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Is It A Crime To Leave The Scene Of An Accident?

When you get into a car accident, there is a protocol that should be followed. Someone who flees and leaves the scene of an accident is going to get into legal trouble. If you have been accused of leaving after causing injuries or damage to another vehicle, you need to defend yourself. You should talk to a Des Moines criminal defense lawyer from our firm as soon as possible.

Do You Have to Stay at the Scene of an Accident?

When you get into a car accident, you need to stay at the scene. According to state law, you and any other drivers involved in the crash need to give each other your information and show any relevant documents. This can include things like:

  • Your names
  • Your addresses
  • The registration of your car
  • Your driver’s license

You are also supposed to call for aid if someone is injured and do your best to help that injured person.

Can You Be Punished For Leaving the Scene of an Accident Even When No One Gets Hurt?

You need to stay at the scene of an accident even when it does not seem like people got hurt. If there is damage to any vehicle, it’s usually worthwhile to call the police so that they can make a report. This report can be used by anyone who needs to make an insurance claim later.

Even if you strike an unattended car and no one could possibly be injured, you are not supposed to flee the scene of an accident. You need to do your best to find the owner of the car you hit. Failing that, you must leave your contact information behind for them in a place where they can easily find it.

Fleeing the scene and getting convicted can result in jail time and a hefty fine. A misdemeanor conviction can mean up to 30 days in jail and up to $625 in fines. And this is just for vehicular damage! If someone gets hurt, this charge is upgraded to a serious misdemeanor with a penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,975. Flee from the scene of an accident where someone passed away and you could be hit with a Class D felony charge punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $7,500.

Are There Other Potential Penalties?

Fines and jail time are not the only things you have to worry about. You could also have your license suspended temporarily or even revoked entirely. This is especially likely if you already have a criminal record of some sort. You can also expect to pay higher insurance rates or get dropped from your coverage entirely.

Talk to a Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you want to fight back against criminal charges and the steep fines and other punishments that can come along with a conviction, contact Herting Law, PLLC. We can schedule a consultation and tell you more about how our attorneys can be of assistance.

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