A 45-year-old man from Bradenton suffered severe injuries in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 75.
The accident occurred at approximately 9:15 p.m. Friday, June 9, near mile marker 222 between Ellenton and State Route 64. The first vehicle was heading south on the highway in the outer lane, driving toward SR-64. The second vehicle was also in the outer lane, but failed to slow down as the first vehicle prepared to turn, resulting in a rear-end collision. The driver of the second vehicle then left the scene before police arrived.
The injured driver in the first vehicle was unable to provide police officers with any identifying information about the second driver, and there were no skid marks left behind. However, a witness said the vehicle that fled the scene was a silver minivan or an SUV.
The Florida Highway Patrol encourages anyone with more information about the accident to notify the agency as soon as possible.
Hit-and-run crashes have serious consequences
After a car accident, all drivers involved must remain at the scene until police arrive and call for medical assistance, if necessary. Those who leave the scene of an accident could face criminal penalties.
The consequences become even more severe when a hit-and-run accident involves an injury or death. Leaving the scene of an accident causing injury or death is a felony offense. If the driver who left the scene of this recent accident is caught, he or she could face prison time, along with large fines and the loss of driving privileges.
To learn more about how to proceed after a hit-and-run accident in Florida, meet with a skilled Bradenton personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh.