NJ Leaving the Scene of an Accident Lawyers

NJ Leaving the Scene of an Accident Lawyers

Getting into a car accident is scary enough on its own. Now you’re facing criminal charges for leaving the scene? That’s seriously stressful. But take a deep breath – you’ve got rights. And we’re here to make sure they’re protected.

I want to walk you through what happens if you’re charged with leaving the scene of an accident in New Jersey. We’ll cover the potential penalties, defenses that could help your case, and why working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer is so important. I know this is overwhelming, but knowledge is power. So let’s break it all down…

Leaving the Scene of an Accident Charges in NJ

Under New Jersey law, any driver involved in an accident must immediately stop at the scene. You’re required to provide your name, address, vehicle registration, and insurance information to the other parties involved. That’s just basic common sense stuff we all know we’re supposed to do. But it gets more serious if someone is injured.

If the accident results in injury or death, you must also:

• Call 911 to alert police and medical assistance
• Provide reasonable assistance to injured persons
• Remain at the scene until police have arrived

Failure to follow these laws means you’ve committed the crime of leaving the scene of an accident. And in New Jersey, the penalties for hit and run can be severe:

• Injury Accident – Fines up to $7,500, auto insurance surcharge, up to 180 days jail, and 2 year license suspension
• Serious Injury – Fines up to $10,000, auto insurance surcharge, up to 180 days jail, and 2 year license suspension
• Death – Fines up to $15,000, auto insurance surcharge, up to 180 days jail, and 2 year license suspension

Plus, leaving the scene often leads to additional criminal charges like assault by auto. And keep in mind, these penalties apply even if the accident wasn’t your fault! New Jersey law requires everyone involved to stop, notify police, and assist injured parties no matter who’s to blame.

Defending Against Leaving the Scene Charges in New Jersey

Facing these serious penalties, it’s critical to have an experienced criminal defense attorney build the strongest possible case on your behalf. While leaving the scene of an accident is a strict liability offense, there may still be defenses that apply:

• You didn’t know an accident occurred – If you can show no reasonable person would have realized an accident took place, you may not be liable for failing to stop.
• Injury or death happened after you left – You cannot be charged if the serious injury/death happened after you already left the scene.
• Someone else fled the scene – Mistaken identity – the driver who actually left was someone else.
• You returned quickly – Leaving briefly to call police or seek emergency help for yourself may be permitted.
• Medical emergency – You had to leave to get urgent medical care and intended to report the accident later.

A skilled lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case to determine if any viable defenses can get the charges reduced or dismissed. This could involve obtaining accident reconstruction evidence, medical records, GPS data, or witness statements. The goal is to show your actions were legally justified under the circumstances.

Why You Need an Attorney for Leaving the Scene Charges

Trying to fight hit and run charges alone is extremely unwise. These cases can get highly complex with accident forensic evidence, medical issues, insurance claims, and more. An experienced criminal defense lawyer has the resources and knowledge to build the strongest case possible. They can also negotiate more effectively with prosecutors.

Specifically, a good leaving the scene attorney will:

• Aggressively investigate to identify viable legal defenses
• Hire expert witnesses like accident reconstructionists and doctors
• Attempt to get charges reduced or dismissed through negotiations
• Suppress damaging evidence that was obtained illegally
• Develop evidence showing you acted reasonably under the circumstances
• Present persuasive arguments to the judge/jury highlighting your defense

Without a lawyer, you’re extremely unlikely to get charges dropped or minimized. The penalties are too severe to take that risk. So don’t go it alone against the power of the criminal justice system.

Our New Jersey Hit and Run Defense Attorneys Can Help

I know you’re scared and overwhelmed. But you don’t have to handle this alone. My team of compassionate criminal defense attorneys have helped hundreds of clients fight leaving the scene charges. We know which strategies work and won’t stop until we’ve achieved the best possible outcome for your case.

If you or someone you love is facing hit and run charges in NJ, contact us for a free consultation. We’re here to listen, provide honest answers, and start crafting an aggressive defense to protect your rights.