Medical Professional In Florida Arrested After Minor Fender Bender

According to a report from Fox 35 Orlando, a nurse practitioner was arrested and charged with a crime after a relatively minor fender bender in Central Florida. Ashley Welch, 39, was eventually booked in a Polk County jail after allegedly leaving the scene of an accident. Within this blog post, our Orlando criminal defense attorney explains what we know about this incident and discusses the charges in more detail.

Allegations: Nurse Practitioner Unlawfully Left Scene of Property Damage Crash

Ashley Welch—a 39-year-old nurse practitioner from Winter Haven—was arrested for allegedly leaving the scene of a relatively minor car accident. The crash involved her white pickup truck and a Toyota Camry. It was reported on Spirit Lake Road. Ms. Welch claimed there was no damage and left without providing her information. However, the other driver’s vehicle was reportedly damaged in the crash. Law enforcement officers were called and eventually tracked down Ms. Welch. She was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident without exchanging information. The police officers involved in the case stressed that any person involved in a crash should stop, exchange their information, and remain at the scene—with an exception for medical emergencies. Otherwise, they could face a criminal charge. Ms. Welch is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Criminal Charge: Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Only Crash in Florida 

In Florida, leaving the scene of a property damage-only crash is a criminal offense. It would be a mistake to view this as simply a minor issue. It can lead to an arrest and a criminal charge. Leaving the scene of a crash when a driver involved in an accident that results in property damage fails to stop and provide necessary information. Under Florida law, drivers must exchange contact and insurance details with the other party. Notably, the law applies even if only one vehicle sustained reportedly damage in the crash. If your car is not damaged but another car is damaged, you still need to stop your vehicle and exchange information in Florida. 

You Can Face Far More Serious Charges If You Leave the Scene of an Injury Crash 

Leaving the scene of an injury crash in Florida is a far more severe offense in Florida. You will often hear this referred to more simply as a hit-and-run charge. If a driver is involved in an accident causing injuries and fails to stop, provide information, and render aid, they could face felony criminal charges. If the great bodily harm was suffered by the victim, the charge can be even more severe. If you are facing a felony criminal hit and run charge in Florida, it is imperative that you are represented by an experienced Orlando defense lawyer.

Consult With a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Central Florida

At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando criminal defense attorney is an aggressive, experienced advocate for justice. It is not up to you to navigate the criminal justice process alone. Give us a phone call now or contact us online to arrange your fully private, no commitment case evaluation. From our Orlando law office, we provide criminal defense representation all across Central Florida.

Source:

fox35orlando.com/news/florida-nurse-practitioner-turns-minor-fender-bender-into-arrest-sheriff-grady-judd-says-do-whats-right