According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, approximately 11% of all reported accidents involve one driver leaving the scene. With increases in motor vehicle accidents due to impaired, distracted and reckless driving, hit and run accidents will likely increase as well.
The reasons clients give for leaving the scene of an accident often involve “not knowing what to do” or “experiencing a sense of panic” that leads to a poor decision.
What to Do If You Cause a Motor Vehicle Accident
If you are involved in an accident involving another person or a vehicle attended by an operator or occupant, you are required to stop.
You must remain at the scene until you provide your name, address and vehicle registration to the person struck or the driver or occupant of the vehicle you collided with. If requested, you must show your driver’s license to the person struck or the driver or occupant of the vehicle involved.
Car Accident Injuries - Rendering Assistance
If anyone is injured in the accident, you are required to render reasonable assistance which may include transportation, or arranging transportation, to a medical facility.
Wisconsin Hit and Run Car Accident - Leaving the Scene of a Car Accident
Failure to act in accordance with the law may result in severe consequences.
In the case of a hit and run involving even a minor injury, you may be charged with a felony punishable by 9 months in jail and up to a $10,000 fine.
If the hit and run results in great bodily harm, you may be charged with a class E felony, with possible imprisonment of up to 15 years, a fine up to $15,000, or both. If someone is killed, a Class F felony may result in up to 25 years in prison and up to a $100,000 fine.
A felony conviction in general carries the loss of firearm privileges, voting rights, loss of certain professional licenses, prohibited entry into many countries and the establishment of a criminal record that can effect employment or school attendance.
Contact an Experienced Hit and Run Car Accident Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or a family member has been involved in a motor vehicle hit and run incident, it is vitally important to contact an experienced Wisconsin criminal defense lawyer for advice and representation. We encourage you to call our offices for assistance today at 262-542-3900. We offer a free initial consultation so that you can make an informed decision regarding legal representation that is in your best interests.
