Pedestrian Killed In Hit And Run Crash In Christmas
A strange crash in a wooded area has police investigating the cause and location of the driver. The incident happened on the morning of May 16 in the town of Christmas.
The accident occurred northeast of State Road 520 and State Road 50 on Christmas. A GMC Sierra was heading west on SR 520, south of SR 50. A pedestrian was standing in front of the vehicle for unknown reasons when the truck hit the person.
The driver kept going until the vehicle got stuck in a mud pit. The driver fled the scene on foot, leaving behind the injured pedestrian. The pedestrian, a 56-year-old man, died at the accident scene. The truck was taken into custody as evidence.
The driver, a 20-year-old woman, was located and arrested five days later. She has been charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death. The Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating the fatal crash.
Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Crash in Florida
Leaving the scene of a fatal crash is one of the most serious traffic-related offenses in Florida. State law requires drivers involved in any accident resulting in injury or death to stop immediately, remain at the scene, and provide reasonable assistance to those who may be hurt. Failing to do so can lead to severe criminal penalties and long-term consequences.
After a crash involving injuries or a death, a driver must:
- Stop as close to the accident scene as safely possible.
- Remain at the scene until legal obligations are fulfilled.
- Provide their name, address, and vehicle registration information.
- Show a driver’s license upon request.
- Render reasonable assistance to injured persons, including arranging medical treatment if necessary.
- Contact law enforcement and report the accident.
A driver who leaves before completing these duties may face hit-and-run charges.
Under Florida law, leaving the scene of a crash that results in death is a first-degree felony. A conviction can result in:
- Up to 30 years in prison.
- Up to 30 years of probation.
- Fines of up to $10,000.
- Mandatory driver’s license revocation for at least three years.
Courts often impose substantial prison sentences, particularly when evidence shows the driver knew or should have known that someone was seriously injured or killed.
Law enforcement agencies use a variety of tools to locate fleeing drivers, including the following:
- Traffic and surveillance cameras
- Witness statements
- Vehicle debris left at the scene
- Cell phone and electronic data
- License plate reader technology
- Vehicle damage analysis
- Social media and public tips
Contact Us Today
Car accidents can be deadly when pedestrians are involved. Cars and trucks are very powerful and can easily kill someone.
There are a lot of implications involved when a driver kills a pedestrian, whether or not it was done on purpose. If you or a loved one has been involved in such a crash, seek legal help from a Kissimmee car accident lawyer from Draper Law Office. We can help determine liability as well as your rights to compensation. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (407) 743-6628.
Source:
wesh.com/article/woman-arrested-fatal-orange-county-hit-and-run-crash/71372497
