If you were involved in a car accident and left the scene, you can be charged with hit and run in Washington. Depending on the results of the accident you were involved in, hit and run can be a very serious crime with very serious penalties. Having a defense attorney experienced with criminal traffic cases in Washington can be critical to protect your rights you the best possible results when it’s time for your day in court. Call to discuss your Washington hit and run case today.
Charged with a crime in Washington? Call now. (888) 246-5778.
Anyone who has been in an accident knows the fear and adrenaline rush that follows. Immediately following an accident you may not be thinking clearly and may make bad decisions. Perhaps this is why you left the scene.
Maybe the accident wasn’t that serious and you didn’t realize you were required to stop. Perhaps the other car was empty and you were unsure of your responsibilities. Although not knowing the law is not a defense to breaking it, it may help explain your side to the court.
Everyone makes mistakes. We are here to help you deal with the aftermath of yours. We are interested in learning the specifics of your case and how things really happened.
And most importantly, we want to help fix this for you as much as possible.
Please contact us for a free legal consultation on hit and run charges in Minnesota. We will go over the facts of your case, and discuss exactly how we think we can help.
Minnesota Auto Accident – Duty to Stop Laws
When you are involved in an automobile accident, you are required to stop to have a fair exchange of information to help later determine who may have been at fault. You pull off to the side of the road and exchange names and insurance information with the other driver and perhaps wait for the police to show up.
Regardless of the outcome or damage caused by the accident, you have a duty to stop under Washington hit and run laws. If you can’t stop immediately (due to traffic for instance) you must turn around and return to the scene at the earliest possibility.
MN Hit and Run Penalties
The exact criminal charge you are facing depends on the severity of the accident.
Duty on Striking Unattended Vehicle or Other Property – Hit and Run Property Damage
Damage to property after a car accident still counts as a criminal hit and run charge. If you strike an empty or parked vehicle or other property and the other owner is not immediately available, you are still required to stop and attempt to exchange information. This means you must put forth some effort to find the other driver. If you cannot find the owner of the other vehicle or property, you are required by law to leave written notice with your contact information in a “conspicuous” place (such as the windshield).
If you fail to stop after being involved in an accident such as this you can be charged with a misdemeanor and sentenced to up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.
This penalty does not include any damages you may be responsible for. Also, keep in mind your auto insurance company will likely raise your rates after a hit and run charge.
Ref: 46.52.010
Hit and Run Penalties
As with any other accident, if you strike an attended vehicle you are required to stop as soon as possible and exchange information with the other driver. This exchange of information can include your name, address, phone number, insurance information and license number. Also, if there are injuries involved you are required to remain with the injured party until help arrives providing reasonable assistance.
If you fail to stop and the accident has resulted in an injury, you may be charged with a Class C felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
If you fail to stop and the accident only resulted in property damage, you may be charged with a gross misdemeanor and face up to one year in jail and fines up to $5,000.
Ref: 46.52.020
Free Case Evaluation on MN Hit and Run Laws for Anyone Facing This Criminal Offense
Risking jail time and a criminal record can be very stressful. When you are facing criminal charges as serious as hit and run, you need the experience of a qualified defense attorney on your side. We have handled many hit and run cases before and want to help you with yours. Call for a consultation on your Washington hit and run case today.
