How Much Time Do You Get for Hit and Run?
Depending on the severity of the hit and run, a conviction could result in jail time. It can also damage your driver’s license and increase your insurance premiums. However, there are ways to avoid the negative consequences of a conviction. If you’ve been charged with a hit-and-run in New York, you should contact an experienced hit-and-run attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options.
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Leaving the Scene of an Accident (NY Vehicle and Traffic Law 600(a))
In order to be charged with leaving the scene of an accident, you must first stop at the scene of the incident. This means you must stop where you caused the crash, and provide your name, address, driver’s license, and insurance information to the property owner or law enforcement if the owner is not present.
This is an important step because it establishes a paper trail that will allow police to track down the at-fault driver. This will also give you the chance to take pictures of any damage to your car, as well as to any other property that was damaged by the accident.
You must also remain at the scene of the accident to exchange information with the other drivers and help coordinate medical transportation for any people who are injured. If someone is seriously injured, you must help them get to a hospital and call the authorities.
The penalties for a hit-and-run range from a misdemeanor to a felony. Typically, you can face fines, up to one year in jail, and a suspension or revocation of your license.
Felony hits and runs are generally the result of causing serious injury or death. They can be classified as E, D, or F felonies. In addition, some states have statutes of limitations that extend the time prosecutors can file charges in such cases.
If a person leaves the scene of an accident while their blood alcohol level is over the legal limit, it’s a felony. A DUI can carry up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
You can also be charged with a felony for failing to assist an injured person after an accident. If you cause a hit and run, and the other driver is severely injured, you could be charged with a felony for failing “to render reasonable assistance to the person who was seriously injured.”
In this case, you might argue that you were unaware of the injury because it was not visible or not apparent. The other driver may have passed out, or they could have suffered a head injury or internal injuries.
As an experienced hit-and-run defense lawyer, I often see these situations occur. In many instances, the defendant was not aware that he or she had caused an accident, and they did not realize that the other person was seriously injured.
When this happens, it’s essential to have a Denver hit-and-run attorney on your side as soon as possible. Our team will work to ensure you receive the proper compensation for your losses, including damages to your vehicle, lost wages, and medical bills. We can also help you pursue immediate funds from your insurance company to compensate for the costs of the accident.