A 13-year-old boy recently died in a Fort Lauderdale hit-and-run accident while riding his bike. Apparently, another teen was also riding in the area. Both children were struck and sent to the hospital soon after the accident. The 19-year-old driver responsible for the accident was located and also detained shortly after.
Michael Jump, a senior at a local Fort Lauderdale high school, is facing charges for causing the accident, severe injuries, and death of the victim. He was also driving without a valid license and didn’t stop after the accident occurred but rather went to his parents’ house and called 911. Jump told the police he was too scared and didn’t know what to do. He later turned himself in.
According to a Broward County school board member, 13-year-old Zagwe St. Dic, was in a middle school’s football team and enjoyed attending school. The victim’s family is deeply affected by his death. It is a devastating tragedy that has also impacted his classmates and friends.
A hit and run bike accident is a crime basically having more to do with the aftermath of the accident than the events leading to the accident. Some of the most important aspects of hit and run accidents include:
There are times when a driver hits a parked vehicle or bike, therefore, it is difficult to inform the owner. Under such circumstances, the driver should leave a note with his contact info and report the accident. Even if it wasn’t the driver’s fault, he or she must stop at the scene of the accident and provide help. Drivers who convince a cyclist or the other driver to flee will also face serious charges.
In Florida, the penalties can vary depending on the type of accident and damages thereof. Accidents involving damages to the vehicles and severe injuries, have penalties of 5 years in prison and probation, plus $5,000 in fines.
These accidents involve up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines. If the driver leaving the scene of the accident was driving under the influence, the defendant will have to spend a minimum of 2 years in prison and driver’s license revocation. Likewise, accidents involving damage to property have $500 in fines and up to 60 days in jail.
The driver staying at the scene of the accident generally qualifies for restitution as long as the driver fleeing the scene of the accident was responsible for the crash. However, it is only after the loss has been estimated that the victim is entitled to receive compensation.
If you have been involved in a hit and run accident in Fort Lauderdale and would like to learn about your legal rights, call us today and schedule a free case evaluation with one of our talented Fort Lauderdale hit and run accident attorneys.
Neufeld, Kleinberg & Pinkiert, PA handles a variety of personal-injury cases. We understand that you are concerned about getting healthy, getting back to work, paying your bills and of course, being fully compensated for your loss. Contact us to start the path to wholeness from your injury today.
Get ConsultationAll Consultations Are Free of Charge
While we are proud to call Miami and Aventura home, we are also more than happy to help injured people living anywhere in the Sunshine State. In fact, we’ve even been known to travel all around the country just to meet our clients’ needs.
We are here to help the residents of:
Summer is a time of great weather, vacations, and fun. But accidents happen, and personal injuries or illnesses can occur without notice. Take stock of these ten safety tips to keep you and your family safe this summer.
18.4.2019
August 1, 2022
Summer and fall are statistically the most dangerous times of the year, with more fatal car crashes. Let’s explore why summer is more dangerous.
18.4.2019
August 1, 2022
After losing a loved one, knowing who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida will help you on your path to justice and the recovery of damages.
March 5, 2022
Consider these helpful tips for avoiding a wreck due to the five most common car accident causes—Keep yourself and your passengers safe on the road.
February 25, 2022
A motorcycle accident can result in massive medical expenditures, lost wages, and other consequences. Following these motorcycle safety tips will help keep you safe.
January 2, 2022
No snow, nice weather and great people make the Sunshine State one of the best places to live, work and retire in our country. Unfortunately, statistics show that Florida also has a rate of motor vehicle accidents that is much higher than other states.
December 15, 2021