A hit and run on the Palmetto Expressway, at around NW 122nd Street, caused a 17-car pileup during Monday morning traffic. Several people were injured and required transportation to the hospital.
The driver responsible for the hit and run has not yet been found. But Florida Highway Patrol investigators are looking for the driver. They believe that they have the plate number as several commuters witnessed the crash and called 911.
The crash closed down all northbound lanes for hours.
Causing a hit and run crash where property is damaged is a misdemeanor, known as leaving the scene of an accident (LSA).
If serious bodily injury is involved, the crime is known as leaving the scene of an accident with serious bodily injury.
It is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in Florida state prison to be involved in a hit and run crash resulting in serious bodily injury to another.
If the driver is located, he or she may face one count of leaving the scene of an accident, misdemeanor or felony, for every person injured or affected by the crash.
Eric Matheny is a Miami hit and run lawyer and Broward hit and run lawyer.