Fatal Lakeland Hit and Run Accident

Lakeland, Florida.  A hit and run accident occurred in Lakeland killed James Raney Rizzo.  Rizzo was only 34 years old.  The accident happened at approximately 1:00 a.m. near Main Street and the US Highway 98 bypass bridge.  The vehicle continued on US HIghway 98 without stopping.  Lakeland Police is still investigating this accident.  If you know anyone with information regarding this accident, you are encouraged to call the Lakeland Police Department.

This tragic accident involved the loss of a young man that is compounded by a driver who failed to stop and took away any chance that Mr. Rizzo had of survival.  Leaving the scene of an accident involving death is a first degree felony.  If intoxication can be proved, then the charge increases to DUI manslaughter.  Hit and run drivers are often caught when a repair shop turns the person in after they bring the car in for repairs.  Oftentimes the repairmen will find skin or hairs on the vehicle that clearly did not come from an animal.  Unless this person parks this vehicle in a garage or back yard and never drives this vehicle again, then there is a good chance that this crime will eventually be solved.  None of this, however, does any justice to Mr. Rizzo's survivors.  A wrongful death claim should be pursued.  This wrongful death claim can come from different sources.  First and foremost, the driver or owner who is responsible for this hit and run accident will hopefully have insurance as the first line of coverage to pay for this wrong.  Secondly, we hope that Mr. Rizzo, or a resident relative household member, had uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage (UM) that may apply to this accident.  Further, Mr. Rizzo's survivors may be able to collect a $5,000 PIP no-fault death benefit under certain circumstances.  If you or a loved one has a question or concern about Lakeland car accidents, including this deadly hit and run, please contact a Lakeland personal injury attorney with Moody Law to discuss the particular facts and circumstances of the case.  A consultation with one of our Lakeland personal injury lawyers is free.  Our personal injury attorneys serve greater Central Florida including Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Haines City, Davenport, Auburndale, Ft. Meade, Lake Wales, and all of Polk County, Florida.