Long Island Hit and Run Lawyer Defending Clients Accused of Leaving An Accident Scene in Nassau County

If you are involved in a car accident, it’s in your best interest to remain at the scene. If you fail to stay, you could be accused of leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it.

The act of leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it is often referred to as a hit and run. If you are accused of committing a hit and run, it’s important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. Gianni Karmily has helped countless clients fight hit and run charges on Long Island. Contact Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, PLLC at once to discuss your legal options.

What Are Drivers Required to Do After A Car Accident?

The law requires every driver to follow certain rules immediately following a car accident. If you are involved in an accident, you are legally required to stop at the scene. The law also requires drivers to show their insurance card and driver’s license to the other parties involved in the accident. Drivers must also provide the other parties with their name and address before leaving the scene.

If the other parties are not present, for example, if you hit a parked car with no one inside, you are still required to provide this information. In this case, you would need to report the accident to the police and give them your information instead.

What Are the Hit and Run Laws in Nassau County and Throughout Long Island?

Failing to fulfill your legal obligations after a car accident could lead to serious consequences. This is true regardless of whether or not someone was injured in the accident. The severity of the accident does not matter—if you were involved in an accident, you are required to fulfill your legal obligations.

Is Leaving the Scene of An Accident A Traffic Violation or Crime?

There are two types of hit and run offenses in New York as defined in New York Penal Law Section 600. The first is leaving the scene of an accident with property damage, but no injuries. This offense is a traffic infraction, not a crime.

The second hit and run offense is leaving the scene of an accident with injuries. If someone was injured in the accident and you refuse to exchange your information at the scene, you will be charged with a class B misdemeanor. This is true even if you stopped at the scene—if you refuse to provide your information, you will face charges. If you are a repeat offender, this criminal charge will become a class A misdemeanor.

If you are involved in an accident with injuries and do not stop at the scene whatsoever, you can face class A misdemeanor charges. If you are a repeat offender, the charge is increased to a class E felony.

You will face more serious criminal charges if the accident involved serious injuries or fatalities. If you fail to stop at an accident that caused serious injuries, you will be charged with a class E felony. If you refuse to stop after a fatal accident, you can face class D felony charges.

What Are the Penalties For Leaving the Scene of An Accident?

The penalties will vary depending on the severity of the accident. If the accident caused property damage but no injuries, this traffic infraction is punishable by up to 15 days in jail and $250 in fines.

Refusing to exchange your information after an accident involving injuries, which is a class B misdemeanor, can lead to up to three months in jail and $500 in fines. Refusing to stop at the scene of an accident involving injuries, which is a class A misdemeanor, is punishable by up to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines.

Hit and run crimes involving serious injuries are class E felonies, which carry a maximum of four years in prison. The most serious hit and run offense, which involves fatalities, is a class D felony that carries a maximum of seven years in prison.

Hit and run charges should not be taken lightly. Leaving the scene of an accident can lead to incarceration, which is why you will need to fight the charges with the help of hit and run lawyer Gianni Karmily.

Set Up A Case Evaluation With Our Hit and Run Defense Attorney In Nassau County, Long Island Today

Have you been charged with leaving the scene of an accident? This is not just a traffic violation—it’s a criminal offense. For this reason, you will need to seek legal representation from experienced hit and run attorney Gianni Karmily as soon as possible. Let Gianni fight to protect your freedom. To schedule a case evaluation regarding your case, call 516-630-3405 or fill out the form on this website.