Deadly Highway Hit-and-Run Accident Driver Found, Charged
Hit-and-run crashes, every driver’s worst nightmare, have increased by 40% over the last decade according to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). When a driver causes a crash and flees the scene, the consequences can be devastating. These crashes leave victims with serious injuries, unanswered questions, and the burden of recovery—alone. A recent hit-and-run accident involving Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) workers and a semi-truck brought renewed attention to this growing issue.
News channel WPBF reports that a semi-truck struck and killed two FDOT surveyors working on the side of I-95 in Palm Bay. The semi-truck first hit a pickup truck, then the two surveyors. The truck driver initially stopped but then left the scene. Authorities eventually caught him in Palm Beach County, more than 100 miles away. Unfortunately, these types of accidents happen far too often. They carry serious legal and financial consequences for everyone involved.
What to Know About Florida Hit-and-Run Laws
Florida law is clear: leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a felony. According to Florida Statute §316.027, drivers must stop, provide information, and render aid after a crash. Yet despite these laws, Florida consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of hit-and-run crashes. In 2023 alone, FLHSMV reported over 104,000 hit-and-run accidents in Florida.
For victims, these accidents can result in severe injuries, lost income, long-term disability, and emotional trauma. Identifying the responsible party can be difficult—but not impossible. A skilled personal injury attorney can work with investigators, collect evidence, and pursue compensation, even in cases where the driver is unknown or uninsured.
Why Legal Help Matters After a Hit-and-Run
Pursuing justice after a hit-and-run accident requires immediate action and experienced legal guidance. At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, we help victims build strong cases—whether by uncovering the identity of the driver or by exploring other avenues for compensation, such as uninsured motorist coverage.
Time is critical in these cases. Surveillance footage can be lost, witnesses can become harder to find, and evidence can fade. Florida also has a two-year statute of limitations. That’s why contacting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible gives you the best chance at recovering the compensation you need and deserve.
Contact Schwed, Adams & McGinley
If you or someone you love has been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Florida, don’t wait. The attorneys at Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A. have over 200 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases—especially motor vehicle accidents. Our team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these crashes cause. We are committed to fighting for your rights.
We proudly serve clients throughout South Florida and beyond, with offices in West Palm Beach and Tennessee. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling 877-694-6079 or emailing contact@schwedlawfirm.com.