New Jersey Criminal Lawyers Blog
When you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to remain at the scene and report the events to the appropriate authorities. In fact, you are legally required to do so. Accidents themselves are not crimes, but leaving the scene of one may subject you to criminal liability.
People sometimes leave the scene of an accident because they panic, become confused, or simply don’t realize damage or injury has occurred. But others leave to avoid facing charges associated with DWIs, driving with a suspended or invalid license, failing to have proper insurance, or having outstanding warrants.
Ordinarily, involvement in an accident will not result in criminal charges even if it is determined the accident resulted from negligence or the violation of other specific laws. Leaving the scene can compound any traffic related infractions, create criminal liability, and put you and others at increased risk of harm.
- Failure to immediately report an accident can delay medical attention reaching victims, potentially putting their lives at risk.
- Driving a damaged vehicle can result in further damage and/or injury to yourself or others.
Leaving the scene of an accident, commonly referred to as a hit-and-run, carries its own penalties in the form of fines and potential incarceration. In New Jersey, these penalties will vary depending on the extent of damages or injuries resulting from the accident. These penalties can include monetary fines, points on your driver’s license, suspension of your license, a criminal record, and/or possible jail time. In addition, fleeing drivers face the possibility a civil lawsuit.
Situations may arise where a driver flees because they feel threatened or unsafe at the scene of their accident. In that case, once they are in a secure location, the driver is required to call 9-1-1, explain they left the scene over concern for their safety, and provide as many relevant details as they can recall, including time, place, description of vehicles and events.
As upsetting as an accident can be, leaving the scene only heightens the consequences.