Leaving Scene of Accident: Consequences?

What Happens if Someone Leaves the Scene of an Accident?

Car Accident Info

Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime unless the driver brings themselves or another person to get urgent medical care. Otherwise, this behavior is formally known as a hit-and-run. The driver leaving the scene faces substantial penalties and a criminal record if convicted.

Even if the person avoids a conviction, the act of fleeing the scene gives the appearance of guilt. Injured parties may file a personal injury lawsuit against the hit-and-run driver. Of course, some of them are never identified. Police will use eyewitness accounts, nearby surveillance video, and other tools to try to determine the motorist’s identity.

A car accident lawyer at Rutter Mills can assist the victims of hit-and-run drivers so that you may receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Duty to Stop

Under the Code of Virginia, motorists involved in a car accident have a duty to stop if a person is injured or killed, or if the vehicle sustained property damage. The driver must also report the accident to the local or state police, providing their name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number. If the driver is not capable of reporting this information due to injuries, they must do so as soon as “reasonably” possible.

As noted, the driver can leave the scene to render “reasonable” assistance to any injured person by bringing them to a medical facility for treatment. If this is necessary, they should leave their contact and insurance information with the driver of the other vehicle or another party at the scene.

Penalties

If convicted, penalties for leaving the scene of an accident may prove severe. If the accident caused fatalities or injuries, it is considered a Class 5 felony. That is also a possibility if property damage exceeds $1,000– which can occur even in fender benders. Punishment may include a prison term ranging from one to 10 years and a fine of up to $2,500. The resulting criminal record can affect the individual’s ability to qualify for certain types of employment, housing, and loans. If the driver left the scene and the property damage is less than $1,000, the person may face misdemeanor charges. These still carry potential jail time and fines.

Civil Lawsuits

If a civil lawsuit is filed against the hit-and-run driver, car accident lawyers know a fair settlement amount for you. A civil lawsuit is entirely separate from any criminal charges filed against the driver.

Contact us at Rutter Mills for a free consultation

If you or a loved one were involved in a crash with a hit-and-run driver, you need the services of the experienced car accident attorneys at Rutter Mills. In these cases, time is of the essence, so call or text us 24/7 to arrange a free consultation.

We serve clients in Virginia Beach, Newport News, and surrounding areas, including Chesapeake, Hampton, Williamsburg, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. We work on a contingency basis, so there is no fee unless we get you a settlement or win your case.

Car Accident Lawyer Resources – Areas Served

Contact a Rutter Mills attorney to speak about your case today.

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Phone*

Message*

I Need Help With*

Consent

By checking this box, I agree to receive SMS text messages from Rutter Mills, LLP. Reply STOP if you would like to stop receiving text messages.

Comments

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

EXPERIENCE

Years Helping Our Clients

LOCATIONS

Convenient Offices

TEAM

Team members ready to help.

TESTIMONIALS

You don’t have to worry about the bills, just get healthy.

Dave Put His Trust in Us

Don’t Fall For The Insurance Company’s Games

Dave suffered serious injuries in a car accident. The defendant’s insurance company tried to offer him a low amount so Dave called Rutter Mills. We took over dealing with the insurance and got Dave the money he needed to get back on his feet.

They enabled me to be happy in life again.

Get Back On Track

Protecting Your Future

Glenn’s car accident changed his life, but not permanently thanks to the help of his Rutter Mills attorney. When the insurance companies wouldn’t help him, our team fought back and won.

I knew I needed Rutter Mills.

Fighting For What's Right

Getting Justice

On his way home from work at the shipyard, Dan was involved in an accident. He tried to file a claim on his own, but the insurance company wouldn’t give him the money he needed to put his life back on track. Dan knew he needed to call Rutter Mills.

They actually won my case 3 times!

Larena's Win

After her car accident, Larena asked her father, a local stevedore, for his advice on who to call. He recommended Rutter Mills. Her team of car accident experts at Rutter Mills fought back when the insurance companies tried to deny her the money she needed to recuperate from her injuries. We took her case to trial – and won. When the insurance company filed their appeals, we beat them again – two more times! Larena got the money she needed and the justice she deserved.

We’re going to immediately call Rutter Mills. That’s the people I trust with my baby girl.

Who Do You Trust With Your Family?

After a car accident, Jamaree’s first call was to her mom. She was shaken up and scared. Mom told her “We’re calling Rutter Mills. Her next was to Rutter Mills. Her Rutter Mills car accident team helped her get compensation “above & beyond” what she was expecting.

They lifted allot of stress off my shoulders. I recommend them to anybody because they WILL fight for you.

Who Can You Turn To?

Referrals From Friends and Family

After John was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, he turned to the person he trusts most for a recommendation. His wife, a paralegal of 30 years, told him to call Rutter Mills on the advice of the lawyer she worked for.

They really care for you as a person. Words cannot describe what Rutter Mills did for me and for my case.

When You Need Someone In Your Corner

Don’t Go It Alone

When the insurance company tried to get Carol to sign paperwork after her car accident, she knew she needed a lawyer. Carol knew she needed Rutter Mills.

When I called Rutter Mills, I knew it was the right fit. They’re so interested in helping you get justice.

Getting The Justice You Deserve

When Mom Needs Strength

Taryn was in a car accident while she was pregnant. She knew she needed someone in her corner to protect her rights and her family’s future.

There’s attorneys, then there’s Rutter Mills.

We're Here When The Unexpected Happens

Priorities

A devasting accident changed Levon’s life forever. The physical and emotional toll left him scared and in pain. When the insurance company for the defendant contacted the family, they made an offer that did not even cover the cost of the medication, much less doctors’ bills, and physical therapy. They knew they needed to talk to a serious lawyer. Rutter Mills took care of the negotiation so Levon could focus on healing.

When you’ve got a serious injury, you need a serious lawyer. That’s why we chose Rutter Mills.

Motorcycle Accidents Change Everything

When Ed was injured in a motorcycle crash, he knew he needed a serious lawyer to protect his rights. The insurance companies were fighting him every step of the way. Rutter Mills helped prove Ed’s case and get him the money he needed to get on the road to recovery.

With the seriousness of the accident, I knew that we needed a serious lawyer. I needed Rutter Mills.

Carol & Levon's Story

They knew they needed a serious lawyer when Carol and her son were seriously injured. After the other party’s insurance company tried to get her to settle for less than she needed, Carol called Rutter Mills for help. We took on the insurance company so she could focus on healing.