Miami Accident Lawyer Blog
Another life has been taken by a hit and run driver in South Florida. Unfortunately, this time it was an innocent 5-year-old child who was riding her tricycle outside her home at a trailer park in Fort Lauderdale. The wrongful death of this child and many others in South Florida who have been killed or injured by hit and run drivers, continue to permeate the news. The Sun-Sentinel has reported that “two suspects have been detained without bond “ for this fatal accident.
Hit and Run accidents are a felony under Florida Law, and there are severe penalties, depending on the level of the perpetrator’s culpability. In this particular case where a small child was killed outside her trailer park home criminal charges could range from 5 to up to 30 years imprisonment. Identifying and uncovering all sources of financial responsibility is going to be important to this family. That is why contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer is always a good idea.
The van’s driver during this incident, Erik Garcia, 19, was driving without a license and was charged accordingly. Furthermore, Garcia was charged with “failure to remain at an accident involving death, failure to use due care” and an immigration investigation is pending as well, based on his Mexican citizenship. Sun-Sentinal.com. The second alleged perpetrator, Mario Alonso Argumedo, 19, “was charged with tampering with evidence, driving with a suspended license and permitting an unauthorized person to drive his white 1997 GMC van.” His bond was revoked due to a pending drug offense.
Under Florida Statute Sec. 316.027 “the driver of any vehicle involved in a crash occurring on public or private property that results in injury of any person must immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the crash…”
“Hit and run accidents are inexcusable” Accident attorneys like Nicholas Gerson of Gerson & Schwartz, PA pursues remedies for victims of hit and runs. “Restitution and helping obtain a full cup of justice is always our main focus and goal for all our clients”, said Gerson.
Sources:
Two Men Charged in Hit and Run that Killed Five Year Old (Sun-Sentinel , March 19, 2012)
If you know of a hit and run accident or know somebody who was involved in one, contact our offices at (305)371-6000. Or email us at info@gsalwusa.com. Consultations are free of charge.