Hit And Run Car Accidents Are Probably More Common Than You Think
Did you know that hit and run car accidents account for around 11% of the total number of traffic mishaps and are on the rise at a rate of 15% since 2000? They’re probably more common than you think, and as evinced by the recent Alonzo Mourning car accident in Miami, often highlight vagaries in our traffic laws. The Mourning incident is intriguing because he contends he acted lawfully at the time.
Alonzo Mourning: The Value Of Foresight In The Case Of An Alleged Hit And Run Case
At or around 3 A.M., Mourning and wife were returning home from Miami Heat player Chris Bosh’s wedding when they crested a hill. Because the incline effectively created a blind spot, Mourning contends he could not see a serious accident ahead of him that left two cars, one overturned and totaled, stranded in the road. As a result, he hit one of the vehicles – a 2010 Audi.
According to the Miami Herald and the Florida Highway Patrol incident report (http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/07/20/2322726/lawsuit-targets-alonzo-mourning.html), Mourning got out of his vehicle and asked if everyone was alright. They said that they were OK and that the police had been called. On hearing this news, Mourning left the scene, drove home and called the police himself. He was told to return to the scene of the accident. He and his wife complied.
Mourning contends he did not drink. Furthermore, he says he did nothing wrong because he hit a car that had already been totaled and the crash did not result in any injuries. “I’ve been completely cooperative and met with the police,” Mourning told The Herald. “And now that the facts are straightened out, I think everyone will see that I didn’t cause the accident and didn’t cause any injuries.”
However, Mr. Mourning is being sued by one of the accident victims because he left the scene of the accident.
Though is it not in question as to whether Alonzo Mourning caused the originating accident, to his dismay he is still being named in a lawsuit which includes the driver of the other wrecked vehicle.
Making Sure You’re Well-Represented Could Be The Most Prudent Decision You Ever Make
The events surrounding Mourning’s traffic incident accentuate the many gray areas involved with Florida traffic law and are reminders of the importance of retaining exceptional legal representation in the case of any accident in which you’re involved. No matter how cursory you may perceive your role to be, covering your legal bases is a wise decision. The most important thing you can do following an automobile wreck is to make sure everyone involved is alright and that the police are notified. After that, contact an attorney.
We at Lowman Law Firm know that Florida Traffic Law can be confusing. Our attorneys have years of experience navigating the nuanced language of our legal system. Even if you believe you are clearly not liable in the case of a hit and run or multiple vehicle automobile wreck, it pays to make sure you’re represented by shrew and capable lawyers. Contact Lowman Law Firm if you’ve been involved in a wreck in any capacity in Brooksville, Spring Hill or any Central Florida location.