Scottsdale Hit-and-Run Attorney
Any car accident can be stressful and lead to weeks or months of dealing with doctors, insurance companies, and police. When you leave the scene of the accident before the police arrive, it can add extra confusion and difficulty in the aftermath. If you or a family member have been charged with a hit-and-run, consulting a skilled Scottsdale hit-and-run lawyer at The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC can help you know what steps to take.
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Call The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC today at (844) 707-9356 for your Free Consultation!
Hit-and-Run Accidents Explained
Leaving the scene of an accident before police arrive, often called committing a “hit-and-run,” is a criminal offense because it can put people in danger and keep others from getting the help they need. In most states, including Arizona, people involved in traffic accidents have a duty to:
- Exchange contact and insurance information.
- Help anyone at the scene who may be injured, such as by calling an ambulance.
- Wait for the police to arrive so they can file a report.
Given this obligation, it is illegal for a driver involved in a crash to leave the scene before a law enforcement officer clears them. This usually applies to collisions with other cars but also pedestrians, bicycle riders, or even objects, like guardrails or signs. It’s important to note that, even if you didn’t cause the accident, leaving before police officers arrive is against the law.
People who commit a hit-and-run do so to avoid the negative consequences associated with being in a car accident, especially if there’s a reason why they would be in extra trouble, such as by being intoxicated or not having proper insurance. Nevertheless, a hit-and-run can result in serious criminal charges, and convictions are punishable with jail time, fines, and other penalties. In addition, the charges and penalties can be significantly more severe if someone was hurt or killed in the accident.
Problems Caused by Hit-and-Run Incidents
Hit-and-run accidents can make an already stressful car crash even worse. When someone leaves the scene of an accident, it means the others involved may not get the medical care they need as quickly as possible, which is why the charges are more severe for hit-and-run accidents with injuries.
The days and weeks after the accident are also more difficult. In many cases, the others involved may have to pay high medical bills and car repair costs out of their own pockets if they don’t have extended coverage on their car insurance. Sometimes, their car insurance only covers a certain amount.
If You’re Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident in Scottsdale
If you are involved in an accident, make sure you do not leave the scene. Doing so can lead to severe penalties if you are caught. Also, leaving the scene may not actually let you escape the situation. The other party may note any details about you and your vehicle, such as the make, model, color, and license plate number of the car and your appearance. The growing use of dash cams, other cameras in vehicles, and traffic surveillance cameras can often catch some of these details as well.
If you do leave the scene, you can face a variety of criminal charges. The exact charges will depend on the circumstances of the incident. The hit-and-run alone would be its own, separate charge, on top of whatever other offense caused the incident. For example, if you were driving recklessly or under the influence, reckless driving or DUI charges will be added to the hit-and-run charge.
Contacting a Scottsdale Hit-and-Run Lawyer
After engaging in a hit-and-run, contact a Hit and Run attorney in Scottsdale, AZ immediately. They can examine the evidence in your case to determine the ideal way to defend you. Sometimes, they can negotiate with the prosecution to get your charges reduced, which can lessen the penalties you face and their severity. In other cases, the attorney can use the evidence they collect in your case to mount a compelling defense against your charges in court. Overall, a skilled Scottsdale Hit-and-Run attorney can work hard to reduce the impact of this incident on your life.
FAQs
A: Yes, you can sue someone for a hit-and-run accident if they were at fault for the accident and you were injured or there was damage done to your car. In some cases, you may not need to sue the other driver if you have certain coverage on your car insurance policy, so check with your car insurance carrier.
A: The penalty for a hit-and-run in Arizona depends on the circumstances of the accident. In the most serious cases, such as a crash where someone was injured or killed, the penalty could be up to several years in prison, substantial fines, and having one’s driver’s license revoked for a set period.
A: In most cases, you can’t sue someone if they almost hit you with a car. For a legal claim, you have to suffer damages. However, you may have grounds for a legal claim against the driver if you were injured or suffered property damage because of the incident. For example, as a result of almost being hit by their car, you fell and sustained broken bones.
A: In Arizona, a Class 3 misdemeanor is the least severe misdemeanor classification for a criminal charge. Class 3 misdemeanors are generally punishable with up to a few weeks in jail and a fine. In addition, offenders may be subject to probation, community service, paying restitution, and other applicable penalties. However, subsequent offenses may lead to stiffer punishments.
Call The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC at (844) 609-0216 for your Consultation with a Phoenix Protective Order legal specialist.
Get the Legal Help You Need
You don’t have to deal with a hit-and-run accident on your own. At The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC, we understand the unique challenges of a hit-and-run. Our team can determine which legal options provide the most benefit for your specific situation. Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation and discuss your case.