Leaving Scene of Accident Vehicle Damage

Hit and run driving is a serious offense that involves leaving the scene of an accident without first stopping and identifying oneself to the other driver or drivers.  If a driver is involved in an accident involving property damage to a structure or another vehicle, they are legally required to report the incident to a law enforcement agency.  The driver must leave information attached to the damaged property.  Whether the driver caused the accident or if it was caused by another person’s negligence, the duty to stop and report the damage to the owner of the property is required by law.

Fines and Penalties

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious misdemeanor or the individual can be charged with felony hit and run.  A driver convicted of hit and run with property damager faces punishment up to $1,000 fine and six months in jail.  In some cases, the driver must also forfeit the vehicle. 

Traffic Points and Impact on Driving Record / License

A driver who leaves the scene of an accident where vehicle or property damages has resulted will be assessed 2 points against their driver’s license.

Hiring a Lawyer

A lawyer whose client is charged with leaving the scene of an accident may try to obtain a plea bargain.  If the driver is charged with leaving the scene that involves property damage, a lawyer may try to have the charge reduced to failure to report an accident.  The penalties for this lesser offense are much less severe and it is a no-point violation.  The driver may be eligible for alternative sentencing such as community service.  Regardless of the circumstances surrounding a hit and run arrest, an experienced defense attorney will be able to reduce or even eliminate the consequences.