Getting in an accident might be the last thing you need in your life right now, but fleeing the scene is never a wise move. When you flee the scene of an accident, you create a hit-and-run situation.
In 2015, over 737,100 hit and run accidents occurred. If you cause an accident and leave the scene, you will face some consequences.
Here are some of the top consequences you can face if you leave the scene of a collision after it occurs.
You’ll Leave the Victims Without Help
Leaving the scene of an accident is not a good idea for many reasons. Consider what happens when you flee the scene of an accident. One thing is that you leave the victims without help.
What happens if the victims can’t exit their vehicle? What if they are trapped inside and have serious injuries? They could die without speedy medical treatment.
You take this risk and many others when leaving the scene of an accident, and you’ll likely get caught. If the victims die or experience serious injuries because you left, you’ll face even more consequences from leaving.
You Could Receive a Misdemeanor
Secondly, you could face criminal charges for leaving the scene of a crime. A hit and run accident is a criminal offense. Some states view this offense as a misdemeanor, while others have harsher charges.
No matter where you live, you will receive a citation for leaving the scene of an accident. The police handling the crime scene will investigate the accident, and they will find you.
A misdemeanor crime is serious enough that it stays on a person’s criminal record indefinitely. It is also serious enough to have consequences.
Some of the consequences might include jail time, fines, probation, and restitution. Are you prepared to face these consequences? If not, it’s probably better to stay on the scene until the police arrive and let you go.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident Could Result in Felony Charges
You might also wonder, “is leaving the scene of an accident a felony?” It can be in some states. A felony charge is more serious than a misdemeanor and will result in harsher consequences.
Some states charge hit and run drivers with felonies only if the victims have serious injuries. Other states always charge hit and run incidents as felonies.
If you want to avoid criminal trouble after an accident, don’t leave. You might face some consequences if you stay on the scene, but you’ll face many more by leaving.
Therefore, before you leave the scene, consider these things:
- What is your motive for leaving the accident scene?
- Is leaving the scene worth the risks listed here?
Do the Right Thing After an Accident
Whether you cause an accident or play a very small role in it, leaving the scene of an accident is not a smart move. If this ever happens to you, do the right thing and stick around afterward.
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