Motorized Scooter Rider Killed in St. Johns County Hit-and-Run Crash

A 41-year-old man riding a motorized scooter was killed after being struck by an SUV on State Road 16 in St. Johns County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Authorities said the driver of the SUV left the scene, and the victim was not discovered until nearly 20 hours after the collision.

What Happened in the Fatal State Road 16 Crash?

According to FHP, the crash occurred at approximately 10 p.m. Tuesday at State Road 16 and Downs Corner Road.

Investigators said an SUV was traveling westbound on State Road 16 when it struck the bumper of the motorized scooter.

The impact pushed the 41-year-old rider off the roadway and into the grass and a ditch along the right shoulder.

FHP said the SUV continued west without stopping after the collision.

The scooter rider was killed in the crash. Troopers reported that he was not wearing a helmet.

Victim Was Not Found Until Nearly 20 Hours After Crash

One unusual and troubling aspect of the crash is the amount of time that passed before the victim was discovered.

Although investigators believe the collision occurred around 10 p.m. Tuesday, the man’s body was not found until approximately 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, nearly 20 hours later.

Authorities subsequently closed the roadway for several hours Wednesday night while investigating the scene.

The available information does not explain who discovered the victim or why the crash went undetected for so long.

FHP Identifies Person of Interest, Recovers Vehicle

FHP said investigators have identified a person of interest in connection with the fatal hit-and-run.

Authorities also have a vehicle in their possession as part of the investigation.

However, FHP had not announced an arrest or publicly identified the person of interest in the information released so far.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Florida Law Requires Drivers to Remain at the Scene of a Serious Crash

Florida law generally requires a driver involved in a collision resulting in injury or death to stop, remain at the scene and provide required information and assistance.

Leaving the scene of a crash involving a death can result in serious criminal charges.

Whether charges will be filed in this case will depend on the evidence gathered by investigators, including whether authorities can establish who was operating the SUV when the collision occurred.

Evidence Can Be Critical in a Hit-and-Run Investigation

Hit-and-run investigations often depend heavily on physical and electronic evidence because the suspected driver is no longer at the scene when authorities arrive.

Investigators may examine damage to the recovered vehicle and scooter, debris from the collision, surveillance or traffic-camera footage, witness statements, vehicle location information and electronic data.

Because FHP reportedly has a vehicle in its possession, investigators may be able to compare damage or physical evidence from that vehicle with evidence recovered from the crash scene.

Families May Have Legal Options After a Fatal Hit-and-Run

When a pedestrian, bicyclist or scooter rider is killed because of another driver’s negligence, certain surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law.

Potential compensation may include certain financial losses, funeral expenses and other damages available under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act.

A hit-and-run can complicate the process because identifying the driver and determining available insurance coverage may take additional investigation. Depending on the circumstances and applicable insurance policies, other sources of coverage may also need to be examined.

No civil or criminal responsibility has yet been established in connection with this crash.

Preserving Evidence After a Hit-and-Run Crash

Evidence preservation can be particularly important when a driver allegedly leaves the scene.

Nearby businesses, homes and other properties may have surveillance systems that captured the SUV before or after the collision. That footage may eventually be overwritten if it is not identified and preserved.

Vehicle evidence can also be important. Damage patterns, paint transfer, broken components and electronic vehicle data may help investigators reconstruct the collision and potentially connect a particular vehicle to the crash.

Investigation Into St. Johns County Hit-and-Run Continues

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the deadly hit-and-run on State Road 16 at Downs Corner Road.

Investigators say a westbound SUV struck a 41-year-old man riding a motorized scooter before leaving the scene. The victim was pushed into a grassy ditch and was not discovered until nearly 20 hours later.

FHP has identified a person of interest and has a vehicle in its possession, but no arrest was announced in the information released.

We extend our condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones following this tragic crash.