One person suffered life-threatening injuries in a hit-and-run accident in Sarasota County on Tuesday, December 7.
According to law enforcement officials, the crash occurred on Clematis Street and South Tamiami Trail. A black sedan was heading north at the time on U.S. 41 when a Monte Carlo turned directly into the path of the sedan.
One person was ejected from the Monte Carlo—the person who now has life-threatening injuries. Another person fled the scene from the Monte Carlo.
The Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit was tasked with investigating the accident further as law enforcement also sought the person who was on the run.
Hit-and-run accidents come with significant consequences
All parties to an accident are expected to remain at the scene until police arrive, regardless of responsibility for the accident. This is to ensure the police are able to take names and fill out a police report as well as facilitate communication between the two parties as needed for purposes of insurance and contact information.
Leaving the scene of an accident is a misdemeanor at least, and when that accident resulted in injury the crime can rise to felony level, particularly when there are exacerbating circumstances like serious injury or death.
A person who is charged with felony hit-and-run faces prison time, significant fines, license revocation and other potential consequences.
To learn more about what steps you should take if you’ve been a victim of a hit-and-run accident as a driver, cyclist or pedestrian, contact an experienced Sarasota, FL personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.