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Many Florida parents can relate to feeling anxious and worried when teenagers in their households get their driver’s licenses. There is an inherent risk associated with all motor vehicle travel, whether driving or riding as a passenger. If your child is involved in a collision, he or she may be frightened; however, it is important to remain at the scene to speak with the police because fleeing the scene of an accident, especially one that resulted in injury to another person, is a crime.
Every state has its own statutes regarding penalties for fleeing the scene of an accident. If your son or daughter has a junior license, fleeing the scene of an accident may impede his or her ability to obtain a senior license at age 18. It’s also possible that your child could face criminal charges for not remaining at the scene to speak with police who arrive to investigate the collision.
If your child is involved in a fender-bender, you would no doubt be relieved to learn that, although there was damage to the vehicles, no one was physically injured in the crash. Even if this is the case, however, your son or daughter is still obligated to remain at the scene. Also, if his or her vehicle is obstructing traffic, he or she must try to have it safely removed from the roadway.
Your son or daughter might call you immediately after a collision. It is only natural that you would want to provide as much emotional support as possible and help him or her navigate insurance issues and any legal problems that may arise following the incident.
If someone suffered injury or death as a result of a collision that involved your child behind the wheel, he or she may suffer severe emotional trauma. Leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in injury, or a fatality to a pedestrian or occupants in another vehicle, may be chargeable as a “felony hit and run.” Facing such charges could have long-term implications on your child’s life.
Like all good parents in Florida and beyond, you want what’s best for your child. This would include helping him or her navigate the criminal justice system if he or she faces charges related to a motor vehicle collision or fleeing the scene of an accident. Kids often make serious mistakes and need the support of their parents and others to help them make things right and to mitigate their circumstances as much as possible.
