Did you flee the scene of a car accident? The law requires drivers to follow certain protocol after an accident, including remaining on the scene to handle the ramifications, even if they were not at-fault. Traffic collisions can be extremely sudden and frightening, and you might find yourself leaving the scene without even realizing the extent of your actions. Whatever your reason for leaving the crash site, it is crucial to take the necessary steps to protect your rights going forward.
After leaving the scene of an accident, you should follow these key steps:
Contact the Authorities: Ideally, after an accident, you would exchange information with anyone else involved in the crash. However, if you flee the scene, the authorities may be looking for you. Turning yourself in may be difficult to do, but it shows ownership for your actions that a judge could look kindly on later on down the road. To discover the best way to do this, you may contact an attorney to discuss your position beforehand.
Gather Information: Once you’ve taken responsibility for your actions, you should gather any pertinent information about the accident. While most people do this immediately after the crash, while they’re still on-site, hit-and-run accidents eliminate that option. So, as soon as you are able, you should begin gathering any information you can about the crash. Think about who was involved, what the road conditions were like, what happened immediately before the accident, what type of damage your vehicle sustained, and so on.
Seek Legal Counsel: As soon as you are able, you should contact your attorney. An experienced legal professional can assess your situation and determine the best course of action to protect your rights and your future. A hit-and-run can result in serious criminal charges and other legal consequences, so you need a strong advocate on your side.
Failure to remain on the scene can result in serious repercussions, including misdemeanor or felony criminal charges, depending on the extent of damage done. If the crash caused severe, life-threatening, or fatal injuries, the consequences can be far steeper. To protect yourself after a crash, the most important thing you can do is call an attorney who can explain your rights and legal options.
Contact Martin A. Kron & Associates, P.C. to discuss your rights with our experienced attorneys.