When the fault or negligence of another results in injury to yourself or a loved one, the ongoing pain and financial struggles can be the source of long term headaches.  When someone else is to blame for your personal injury or property damages, then they are also responsible for the cost of the damages they cause.  Though this sounds straight forward, when you are injured in a hit-and-run accident, charging the culpable party becomes quite complicated.

Whether you are walking, bicycling, or driving down the street, the recklessness of speed-hungry motorists jetting past you is more than enough to put you on edge, and can even be enough to send you off the road yourself.  In the state of Florida, the likelihood that the perpetrator in this scenario continues on their speedy way after causing your accident is higher now than ever, and still on the rise.

In 2012, there were 7,000 hit-and-run accidents in the state of Florida.  In the event of a roadside accident, the first responders to the scene are those who are involved in the collision.  When one party flees the scene of a crash, they abandon those left who may require immediate assistance.  In response to this unfortunate hit-and-run trend, Florida state legislators have just passed a bill that will hopefully bring some justice to the roadside.

Named for a father-of-two who was killed in a hit-and-run accident in 2012, the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act promises to impose much harsher penalties for those who flee the scene of an accident, including a four-year minimum sentence for cases of accidents that result in death.  The bill has already passed in the state House and Senate.

When another party is at fault for your personal injury resulting from an automobile accident, they are liable for all damages that exceed the first $10,000 (that much is usually covered by your insurance company). Although a highly trained personal injury lawyer can help you pursue the highest possible compensation from the responsible parties, this is impossible when we cannot identify the responsible party because they have fled the scene.

The new bill is on its way to the Governor’s desk for approval.  The passage of this law is crucial to the legal rights and personal safety of pedestrians, bikers, and drivers.  If you are seeking personal injury representation, call the law offices of Gilbert & Smallman today.