helping those Injured in Accidents Across Florida

While we are proud to call Miami and Aventura home, we are also more than happy to help injured people living anywhere in the Sunshine State. In fact, we’ve even been known to travel all around the country just to meet our clients’ needs.

We are here to help the residents of:

Recent Articles from the Blog

Jacksonville, FL - Motorcyclist Critically Hurt on SR-9B near E Town Pkwy

Jacksonville, FL – Motorcyclist Critically Hurt on SR-9B near E Town Pkwy

Jacksonville, FL (October 3, 2024) – A motorcyclist suffered critical injuries after a collision in Jacksonville. The wreck occurred...

Read More..
How to Maximize Your Auto Accident Settlement: Key Tips

How to Maximize Your Auto Accident Settlement: Key Tips

Being involved in an auto accident is often a life-changing experience, bringing physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial...

Read More..

Miami, FL – Vehicle Accident Ends in Injuries on 152 St near 117 Ave

Miami, FL (October 2, 2024) – A car accident resulted in injuries on a roadway in Miami on October 1. At around 7:03 p.m., the...

Read More..

Orlando, FL – Woman Loses Life in Crash on I-4 near MP 72

Orlando, FL (October 1, 2024) – A 25-year-old woman lost her life in a traffic accident in Orlando on Tuesday morning, October 1. ...

Read More..

Palm Bay, FL – Two Men Killed in Two-Car Wreck on SR-514

Palm Bay, FL (October 2, 2024) – The Florida Highway Patrol reports that two men lost their lives in a two-car wreck on State Route...

Read More..
Tamarac, FL - Pedestrian Loses Life in Wreck on NW 70th Ave near W McNab Rd

Tamarac, FL – Pedestrian Dies in Wreck on NW 70th Ave & W McNab Rd

Tamarac, FL (October 1, 2024) – A pedestrian lost their life after they were struck by two cars in Tamarac on Tuesday morning,...

Read More..