Leaving the Scene of an Accident

It is not uncommon for drivers in Pennsylvania and elsewhere to feel panicked after an accident. If you impulsively leave the scene of an accident without following the proper steps, a prosecutor can charge you with leaving the scene of an accident, which is a crime. Leaving the scene of an accident in Bucks County may result in penalties that include a suspended driver’s license, expensive fines, and even prison time. Dedicated hit-and-run defense attorney John M. Kenney can help you try to get the charges dismissed or the penalties reduced for what is commonly known as a “hit and run.”

Anybody who leaves the scene of an accident can be charged with a third-degree misdemeanor. If convicted, you may face a penalty of up to one year in prison. If you are the driver of a vehicle, and you are involved in an accident where there might be damage to another vehicle or piece of property, you must stop close to the scene. You must give your name, address, vehicle registration number, and proof of insurance to the other driver.

Accidents involving personal injuries are serious. If you are driving and get into an accident involving injury or death to anyone, you are required to give reasonable assistance to the injured person. You must try to make arrangements for the injured person or people to get to the hospital and call the police immediately. If you are also injured or otherwise physically unable to do these things, passengers in your vehicle should do them. Failure to give reasonable assistance or leaving the scene of the accident can result in either a first-degree misdemeanor charge or third-degree felony charge.

What if there isn’t anybody else at the scene? If you hit a parked car or otherwise unattended piece of property, you will need to either try to find the car/property owner or attach a note to the damaged car. The note should include your name, address, insurance information, and registration information. You should also contact the police. Failure to do these things and a decision to simply leave the scene can result in a 90-day jail term and four points on your driving record.

If the police arrive and arrest you, it is wise to refuse to answer questions and ask for a lawyer. You should not try to explain or otherwise get out of the arrest because any admissions or explanations can be used as evidence against you. Your attorney will work to cast doubt on any evidence against you, but if you admit information to the police when they are arresting you, it will be much harder to discredit that information.

Leaving the scene of an accident in Bucks County or surrounding areas may seem like a reasonable decision at the time. But you should be aware that you will seem guilty if you run without providing the information you’re required to provide by law. Prosecutors will examine what you were doing before the accident to develop a story of your guilt. Instead of fleeing the scene, you should contact a diligent traffic violation defense lawyer in Levittown. John M. Kenney has significant experience in defending clients against both criminal defense matters and traffic violations. For a free consultation, contact him by phone at (215) 547-3031, or by submitting an online inquiry. We serve clients in Bristol, Morrisville, Fairless Hills, Yardley, and Langhorne, as well as elsewhere in Bucks County and Pennsylvania.