Accidents are never predetermined.
You don't wake up in the morning knowing that you'll be a part of an accident
later that day. But what happens if you become involved in a car accident, do
you already know what to do and what not to do?
The fact of the matter is, many
people who are involved in car accidents feel the fight or flight response. The
combination of fear and stress may force people in leaving the scene of
accident than actually dealing with it. These people think that they can get
away with it, but most often than not, they don't and they're left paying a
whole lot more because of their fleeing.
Leaving the scene of accident is
considered a hit-and-run. This is illegal and has very serious consequences.
Although the punishment will vary from state-to-state, a hit-and-run can still
cost you one year of jail time. In New York, it can be a 15-day jail sentence.
But the extent of the punishment will depend on the severity of the crime.
These minor infractions can be just due to property damage. But if there are
casualties involved, you'll be in serious legal trouble and will need a lawyer
to defend you.
When people are injured, penalties go
up. When people die or are seriously injured, you may face 7 years in prison for
leaving the scene of accident. When you flee an accident, it is a clear act
that you're running away from a responsibility and no jury will like this,
which is why you need a lawyer to represent you and try to lessen the charges
or even get the charges dismissed.
If your lawyer is a very good one and
got your case dismissed, don't be too happy about it because this can still be
seen on your record. Even if the case says its “dismissed,” this will still
affect your life even years after the event.
What you must understand is that
leaving the scene of accident is not just about facing jail time, paying fines,
hiring a lawyer, dealing with your bad record... it's mostly about your guilty
conscience too. Can you really deal with yourself knowing that you left someone
to die out there and it's your fault? Fleeing the scene of an accident can be a
snap decision, but now that you know the price to pay, you can think clearly
when you get involved in a serious car accident.
Rick Silverman, PA
311 South Brevard Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33629
(813) 871-1125
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