What Happens If You Accidentally Hit And Run?

What Happens If You Accidentally Hit and Run? 

You may be wondering what happens if you accidentally hit and run. While it is possible to get away with a hit-and-run, there are penalties involved. In this article, you’ll learn about the consequences, the steps to take after an accident, and how to document a hit-and-run. 

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Leaving the scene of an accident 

Leaving the scene of an accident can have serious consequences. You may need to summon the police, or it may be unsafe to remain at the scene. Leaving the scene can also compromise your chances of recovering compensation. Read on to learn more about leaving the scene of an accident. In some instances, you may need to leave the scene of an accident because your cell phone signal is not strong enough to call 911. 

In New York, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime under chapter 90 of the state’s vehicle and traffic law (VTL). By law, drivers must stop at the scene of an accident to exchange insurance and license information with the other driver. The purpose of this law is to make it easier to identify responsible parties. If you leave the scene of an accident without providing the required information, you may be guilty of violating the law. 

Penalties for leaving the scene 

Penalties for leaving the scene after a hit-and-run can be quite severe. They can include losing driving privileges and even incarceration. Additionally, the driver of a vehicle that leaves the scene of an accident could be liable for the damages that occurred due to their actions. In such cases, it may be advisable to contact a traffic ticket attorney. 

To avoid being charged with criminal penalties, it is important to stop and exchange information with the other party involved in the accident. This will help you to secure insurance coverage. 

Steps to take after an accident 

If you have been involved in a car accident, the first thing you should do is contact the police and report the accident. It is important to remain calm during this time and not argue with the other driver. It is common to say something that is not true in the heat of the moment, so it is better to remain calm and calmly state your side of the story. If possible, try to get the name of any witnesses who may have witnessed the accident. 

Next, turn on your hazard lights and move away from traffic. If possible, contact the police for further assistance, but if it is unsafe to do so, wait for help to arrive. Calling the police will help you get a police report that can be helpful later in the case. The police report will also help you with your insurance claim. In addition, it is important to stop traffic immediately following an accident so you can get medical attention and get a statement from your insurance company. 

Documenting a hit-and-run 

Documenting a hit-and-run crash is important for a variety of reasons. First, it can help you establish liability if the accident was caused by someone who did not have a valid insurance policy. It can also help you if the other driver was uninsured, since you may be able to file an uninsured motorist claim. Take photos of the scene and the vehicles involved. These photos should clearly show the line of sight for all the drivers involved. It is also important to take photos of the vehicle that was hit, traffic signs, and stop signs. 

When you document a hit-and-run accident, you should make sure to contact law enforcement. Even if you don’t believe there was any damage, you should contact the authorities. Documenting the incident is important, because the person who caused the accident may try to change their story later. 

What Happens If You Accidentally Hit And Run? | Montag Law Office