NJ Failure to Report an Accident Lawyers

NJ Failure to Report an Accident Lawyers

Let’s be real – car accidents happen. And when they do, it’s scary and stressful trying to deal with insurance, injuries, police reports, and more. I get it. But failing to report an accident in New Jersey brings even bigger legal headaches. If you’re charged with this crime, take a breath – you’ve got rights. And we can help protect them.

I want to walk you through how New Jersey’s failure to report an accident law works, what penalties you may face, possible defenses, and why having an experienced criminal defense attorney is so critical. I know this is overwhelming, but we’ll break it down step-by-step so you understand how the process works and what to expect.

Failure to Report an Accident Charges in New Jersey

Under New Jersey law, any driver involved in an accident must immediately stop and notify the police if the accident involves:

• Injury or death of any person
• Damage to any vehicle or property

You must provide your name, address, vehicle registration, and insurance information to the police and any other parties involved. Failure to stop and report any accident that causes injury, death, or significant property damage is a criminal offense in NJ.

Penalties if convicted of failure to report an accident include:

• Fines up to $200
• Up to 30 days in jail
• Community service
• License suspension

In addition, your auto insurance rates will likely increase significantly after a failure to report conviction. And the penalties get even harsher if you leave the scene of an accident with injuries without reporting it. That can be charged as the more serious crime of leaving the scene of an accident.

Defending Against Failure to Report Charges

While failure to report an accident is a strict liability offense, there may still be defenses that could get the charges reduced or dismissed. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will thoroughly examine the evidence to determine if any of these common defenses could apply:

• You were unaware an accident occurred
• The accident did not cause significant damage or injury
• You left briefly to call police but returned to the scene
• You had a valid reason for being unable to stop immediately
• Mistaken identity – someone else failed to report the accident

A skilled attorney can argue that your actions were legally justified if any of these defenses fit the circumstances. For example, if you swerved to avoid an animal in the road and brushed against another vehicle with no real damage, you may not have had a duty to report it. The key is gathering all evidence and making the best legal arguments to the prosecutor or judge.

Why You Should Hire an Attorney for Failure to Report Charges

Trying to fight criminal charges alone rarely goes well, even for minor offenses. The law is complex, and the police and prosecutors have far more experience navigating the system. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer levels the playing field and protects your rights at every stage.

Specifically, a knowledgeable failure to report accident attorney can:

• Obtain and review police reports, accident records, insurance claims, and other evidence to build your defense
• Determine if improper police procedures violate your rights
• Negotiate with the prosecutor to get charges reduced or dismissed
• File motions to suppress damaging evidence gathered illegally
• Present persuasive arguments to judges and juries highlighting reasonable defenses

Without an attorney, you’re extremely unlikely to get these charges dropped or minimized. The penalties may not seem severe, but even a misdemeanor conviction has consequences. So don’t take that risk – protect your rights with an experienced lawyer.

Our New Jersey Attorneys Can Help Fight Your Failure to Report Charges

I know you’re worried about what happens next. But you don’t have to handle this alone. My team of skilled criminal defense attorneys have helped hundreds of clients achieve favorable outcomes for their failure to report accident cases. We know which strategies work and how to get results.

If you or someone you love is facing charges for failing to report an accident in New Jersey, contact us for a free consultation. We’re here to listen, provide honest answers, and start building the strongest possible defense for your case.