When you cause damage to another vehicle and fail to stop, you commit a hit and run. What might be the legal consequences you could face if law enforcement catches up with you? Here are five common outcomes that often accompany a hit and run charge. Contact Simmons Wagner, LLP at (949) 439-5857 if you have been accused of a hit and run accident.
Legal Repercussions
The prosecutor in your case usually has the power to bring criminal charges against you if you abscond from the scene of an accident. If found guilty of hit and run, you will likely face criminal penalties.
Many states define a hit and run as a misdemeanor when it results in property damage, and the perpetrator leaves the scene. Such a misdemeanor is often penalized with:
- Financial fines, and
- Time in a county jail.
However, a hit and run can be elevated to a felony charge if the accident leads to severe bodily harm or death, and you depart from the accident scene. The penalties for felony hit and run typically include:
- Heavy fines (significantly more severe than those for a misdemeanor hit and run), and
- A prison sentence.
Revocation or Suspension of Your Driving Privileges
In many jurisdictions, your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has the authority to suspend or revoke your driver’s license if you’re convicted of hit and run. The suspension or revocation period is generally one year. In some cases, you may have the option to acquire a restricted license during this period.
Civil Compromise Possibility
Some states allow for a potential dismissal of a hit and run case if the accused enters a civil compromise. Essentially, this means compensating the victim for any losses they incurred due to the accident, such as covering the costs for the damage inflicted on their vehicle.
In return, the judge or prosecutor may agree to dismiss the associated criminal charges. However, it’s essential to note that this option is usually only available for misdemeanor hit and run cases and not applicable to felony charges.
Termination of Your Car Insurance Policy
Your car insurance policy may be canceled by your provider, depending on the specifics of your case. Policies vary among insurance companies, so if you commit a hit and run, it’s advised to consult your policy details or seek advice from a criminal defense attorney or law firm.
Potential Personal Injury Lawsuit
If your hit and run incident causes injury to another individual, they might bring a personal injury lawsuit against you in a civil court. This holds even if you’ve already been convicted of the crime and faced criminal penalties.
If the plaintiff wins the lawsuit, you may be obligated to compensate for things like:
- Medical expenses,
- Loss of wages,
- Property damage,
- Miscellaneous out-of-pocket costs, and
- Pain and suffering.
What to Do if You’re Involved in a Collision?
States usually impose certain responsibilities on drivers involved in an accident that results in damage to a car or causes personal injury or fatality. These duties generally entail:
- Safely stopping your vehicle and moving it off the road,
- Exchanging your contact details with other parties involved in the accident, and
- Providing your vehicle registration details upon request.
Moreover, many states expect you to render reasonable assistance to any person injured in the incident. In the event you collide with a parked car or an unattended vehicle, you should:
- Note down your contact information, and
- Leave this information somewhere easily visible for the vehicle’s owner.
For any legal assistance related to hit and run cases, you can reach out to us at Simmons Wagner, LLP on (949) 439-5857.