Police in Sarasota County were looking for a woman who fled an accident scene on Wednesday, April 8. According to information from the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident occurred at about 4:45 p.m. near the intersection of Arnold Street and Swift Road. A 40-year-old woman from Bradenton was stopped on Swift Road at a red light at that intersection when a maroon SUV failed to make a timely stop and slammed into the rear of her 2003 Honda CR-V.
Fortunately, neither person was injured in the accident. Afterwards, both drivers pulled their vehicles into a nearby parking lot and had a brief conversation. But suddenly, the driver who caused the accident reportedly got back into her SUV and fled the scene, leaving the victim alone and puzzled.
The victim described the fleeing driver as a slim woman with long dark hair, approximately 5’3” and in her 20s. For those who may have key information about the accident, they can report it to the Florida Highway Patrol by calling 239-938-1800.
Hit-and-run accidents are typically considered felony crimes in all states. It is the responsibility of both drivers to remain at the scene of an accident to exchange information and to wait until police arrive to file an accident report. Hit and runs causing injury are even more serious in nature, and often result in prison time or significant fines for those convicted.
If you need legal assistance after a hit-and-run accident in Florida, meet with the knowledgeable Sarasota personal injury attorneys at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh to learn more about your options.