Blog
Philadelphia Leaving the Scene of an Accident Lawyers
As a motorist in Pennsylvania, you have a civic duty to follow the traffic rules and obey the laws. If you fail to follow the laws in Pennsylvania, you could be charged with a crime.
Being involved in an accident can be unnerving. This is especially true if the accident was caused by your negligence or reckless driving.
Although it can be tempting to leave the scene of an accident if you’re at fault, resist the temptation to leave. After you leave the scene of an accident in Pennsylvania, you will be in a lot of trouble.
What You Should Do If You’ve Been in a Car Accident
According to legislation in Pennsylvania, you must always stop your vehicle near the scene of the accident. Make sure your vehicle is parked in a place that allows you to get out of it safely.
Once you have gotten out of your vehicle, exchange your insurance information, name and address with the driver of the other vehicle. It’s a good idea to call emergency dispatchers for a police officer or an ambulance (if necessary). The police officer will take a police report. Be sure to get a copy of the police report.
If the police officer asks questions about the accident, provide only the necessary facts. You don’t have to plead your case to the police officer. Before you provide a statement, contact an attorney for legal guidance.
Consequences of Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Leaving the scene of an accident in Pennsylvania is a misdemeanor. If a person has been injured as a result of the accident, you could be charged with a felony.
When a person is injured as a result of an accident, you must provide reasonable assistance to them. If the injured person needs medical attention, call an ambulance to take them to the hospital. If you have been incapacitated by the accident, your passengers have a duty to get help for any people who have been injured.
If you hit a vehicle that is unattended, it is illegal for you to leave without providing your contact information. You should leave a note on the vehicle with your insurance information, name, address and vehicle registration. Contact the police station immediately to file a report.
Penalties for leaving the scene of an accident in Pennsylvania may vary. This includes prison sentence, driver’s license suspension and expensive fines.
How to Handle a Leaving the Scene of An Accident Arrest
Not only can getting arrested be embarrassing, it can make you angry and frightened. When these emotions are present, they don’t bring out the best in people.
Attempt to remain as calm as possible. Follow police orders and be courteous. Respect the police officer’s authority that is granted by the state of Pennsylvania.
If you have a complaint about the manner in which your arrest was handled, tell your criminal defense attorney about it later. Never try to plead your case while you are being arrested.
As soon as you are arrested, ask to speak with a lawyer. Don’t answer any questions or provide a testimony without a lawyer. It is the prosecutors’ job to find evidence against you. You shouldn’t help them by providing information that could make their job easier.
Let Amato Sanita Law Office Help You
Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious Pennsylvania traffic violation. You need a strong criminal defense attorney on your side. If you are facing the court system in Pennsylvania, we can help you. We have three law offices in Philadelphia, Feasterville and Norristown to serve you. Contact our office for a legal consultation today.