Leaving the Scene of a Car Accident Attorney

Being involved in any type of accident is a scary and stressful situation. While remaining calm and calling for help is the correct response, it is not unusual for people to panic in such an intense situation. During a panicked state, we can make decisions that can affect us for the rest of our lives, such as leaving the scene of the crime.

If you have been charged with leaving the scene of an accident, you need an experienced attorney on your side. The penalties for such a charge are serious and can include jail time and license suspension, but the legal team at Clark Hartpence Law is here to help you through this trying time.

Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident

If an individual is in an accident and does not comply with the duty exchange of information and there is no personal injury, the offense is only considered a noncriminal traffic violation.

Leaving the scene of an accident is considered any instance where an individual leaves an accident scene in which there is property damage. This is a second-degree misdemeanor and the penalties include:

• Up to 60 days in jail
• Fines
• Loss of license
• Increased car insurance payments

If there is personal injury, leaving the scene of an accident may be considered a third-degree felony and include penalties of up to five years in jail.

According to the Florida Statutes Section 316.027, if a person leaves the scene of an accident where a death occurred, then the charge is elevated to a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in a Florida state prison.

Possible Defenses for Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Avoiding Obstruction — If you were trying to keep your vehicle from obstructing traffic, your attorney can detail that the act is permissible to move your vehicle a safe distance to comply with the statute.