How to beat a leaving the scene of an accident ticket? -tips from a hit-and-run lawyer.
Getting a ticket for leaving the scene of an accident can be a daunting experience. Whether you left the scene of an accident blindly or due to an adrenalin rush or intentionally, the consequences of a hit-and-run crime can be overwhelming!
Despite your reasons for fleeing the accident scene, fear not! In this article, I will tell you exactly and give you the best tips on how to beat the scene of an accident ticket, of course, based on what I consulted with a hit and run lawyer.
In this article, I will present you with helpful insights to help you negotiate this difficult circumstance and maybe have the ticket dismissed. Don’t you love this?
These insights will range from comprehending the legal ramifications to practical activities you can take. So, if you’re seeking advice from professionals on how to push back and prevail, stay reading!
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what is a hit and run ticket?
Hit and run ticket or commonly known as leaving the scene of accident ticket is a citation issued to the driver that illegally left the scene of the accident.
I do not know from where you are reading this article, but in many countries and in all states here in the USA, drivers that are involved in auto crashes have the following legal obligations.
- Stop at the scene of the accident and share identifications and or contact information.
- Share insurance information
- Report the accident to the authorities/ police.
- Render help if there are personal injuries involved.
On top of facing criminal charges and civil actions, the responding officer may decide to issue you a hit and run ticket if you violated any traffic regulations.
Can you get a ticket for leaving the scene of an accident?
Yes, you can get a ticket for leaving the scene of an accident also known as committing-a-hit-and-run crime.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, laws in your area of Jurisdiction, and whether there were injuries/fatalities or not, you may also face criminal charges which I explain later in this article.
Though laws vary from place to place, the following are some examples of hit-and-run incidents that could result in receiving a ticket or facing charges, depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances:
1. Failure to leave a note after hitting a parked car. “You are certainly supposed to find the driver of the parked car or leave a note if you collided with a parked car”, says Sebastian a car accident attorney.
2. “Striking a pedestrian or a cyclist and leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime”. “You must stop at the scene and share your contact and render help”, continues Sebastian.
3. You will also be issued a ‘leaving the accident scene” ticket if you hit an object like a mailbox or a fence and leave the scene without notifying the owner or the people concerned.
4. Hitting another vehicle and leaving the scene of the crash without exchanging insurance information and your identification is also punishable by law and will definitely earn you a traffic ticket.
5.”Being involved in a minor fender bender and you deciding to flee could also earn you a hit and run ticket”, says John, a police officer at San Diego Police Department Central Division.
Unknowingly leaving the scene of an accident
“It’s not punishable by law if you unknowingly leave the scene of an accident”, says Darío Gómez, a car accident attorney at Setareh Law, APLC.
But according to Sebastian, “hit-and-run laws vary from state to state, so He advises getting familiar with the regulations in your areas of jurisdiction”.
Ticket for Leaving the Scene of an Accident
I already told you that leaving the scene of an accident is highly punishable by law. To my understanding, this is true for any country that you may be living in.
But how much does a hit and run ticket cost? let’s look at exactly that.
How much is a ticket for leaving the scene of an accident?
How much a hit-and-run ticket cost depends of course on your area of jurisdiction, the severity of the hit and run accident, and the circumstances of the accident.
Below are examples of how much a ticket is for leaving the scene of an accident for a few selected states.
1. If you leave the scene of an accident or a hit-and-run in New Jersey, your hit and run ticket fine ranges between $200 to $15,000. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may also face other criminal and civil actions.
2. It’s Illegal to leave the scene of an accident in California. The cost of hit-and-run ticket in California ranges between $500 to $2,000, for minor cases. The ticket could cost you up to $20,000 if you committed a hit and run felony.
3. In Illinois, the driver must stay at the scene of the accident and comply with requirements listed under 625 ILCS 5/11-403. The traffic ticket for leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run) in Illinois is $2,500 if you committed a minor hit and run.
4. You must report a car accident in New York. Leaving the scene of an accident and not reporting it is called a traffic infraction. Leaving the scene of an accident ticket in New York will cost you $250.
5. How much leaving the scene of an accident costs in Arkansas depends on the gravity of the crime that is committed. If you committed a felony, expect to pay a fine of up to $10,000 in Arkansas.
6. Finally, If you committed a minor hit-and-run in Florida just because you left the scene of an auto accident, expect to pay a fine of around $500 after you have been issued a hit-and-run ticket.
Leaving the scene of a property damage accident
You must stop at the scene and exchange contact and other required information whether you hit another car or a person or an object, or else you will face the legal consequences of hit and run crime.
“Basically, there are 2 crimes you will have committed if you illegally leave the scene of an accident”, Alan Ahdoot, a hit and run lawyer at Adamson Ahdoot LLP.
“A minor hit and run also known as a hit-and-run misdemeanor charge is imposed on you only when there were property damages and or minor bodily injuries”, continues Alan Ahdoot.
“On the other hand, you will be charged with a hit and run felony if you left the scene of an accident where the victims lost lives or sustained major injuries”, concluded Alan Ahdoot.
Legal Consequences of Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense as is highly punishable by law. The following are 5 legal consequences of leaving the scene of an accident:
1. Criminal charges. You may be charged with a hit and run, failure to report an accident, and other related crimes. Your charges can include fines, probation, community service, and even incarceration, depending on the severity of the offense.
2. License suspension. Many states here in the USA have laws that allow the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license if you are found guilty of illegally leaving the scene of the accident.
The length of suspension of course depends on the severity of the crime, the circumstances of the accident, and or the laws in your area of jurisdiction.
3. Civil liability. You will be liable to pay damages to the accident victim if you caused the accident. The accident victim may sue you for damages like medical bills, lost wages, the potential to earn, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
4. Increased insurance rates. leaving the scene of an accident is no different from reckless driving. Insurance companies usually punish such drivers by charging higher rates.
One of the major reasons why 2 people pay different rates for the same insurance policy includes poor driving records. If you were issued a hit-and-run ticket, you may earn points on your registration which in turn could raise your insurance rates.
5. Additional charges. Leaving the scene of an accident is too bad and risky. Things will even be worse if you were driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), driving without a license, driving a stolen vehicle, and or if you are currently under other convictions.
What happens if both drivers leave the scene of an accident?
What happens if both drivers leave the scene of an accident depends on factors like circumstances of the accident, laws in the area you come from, and whether any driver later decides to report or not.
One driver may face legal consequences in a state where drivers are mandated to report any car accident, whereas nothing may happen especially if the crash was minor and no driver decided to pursue the case.
But, I strongly recommend reporting the crash to the authorities because it could impact whether you are compensated or not, if you later discover vehicle damages or personal injuries.
Leaving the scene of an accident to avoid DUI
Statistics have shown that drivers that illegally leave the scene of an accident usually flee just to avoid other possible charges like driving under the influence (DUI), driving a stolen car, driving unlicensed or expired license, previous crimes, or any other traffic violations.
“Sadly, you may try to avoid charges of a minor case like driving with an expired license but then commit a very serious crime like a hit and run felony“, says Robert Glassman, a car accident attorney in Los Angeles.
“In some states, the penalties for a hit-and-run felony go up to 15 years in prison! This is the very reason why you should never at one time think of fleeing the scene of an accident“, concluded Robert Glassman.
How to Beat a Leaving the Scene of an Accident Ticket?
According to Norman Pine, a car accident attorney in Los Angeles, getting involved in illegal activities to beat a hit and run ticket is risky and may land you in more trouble.
You should take responsibility for your actions, follow the law and address your “leaving the accident scene ticket” in a legal and appropriate manner.
Having that said, the following are ways I recommend to try on how to beat a leaving the scene of an accident ticket:
1. Understand the charges. Are you charged with a misdemeanor or felony? what are the possible penalties? what are the laws related to leaving the scene of an accident in your area?
2. Consider legal representation. A traffic attorney can help you understand your legal rights, assess the evidence against you, and provide guidance on how to proceed.
3. Gather evidence. Any successful legal action against you will depend on the pieces of evidence your accuser presents before the authorities. You also want to prove your innocence by providing your pieces of proof too.
4. Attend court hearings. Listen carefully to what the plaintiff has to say, study his evidence, and present your case clearly and smartly.
5. Cooperate with authorities. Always tell the truth and respect what the authorities say. Do not tamper with evidence as this could lead to further legal implications.
6. Negotiate a plea bargain. Following the right channels you may renegotiate for fair penalties or charges. Think of hiring a good attorney.
How to beat a leaving the scene of an accident ticket in NJ?
Depending on the severity of the hit and run case, the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident in New Jersey are up to $15,000 in fines, jail time of up to 5 years, and suspension and or revocation of your driver’s license.
In my own opinion, you must provide uncontestable evidence to prove your innocence if you are falsely accused, or hire an experienced traffic attorney to defend you in courts of law.
How to beat a leaving the scene of an accident ticket in Illinois?
The penalties for leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in a minor hit and run in Illinois include up to 12 months in jail and or $2,500 as fines.
You should, of course, expect much more fines or harsh penalties if you committed a severe hit-and-run case in which there were severe injuries or people lost lives- we call this a hit and run felony.
To beat a leaving the scene of an accident ticket in Illinois, simply gather good evidence, cooperate with authorities, attend court sessions, and consider legal representation.
How to beat a leaving the scene of an accident ticket in Florida?
A leaving the scene of an accident ticket in Florida may earn you penalties like up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
A driver in Florida that wants to beat a leaving the scene of an accident ticket should cooperate with authorities, provide proof he/she did not leave the scene intentionally, attend all court sessions, and should think of hiring an experienced hit and run attorney.
How to get out of a hit and run charge?
A driver that illegally leaves the scene of an accident risks charges of hit and run. Depending on the gravity of the accident, you may face charges of hit and run felony or a hit-and-run misdemeanor.
Of course, charges or penalties for a hit-and-run felony are harsher compared to a minor case of hit and run- hit and-run misdemeanor.
Conclusion
So do you want to beat leaving the scene of an accident ticket (hit and run charges)?
In short, Seek legal advice, review evidence, cooperate with authorities, present a defense with your attorney, negotiate a plea bargain legally, and follow the legal process diligently to responsibly handle hit-and-run charges without resorting to illegal or unethical methods. Seek professional legal guidance.
