Man Flees in Hit-and-Run Accident
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a Hypoluxo man was arrested early on Sunday after he reportedly lied to police and left the scene of a two-vehicle accident that he caused in Boca Raton. Witnesses reported that Christopher Lawson, 43, was driving very recklessly on Interstate 95, going speeds over 100 mph and aggressively switching lanes. Mr. Lawson, who was driving a Mercedes at the time, struck a Mustang on the interstate, causing the Mustang to lose control and hit a concrete traffic barrier.
Mr. Lawson remained on the scene after the accident and told police officers that he was the owner of the vehicle but not the driver at the time of the accident. He claimed that a friend had been driving the Mercedes but left the scene before police arrived. While police were questioning the driver of the Mustang, Mr. Lawson fled the scene of the accident.
When police officers arrived at Mr. Lawson’s home he told them to wait and locked the front door. Several minutes later he opened the door but refused to exit his home. Police were forced to take down Mr. Lawson in order to place him under arrest for the hit-and-run accident. He now faces charges of hit-and-run, providing false information to police, failing to obey police, reckless driving, and resisting arrest.
Hit-and-Run Car Accidents in Florida
Hit-and-run accidents are a serious problem in Florida. In 2012, there were over 70,000 hit-and-run crashes in the state, up 500 from the previous year. Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties report a hit-and-run fatality every week. Across the state, on average over 3 people are killed every week by a hit-and-run driver.
Compensation for Hit-and-Run Accidents
These types of accidents are more serious for the victim than a typical auto accident, especially when trying to collect for damages from the insurance company or other driver. As a victim you are entitled to compensatory damages that are reasonably related to the accident. These include:
- Present and future medical bills;
- Lost wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Disability or impaired earning ability;
- Property loss;
…and other costs related to the accident.
However, in a hit-and-run accident the victim is also usually awarded punitive damages above and beyond the costs of the accident in order to deter future drivers from committing a hit-and-run accident. This only applies if the other driver is found.
Call an Expert Car Accident Attorney Today
The results of a car accident can be traumatic physically as well as financially, but when the accident is a hit-and-run the issues surrounding your recovery can quickly multiply. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit-and-run auto accident in the West Palm, Palm Beach, or greater Florida area, let the experienced auto accident attorneys at Gary Roberts & Associates, P.A. help. Call the office at 561-686-1800 or contact us today for a free and confidential consultation of your case.
