Hit and run car accidents in Florida are on the rise according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV).
The data analysis by FLHSMV reveals a concerning pattern in hit and run accidents in Florida. Compared to 2020, there were more than 17% more hit-and-run collisions overall in the state in 2021. In that same comparison, hit and run-related fatalities increased by nearly 18%, while hit and run-related serious bodily injuries increased by 20%.
In addition, 169 of the hit and run deaths in 2021 were pedestrians, and 45 involved bicycles, making up a total of 70% of hit-and-run deaths in the previous year. As a reference, there were 27 cyclists and 140 pedestrians killed in hit-and-run accidents in 2020.
Hit and Run
“Hit and run crashes and fatalities are tragically on the rise in our state – causing devastation to Florida’s families and communities,” FLHSMV Executive Director, Terry L. Rhodes says. “Drivers who choose to flee after being involved in a crash that results in property damage, injury, or death are not just breaking the law – they are displaying a blatant disregard for the life and property of others. Please, stay at the scene and call for help – it could save a life.”
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) handled 131 hit-and-run fatalities in 2021, up from 124 in 2020, of which 91 are still active, according to the Homicide Investigation Tracking System (HITS). These investigations are still underway, and several leads point to potential charges. The FLHSMV’s Active Hit-and-Run Incidents webpage contains details regarding active hit-and-run cases.
“If you are involved in a traffic crash, it’s not only the right thing to do, but it’s your responsibility to remain at the scene and immediately contact law enforcement,” Florida Highway Patrol Director, Colonel Gene Spaulding says. “With hit-and-run crashes on the rise, we need the public’s assistance in solving these cases and bringing justice to families who have lost a loved one, been injured, or had property damaged because someone left the scene in violation of Florida law.”
If you’ve been injured in an accident, get a free consultation with a top Orlando car accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm. Call 866-730-1881 for a free case review. Convenient locations throughout Central Florida.
