Coral Gables Hit & Run Defense Attorney

What Constitutes a Hit & Run? 

Florida law requires that any driver involved in a collision stop, exchange identifying information, and render reasonable assistance to injured parties. Fleeing the scene before fulfilling these statutory duties constitutes a hit-and-run.

Law enforcement often relies on hasty witness accounts or partial license plates to secure a conviction. We can investigate the full context of the stop to verify whether your vehicle was falsely linked to the crash and challenge unverified claims before they turn into formal charges.

What Are the Penalties for a Hit & Run Conviction?

The penalties for a hit-and-run conviction depend on the type and circumstances of the crime. A hit-and-run resulting in damage to a vehicle or other property without injuring anyone is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation, and up to $500 in fines (Fla. Stat. § 316.061).

When your freedom and driving privileges are on the line, we act decisively to challenge the evidence against you, protect your daily commute, and keep you out of jail.

Can I Face a Hit & Run Charge if I Wasn’t at Fault?

State law requires all involved drivers to remain at the scene, regardless of who caused the crash. Even if another driver ran a red light and struck your vehicle, leaving the area can still result in criminal charges.

If you left the scene out of confusion, don’t wait to contact our attorney. We can intervene early to clarify the true context of your departure and work to reduce or dismiss the charges before they disrupt your life.

How We Build a Tactical Defense Against Hit & Run Charges

Drivers are often accused of fleeing the scene of an accident due to panic, poor visibility, or unverified claims by other motorists. We work to protect your record and safeguard your driving privileges by: 

• Disputing vehicle identification. We contest unreliable eyewitness accounts, blurry traffic camera footage, or partial license plate reports that incorrectly link your car to the crash.
• Establishing lack of awareness. We present evidence showing that weather conditions, heavy traffic, or minimal vehicle contact prevented you from knowing an impact took place.
• Demonstrating safety concerns. If you temporarily departed the immediate area to seek medical help, call emergency services, or reach a safer location, we can gather evidence to support this. 
• Suppressing unlawful statements. We file motions to exclude statements made during police questioning if officers violated your constitutional rights or failed to issue proper warnings.

Can I Be Arrested for a Hit & Run if I Didn't Know I Hit Something?

Some drivers may not realize that an impact occurred, especially during heavy traffic or bad weather. In State v. Dorsett, the Florida Supreme Court established that the state must prove you had “actual knowledge” of the crash, not merely that you “should have known.” If you were unaware of the incident, our lawyer can evaluate road conditions, sightlines, and damage analysis to craft a strategic defense.