Imagine it -; you’re driving and you accidentally hit a pedestrian or a car. As the panic begins, you drive away instead of stopping. Today, hit and run drivers are usually caught because of security and traffic cameras, not to mention the ubiquitous nature of camera phones. If you are in a hit and run crash, don’t wait for police to come looking for you. Hire an Accident Attorney in Nassau County NY who has handled cases involving hit and run drivers.
Hit and Run: The Consequences
Under most circumstances, if you’re the guilty party in a hit and run crash, you’ll suffer the following repercussions:
Criminal charges -; Police will cite you for breaking traffic laws and causing the accident. Maybe you ran a stop light, or you were following another vehicle too closely. Or, you could have been doing something more severe, such as drag racing or driving while intoxicated. Depending on the nature of your offense and the severity of the crash, you could face stiff fines, loss of your driver’s license, probation and possible jail time.
Civil penalties -; If you are responsible for a crash, you must pay for the other person’s medical bills and auto repairs. Most times, these costs are covered by your auto insurance, but if you’re under- or uninsured, you will be held personally liable.
If you are in a hit and run, the criminal charges can add up quickly. You will likely be charged with leaving the scene, and depending on whether you hit a person or another vehicle, that can be either a felony or a misdemeanor. If someone died as a result of the accident, you can be charged with failing to offer assistance.
Hire a Defense Attorney Right Away
As quickly as possible after the accident, you should hire an Accident Attorney in Nassau County NY. Your attorney will explain the legal ramifications of the actions you took, and he or she can help you understand your legal choices. Depending on the severity of the crash and your behavior afterward, your North Shore Injury Lawyer may be able to get your charges reduced. For instance, your charges may be decreased if your judgment was clouded due to accident injuries, or if you voluntarily went to police.
