Leaving the scene of an accident, also known as “hit-and-run,” is a serious
criminal traffic violation. If you are involved in an accident, you must
provide your name, address, driver’s license, and car registration information
to the other party. If the accident resulted in injury or death to another
person, you have an additional duty to stop and provide reasonable assistance
to the victim by arranging for medical care. If you fail to do so in either
situation, you may be charged with leaving the scene of an accident.
What actions are
involved in leaving the scene of accident?
a.
Failure to stop after the accident
b.
failure to render assistance
c.
Failure to exchange names and addresses
d.
Failure to report an accident to the police station.
e.
Serious injury or death
What happens when
injury is involved?
After an accident involving injuries, drivers usually have a legal duty to
take reasonable steps to help any injured person -- including calling for assistance
from emergency medical services -- and to report the accident to local law
enforcement. Any driver who fails to fulfill their duties after being involved
in an accident can receive a traffic ticket, at a minimum. In some cases,
especially when an accident causes injury or death, leaving the scene of an
accident can be subject to serious criminal charges such as "felony hit
and run."
What are the
punishments involved?
a.
Accident with No Injuries: In most states, leaving the scene of an accident
that only resulted in property damage without injuries is a misdemeanor.
Misdemeanors can usually be punished by a fairly large fine and up to a year in
jail.
b.
Accident with Injuries: There are usually more severe penalties for those leaving
the scene of an accident that resulted in personal injury. In a few states, leaving
the scene of an accident is a felony. This does not necessarily entail a larger
fine, or more prison time, but having a felony on one’s criminal record is far
more serious than a misdemeanor and carries long lasting consequences.
c.
Accident Resulting in Death: Leaving the scene of an accident with a result
of death is always a crime. One may be charged with a grave criminal offense
when proven guilty of hit-and-run.
What to Do When
Faced With This Type of Charge
With the help of an attorney, you may be able to get your charges dismissed
or your sentence reduced. Make sure to be meticulous in picking your attorney;
they must be able to give you complete details on how to fight your case and
are experienced in handling hit-and-run cases.
Rick Silverman, P.A.
311 S Brevard Ave. Tampa, Florida 33606
(813) 871-1125
http://www.businesslocallistings.com
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