The Florida Highway Patrol has asked for the public’s assistance in finding a suspect in a hit-and-run accident that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist.
According to troopers, the accident occurred on U.S. 41 in Venice at approximately 6 p.m. on Friday, November 9, at the intersection with Jacaranda Boulevard. The suspect reportedly turned left despite having a red light, striking a 67-year-old motorcyclist from Port Charlotte in the process.
First responders pronounced the man dead at the scene. The suspect left behind his vehicle and fled on foot. Police were not able to locate the suspect immediately. Anyone who has any information about the suspect or the accident is asked to contact the Florida Highway Patrol at 239-938-1800 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.
Hit-and-run accidents have serious consequences
All drivers must, by federal law, stay behind at the scene of an accident, no matter if there are injuries or whether they were at fault. Doing so allows all parties to exchange insurance and contact information and wait for police to arrive. Officers can then gather information to file an official police report, which can also assist in the insurance claims process.
Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime — and that crime rises to felony status if the accident led to an injury or death. This could mean large fines, potential jail time, loss of license and other significant consequences, all in addition to whatever consequences the runaway driver faces in a civil suit the victim or his/her family files.
To learn more about how to proceed in an accident claim involving a driver who left the scene, speak with a skilled Sarasota personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh.