What happens if you flee an accident

They may be embarrassed about the crash. They may be intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance. However, in all cases, the penalties for fleeing from the scene of a crash are worse than they are for staying even if you face other criminal charges. The judge has likely sentenced hundreds if not thousands of people. Many judges sentence hit and run drivers even more harshly than drunk drivers.

The judges use this assumption to impose very harsh penalties on hit and run drivers. Nevada hit and run crimes exist for people who are able to report their involvement in an accident but who choose instead to flee. You should make the report in the most expedient way. If you have a cell phone, use that. It is not at all uncommon for a judge to place harsher sentencing on a hit and run driver than any other type of driving offense as it is typically their belief that if you flee from the scene of a crash, you were either intoxicated or under the influence of another substance.

It is in your best interest to stay at the scene of the crash, regardless of your excuse! Any type of car accident can result in the need of hiring a lawyer. Nevada requires drivers to act responsibly. If another party acts negligent and their negligence results in injury to you or your property, you are entitled to file charges against them. Whether or not you are directly responsible for the crash, it is in your best interest to retain a Las Vegas car accident lawyer as soon as possible!

Severe injuries can change misdemeanor charges into felony charges. When it comes to dealing with such situations, consulting with the team at Goodman Acker would be to your benefit. Learn more about charges, penalties, insurance implications, and other key factors in cases where drivers leave the scene of an accident. Sometimes, it may be necessary to move the vehicles off of a highway to a safer spot or a marked crash investigation site on the road.

Drivers may also need to leave to contact emergency services. In cases where injuries occur, drivers are expected to seek emergency assistance. Only the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident faces potential charges. Passengers may be obligated in some circumstances to report the accident if the driver fails to do so.

Car insurance companies look at two different scenarios when it comes to leaving the scene of an accident. Either the policyholder left the scene of an accident, or the policyholder was involved in an accident where someone else leaves the scene.

Regardless of the circumstances, be sure to take steps to mitigate risk. This may not be the case if your policy has a provision that prohibits leaving the scene of an accident or other exclusions. Reporting an accident to your insurance company, regardless of the circumstances, is crucial. Drivers may have limited reaction time, so be sure to keep yourself and all other pedestrians out of traffic.

Swap your vehicle insurance information with the other party. If the other vehicle or property is unattended, you must make an attempt to locate or contact the owner, otherwise, you may be considered to be leaving the scene of an accident.

If no owner can be located and no law enforcement is available to make a report, leave your insurance information and a note with contact information in a conspicuous place on the property. Remaining out of traffic, take pictures of your vehicle, the property hit, road conditions, skid marks, any hazards or obstructions, and anything else you believe may be pertinent to the accident to pursue or defend against a claim.

Your cell phone history will place you in the area. A citation may be sent to you in the mail or a warrant may even be issued for your arrest.

It is always better to cooperate with law enforcement—proactively when possible. While you may still be charged with leaving the scene, a judge or jury is often more likely to have a favorable view of a defendant who has owned up to their responsibilities and turned themselves in.