Hit and run car accidents happen whenever a driver involved in the accident flees the scene before offering help or providing contact information to the other driver. This kind of behavior can lead to serious legal consequences if the other driver or passengers suffered personal injuries or were killed. This means potential jail time, fines, and being sued for significant damages. Talk to a Tennessee car accident lawyer sooner than later if you left the scene of an accident and are concerned about potential charges.
Hit and Run Car Accidents
Some of the most common hit and run accidents involve pedestrians and bicycle riders, but hit and run accidents can also mean collisions with other drivers. Around 2,049 people died from accidents in the year 2016. These
numbers have been increasing over the past few years.
Common environmental causes of hit and run accidents involve road conditions and how well the driver can see pedestrians crossing the road. Drivers are more likely to flee the scene if no one else was around to witness the accident. Most drivers who leave the scene do so because they fear the legal consequences of being drunk or of killing the other driver or passengers. The reality is that leaving the scene can often lead to more serious consequences than if the driver were to stay and help.
This is because leaving the scene is seen as careless or irresponsible by courts. Try to avoid doing this if you ever experience a car accident in the future, but if you did flee the scene, knowing the potential consequences can help you prepare for what could come.
Legal Consequences for Leaving the Accident
Leaving an accident scene that only resulted in property damage can land you a Class C misdemeanor with fine and some jail time. Any property damage that exceeds $400 can also lead to driver’s license suspension for a certain period of time.
However, if you fled a car accident that resulted in personal injuries or death to the other driver or passengers, this is considered a Class A misdemeanor. require all drivers involved in a car accident that resulted in injuries or death to stop until emergency services arrive and they talk to the police. You could be charged with a Class E felony if you did not stop after you suspected someone died from the accident. Felonies can come with more severe legal consequences and will go on your criminal record.
The best thing to do in these types of situations is to stay at the accident scene and call 911 if you suspect injuries in you or the other people involved.
