Car accidents are normally true to their name. Usually, the collision is a total accident. While there are cases where people will purposefully run their cars into others out of anger or revenge, in most cases the cars collide because of distracted driving, an intoxicated driver, an inexperienced driver, or a variety of other issues. If you were intoxicated or committed a traffic violation which resulted in an accident, and that accident severely harmed or killed an individual, then you may be taken to court for that offense. But even if the accident was truly unintended, speeding off after a collision can bring on a whole new set of charges.
A hit-and-run is commonly defined as a contributing to a traffic accident and failing to stop and identify oneself afterwards. Thankfully, most offenders can be caught regardless of whether or not they stopped. This is because every car is required to have a license plate. A person involved in the collision or a witness can take down the license plate number and contact the police to report the hit-and-run. Normally, law enforcement will then chase down the car and bring the driver back to the scene of the accident for questioning. You are supposed to stop after a car accident to ensure that no one in the other car was injured. As well, if there was damage to the car, then you will want to exchange information so that you can arrange for car insurance to pay for the accident that took place.
There are two typical types of hit-and-run situations. One involves two cars who collide, and then a driver who speeds off without offering help, exchanging information, and assessing damage. Another hit-and-run situation involves a driver who hits a parked car that does not have a person inside. While there is not a risk that someone in the other car is injured, drivers still have an obligation to leave information on a note if there is extensive damage to the car. If they don’t, and the offender is caught, the police may be able to press criminal charges.
Most commonly, a hit-and-run driver will have his or her licenses suspended when caught. This is because the police don’t want a person to have the privilege of driving when irresponsible. The actual penalties associated with this crime change from state to state. In Virginia, for example, if the accident causes death and the driver speeds off, the hit-and-run is regarded as a felony. A hit-and-run can also be a felony in Virginia if a driver in the other car is severely injured, or even if all passengers are healthy but the car suffers an extensive amount of damage. If none of these factors apply to the case, then the hit-and-run is a misdemeanor. In Texas, the crime is a third degree felony if the accident involves a fatality or serious bodily injury. A driver can still be imprisoned in this state, even if the accident is not a felony.
Normally, these punishments can last up to five years in confinement, or one year in jail. Often offenders in Texas are also issued a $5,000 fine. Accidents that cause $200 or more in total damage without injuries are punishable by a Class B misdemeanor and accidents that cause less are normally a Class C misdemeanor. Naturally, if you are involved in a car accident, it is wise to stay. Speeding away from the accident won’t help you to avoid the costs of your mistake. In fact, it may only heighten them. If you were involved in a hit-and0run and are now facing charges, then talk to a criminal defense lawyer today to get representation. With the right defense, you may be able to rationalize your choice and lessen your sentence!
