Former MLB Prospect Causes Crash; Flees The Scene

In late April 2026, an 18-year old man formerly in the Atlanta Braves’ training system was turned in by the team after he fled the scene of an auto accident in Manatee County. The 18-year old was driving a Mustang on I-75, near State Road 64 when he collided with a Chevy Trailblazer, which then hit a tractor-trailer. The tractor-trailer spun out, killing its driver. The Mustang driver fled the scene, but sometime in the next 24 hours, his Major League Baseball team turned him in to Florida’s Highway Patrol.

Crime vs Tort

Florida law is very clear that a person who leaves the scene of an auto accident when bodily injury or death has occurred has committed a crime. The idea of causing injury or death to someone and fleeing the scene to avoid responsibility profoundly shocks the conscience of the public, and the consequences upon a conviction can be extremely severe. Since the tractor-trailer driver was pronounced dead at the scene, the Mustang driver faces criminal charges of vehicular homicide.

While the Mustang driver has been charged with the crime of vehicular homicide, it is important to keep in mind that even if no one has been killed in a crash you were involved in, Florida law treats leaving the scene of an accident as a crime in itself. If injury has occurred, or even if only property damage has happened, a driver may not simply leave without doing their part to help law enforcement. The first is a felony; the second is a misdemeanor.

Wrongful Death

Even if the Mustang driver is convicted of vehicular homicide, the family of the deceased tractor-trailer driver may decide to file a civil lawsuit for wrongful death. Vehicular homicide is a crime, while wrongful death is a civil tort, and the major difference between the two is that a conviction for the former can cost someone their freedom, while being found liable of the latter will cost someone money or other resources. Receiving damages for wrongful death will not bring back a lost loved one, of course – but it can sometimes help keep the family’s finances afloat, particularly if the deceased was the family breadwinner.

If the driver’s family does decide to file a civil lawsuit, know that they will not be infringing upon the Mustang driver’s Fifth Amendment right against double jeopardy. Criminal proceedings are not the same as civil lawsuits, and having to go through both is not ‘being tried twice for the same crime,’ which the Constitution protects against. It remains to be seen how the case will go, but even after a criminal conviction, the family of the deceased may bring suit if they are able.

Contact A Tampa Hit-And-Run Accident Attorney

While the case against the Mustang driver is still pending, any hit-and-run accident can leave death and destruction in its wake. If you have experienced this kind of crash, a Tampa car accidents attorney from the Rinaldo Law Group can help you determine whether or not you have a case. Call our office today to schedule a consultation.

Source:

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