You’re just driving along, minding your own business when bam – suddenly, you’re involved in an accident. In the panic, you might consider fleeing – but did you know that a hit and run has serious legal consequences? Let’s unpack what could happen if you decide to hit the road instead of staying to face the music.

Criminal Charges

This event occurs when a driver involved in an accident, either with another vehicle, property, or a pedestrian, deliberately leaves the scene without providing their contact information or waiting for the police to arrive. Every experienced hit and run lawyer will explain to you how this act is considered a crime in most jurisdictions, and it can lead to severe criminal charges. The severity of these charges varies depending on the incident – if only property was damaged, it’s typically treated as a misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties of fines, probation, and even jail time.

However, if the accident resulted in injury or death, the hit and run is often classified as a felony. This is a much more serious charge and can lead to substantial fines, loss of driving privileges, or even imprisonment. It’s worth noting that these consequences apply regardless of who caused the accident – fleeing the scene is a crime in itself.

Fines

Fines are a common penalty for hit-and-run incidents, acting as a strong deterrent against such unlawful behavior. It is essentially a monetary penalty imposed by the court. The amount of the fine can vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the incident. If the hit and run only involved property damage, the fines could range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. However, if the incident results in injury or death, the fines can escalate into tens of thousands of dollars.

Additionally, one must also consider the increase in insurance premiums and potential civil lawsuits from victims. These additional costs can far exceed the original fine. Therefore, the financial implications of a hit-and-run can be devastating and long-lasting, making it crucial to stay at the scene and meet all legal obligations should you be involved in an accident.

License Suspension or Revocation

People who commit a hit-and-run crime often get their driver’s license suspended or even revoked. States have laws that mandate administrative penalties for such offenses, separate from any criminal prosecution. If you are found guilty of a hit and run, your driver’s license can be suspended, meaning you lose your driving privileges for a predetermined period, typically six months to a year.

In severe cases, or for repeat offenders, the state may permanently revoke the license. These penalties are set in place to deter reckless driving and ensure road safety. During the suspension or revocation period, driving is illegal and can result in further penalties. Therefore, avoiding a hit-and-run is not just morally right, but also crucial for maintaining your ability to legally operate a vehicle.

Civil Liability

There are lots of reasons that call for civil liability in a hit-and-run case. These could be the following:
– Negligence or recklessness
– Extent of damage
– Injuries and medical expenses
– Lost wages and income
– Pain and suffering
– Wrongful death
– Insurance coverage and policy limits
– Contributory or comparative negligence
– Prompt reporting and cooperation
– Evidence and witnesses

Civil liability in hit-and-run cases refers to the legal responsibility borne by the perpetrator for any damages or injuries caused by their actions. It arises from a civil lawsuit filed by the victim or their family, separate from any criminal charges. wages, and even emotional distress. This financial burden is above and beyond any criminal fines or penalties, and it underscores the importance of abiding by the law and staying at the scene after an accident.

Increased Insurance Premiums

In the aftermath of such an incident, insurance companies view the offending driver as a greater risk, often leading to increased insurance premiums. The increase can be substantial, making the cost of insurance significantly higher for several years following the incident. This is because actuarial tables indicate that drivers who have been involved in such incidents are more likely to be involved in future accidents. The additional cost depends on the specifics of the accident and the insurance company’s policies. It’s another impactful consequence of a hit-and-run accident, adding financial strain to the legal, criminal, and civil liabilities one might face. It’s yet another reason to think twice before leaving the scene of an accident.

Probation

Probation often serves as an alternative to incarceration, allowing an offender to live in the community under supervision. A hit-and-run incident, however, can seriously jeopardize this scenario. If you’re on probation and commit a hit-and-run, it’s likely considered a violation of your probation terms. This could result in severe consequences like reinstatement of the original jail sentence or extended probation. Additionally, a new hit-and-run charge would bring its own set of penalties, potentially including fines, community service, or even imprisonment. Therefore, a hit-and-run could not only affect your current probation status but also lead to more serious legal repercussions. It’s crucial to adhere strictly to the law while on probation to avoid such outcomes.

Criminal Record

It’s not uncommon that this kind of offense leads to a criminal record due to the illegal act of leaving the scene without providing the necessary information or assistance. If you’re convicted of a hit-and-run, that conviction becomes part of your criminal history, visible to law enforcement and potential employers during background checks. This record can have serious repercussions beyond the immediate penalties, affecting job prospects and housing applications. In some jobs, especially those involving driving or security clearance, a hit-and-run conviction can be a disqualifying factor. Moreover, a criminal record can also impact future legal proceedings – a prior conviction can lead to harsher sentences if one is found guilty of future crimes. Therefore, a hit-and-run doesn’t just carry immediate penalties, but also long-lasting consequences.

In conclusion, the ramifications of a hit-and-run are far-reaching and can significantly impact your life. From hefty fines and potential jail time to a tarnished criminal record, the consequences are severe. It’s not only about the law but your moral responsibility too. If you find yourself involved in an accident, stay, cooperate, and do the right thing – the cost of a hit-and-run is just too high.