Realizing that you were just involved in a car accident is never a good feeling. You may be relieved that you are physically fine but dreading the paperwork, expenses, and overall hassle to come. Despite these inconveniences, it is your legal responsibility to stop at the scene and exchange information with any other drivers involved. A driver who commits a hit and run offense will face various penalties ranging in severity. Speak with a Pottstown criminal defense lawyer about your situation to gain more information and legal counsel during your case.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Driver When an Accident Occurs?

Under Pennsylvania General Assembly law, a driver involved in an accident that results in an injury, death, or damage to a vehicle or property that is driven or attended by a person must do the following.

  • Stop immediately at the scene of the accident
  • Provide their name, address, and registration number of the vehicle
  • Provide their driver’s license information upon request to other drivers involved and/or police officers at the scene
  • If the property owner is not present, report the accident to the police

If any driver neglects the above law and flees the scene of the accident or refuses to provide the required information, they can be considered guilty of a hit and run which various legal repercussions will accompany.

What Are the Penalties of a Hit and Run in Pennsylvania?

Every accident is unique so the penalties of a hit and run will vary depending on the outcome of the situation. If a driver fled after damaging a parked car with no one inside they will face less severe consequences than, say, if they fled after hitting a moving vehicle and causing the other driver bodily harm.

Below are the general penalties for a hit and run depending on the resulting damage and injury.

Damage to an unattended vehicle:

  • Fines up to $300
  • Up to 90 days in jail

Damage to an attended vehicle:

  • Third-degree misdemeanor
  • Fines up to $2,500
  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • 4 points on license

Injuries:

  • First-degree misdemeanor
  • Fines up to $2,500
  • Up to 1 year in jail

Serious bodily injury:

  • Third-degree felony
  • Mandatory minimum fine of $1,000
  • Mandatory minimum 90-day term of imprisonment

Fatality:

  • Second-degree felony
  • Mandatory minimum fine of $2,500
  • Mandatory minimum 3-year term of imprisonment

Drivers owe each other the courtesy of checking in on one another after an accident as well as exchanging vehicle and contact information to aid in the soon-to-come insurance claims and vehicle repairs. When a driver decides to flee the scene of an accident instead of owning up to the consequences of their actions, a plethora of legal penalties can ensue.

It is important to obtain legal representation when facing charges related to a hit and run offense. Contact a skilled defense lawyer from Cohen & Patel today to begin working on an effective defensive strategy.