New City Leaving The Scene of An Accident Attorney

If you are involved in an accident, whether it is a single vehicle accident or an accident involving another car, motorcycle or pedestrian, you have a duty to report the accident. Some drivers panic and flee the scene of the accident. They might be scared, they might be panicking, or they may think that since no one saw them cause the accident that it’s not a big deal. But this is a violation of the law, and if you are caught, you could be charged with leaving the scene of an accident. Leaving the scene of an accident where property damage occurred is a traffic infraction and is punishable by a fine, up to 15 days of jail time or both.

To be sure, New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Article 22, Section 600 requires drivers who are involved in an accident that causes damage to another person’s real or personal property to report the incident to the authorities. You are required to report and stay at the scene of the accident so that you can provide information about yourself to the other driver and/or law enforcement. This information includes your name, your insurance provider, your contact information, etc. Similar provisions exist under New Jersey law and Connecticut law.

Also, the law provides that if you are involved in an accident that results in injury to another person, you are also required to report and stay at the scene of the accident until law enforcement arrives. Leaving the scene of the accident when you know or should know that someone suffered injury is a serious offense. A first time offense is a class B misdemeanor. If someone is killed or seriously injury in your accident, leaving the scene is automatically upgraded to a felony charge.

Leaving the scene of an accident is common when a driver causes damage to someone else’s property, such as a car, when they are intoxicated. Rather than notify the authorities, some drivers flee.

Consequences for Leaving the Scene of An Accident

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious matter that results in some sort of harm or loss to another. Some of the consequences for leaving the scene of an accident include:

• Fines;
• Jail time;
• Increased insurance rates;
• Civil liability; and
• Criminal charges.

These are serious consequences. If you are ticketed or charged for leaving the scene of an accident, you need to consult with an experienced traffic violations lawyer immediately who serves New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Contact criminal defense attorney Phillip Murphy for a consultation today to discuss your specific situation.