Leaving the scene of an accident can have damaging consequences on all those involved. When a driver does not respond, or drives away, they put the other person in the accident in jeopardy of not obtaining the medical attention they need. This is especially true if they are unable to call for help themselves.
Following an accident, state law requires that the driver stay at the scene until all is resolved. Despite all of this, it’s possible to have a lapse in judgment. There are a number of reasons someone may choose to do so. Some drivers may even be in shock at the time of the accident, causing them to behave irrationally. As a result, they may be forced to face criminal charges as a consequence to their actions. Having the counsel of an attorney from the start can prove beneficial in matters of such a delicate nature.
Hit and Run Accidents
A hit and run is when the driver responsible for the accident leaves without taking steps to ensure that everyone is okay or exchange information. What makes the accident more severe in terms of consequences for the driver is fleeing the scene of the accident. This is because following an accident there are certain measures that must be taken:
- Check people who were involved in the car accident and contact an ambulance if medical care is needed.
- Contact law enforcement.
- Speak with those who witnessed the accident. It will be important to gather their personal information in case you need it later.
- Make sure you exchange information with the other driver, which should include your driver’s license and insurance information.
When Someone Drives Away
Mistakes happen, especially during times of panic. There are a number of reasons that a person may leave the scene of an accident. Contacting an attorney can help in resolving the situation and making sure that matters don’t get worse. It’s all too common for the driver of a hit and run to lie to law enforcement or insurance companies in an attempt to cover their tracks. A hit and run accident can take on many forms, for example:
- The driver of a car hits a pedestrian
- Hitting a car that is parked with no one in it and driving away without leaving a note
- Hitting another car and driving away
- Causing property damage with your vehicle and driving away
Coming to the realization that you could face legal consequences if you are caught, can be scary. Chances are you were not thinking of the repercussions when you drove away. Fortunately, a criminal attorney Fairfax, VA trusts can help you navigate some of these areas so that you do not implicate yourself any further.
Depending on the severity of the accident, the consequences can vary. An attorney may be able to help negotiate a less severe punishment or, get you off all together. You will want to have a criminal defense attorney by your side to clearly outline the process for you in order to put your mind at ease.
Thank you to our contributor Dave Albo – Attorney for his insight into criminal law.