When a motor vehicle accident occurs, state traffic laws require drivers involved to follow certain procedures immediately after the incident. In general, those involved in an accident must stay at the scene after it occurs, get medical help for anyone in need, and wait for the police to arrive. When a driver fails to follow these procedures, they can be charged with leaving the scene of an accident, or a hit and run. In Washington state, a hit and run can is considered to be a gross misdemeanor.
Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense and therefore, you can face significant consequences, depending on the circumstances of the accident. In most states, the specific protocols that must be followed depend on a few factors. These include whether the accident: 1) caused damage to property; 2) caused injuries to others and/or 3) resulted in a person's death such as another driver, pedestrian or passenger.
Do not leave the accident scene. This can lead to serious criminal charges. In most places, state traffic laws require any driver involved in an auto accident to stop their vehicle as soon as it is safe and follow these steps: 1) Check on all drivers and passengers, provide basic first aid, and call for emergency medical help if needed, 2) Call the authorities – police officers will create a record, ensure evidence is preserved, and all proper procedures are followed, 3) Exchange information, such as driver’s licenses, proof of insurance, and contact information, 4) Identify and talk to witnesses who can verify the facts of the incident and 5) Contact the insurance companies for yourself and the other driver, if applicable
Following these steps will ensure you are adhering to the law and safeguarding yourself from a hit-and-run charge. It may also help you if it comes time to file a personal injury claim or defend against one.
If you collide with an unoccupied vehicle or some other stationary property, like a mailbox or fence, most states mandate you make a reasonable effort to identify the property owner and alert them.
You should also take down a detailed record of the incident. This includes photos of the damage and the note you left. Carefully assess both vehicles and take note of the visible damage. This can help protect you later, should the vehicle owner attempt to attribute damage you were not responsible for to their insurance claim.
After an accident involving injuries, drivers typically have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to help any injured person and to report the accident to law enforcement. Avoid moving an immobile injured person, unless there is an immediate threat, such as a fire. This can aggravate or create a new injury.
If the accident involves serious bodily injury, your actions are even more critical. Like non-injury accidents, you must call 911, render aid if possible, and wait for law enforcement.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of criminal allegations immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Criminal Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Criminal Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900.