What happens if u leave the scene of an accident

Protect your rights by consulting with a Michigan personal injury lawyer. Both terms are often used interchangeably, but the terms sometimes apply to different circumstances. Hit and run accidents often involve the driver fleeing the scene of an accident with another vehicle without notifying the other party or the authorities. Leaving the scene of an accident usually refers to drivers who leave the scene after damaging property. Returning to the scene after leaving can be a mitigating factor, as the sooner the failure to stay at the scene is resolved, the better.

A driver may panic after an accident and leave. It is, however, permissible to leave for safety reasons like traffic or a possible explosion, and sometimes a driver may need to seek help or get a cell phone signal.

Requirements for staying at the scene are higher when injuries or death occur. In accidents with only property damage, drivers may proceed to the nearest safe place to stop without blocking traffic. For drivers who leave the scene out of fear or shock, their return can be a mitigating factor the court can consider.

This can potentially lower fines and penalties. Drivers may also have the defense that they were seeking a safe place to pull over and were unable to do so, then returned to the scene. Michigan laws on auto insurance liability are evolving. It is a crime to leave the scene of an accident pursuant to MCL Leaving the scene of an accident may involve property damage, an injury to another person, or both.

There are many factors that can make leaving the scene of an accident more serious. Leaving the scene of an accident involving only property damage with no injuries is a threshold case under the statute. If an injury is involved, the penalties are increased. If an injury occurs and alcohol or drugs are a factor, the offense is likely to be charged a felony, OWI causing an injury , which can carry up to five 5 years in prison.

It is the job of an attorney to find ways to minimize the consequences of a more serious charge. Restitution can be ordered to be paid during a term of probation.

Whenever it is attainable and it will help in negotiations or sentencing, we may encourage our client to pay restitution up front. This is where an attorney comes in and can talk to the police for you, schedule an interview and arrange to get your car released. If damage is extensive, the vehicle may remain impounded until the insurance company adjusts the damage.

Contacting the police before retaining a lawyer in this scenario is a big mistake. It is far better to let your lawyer do damage control and do all of the talking rather than get caught lying to the police which can lead to other serious felony charges.

Put it in our hands and we will handle everything! Contact our firm if you need a lawyer anywhere in the counties of Macomb, Oakland, Wayne or St. Phone: Toll Free: Got-Abdo. Michigan Criminal Lawyer Blog. Anytime you are involved in a car accident in New York, you are required to stop at the scene of the collision. At a minimum, you must exchange information with the other driver. But, if anyone suffered injuries in the accident, you must also contact the police immediately.

In addition to complying with the law, exchanging information and calling the police can also help with securing insurance coverage. So, with all of this in mind, what happens if you leave the scene of a hit-and-run accident? The answer to this question depends on whether you are the hit-and-run driver or you got hit by a hit-and-run driver and left the scene without calling the police.

If you caused an accident and left the scene without exchanging information or calling the police, you can face steep penalties under New York law. Our Denver auto accident lawyers can help. Contact us today for a free evaluation of your case. Car Accidents Involving Leased Cars. No upfront fees, no risk, and no cost to you or your family. Fill out ALL areas of the form. Be explicit as possible regarding your case. Get a free case consultation. No upfront fee. Free Case Consultation.

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