Haddonfield Traffic Court Lawyers Discuss Hit-and-Run Laws
Hit-and-run laws, also called “stop-and-give-aid” laws, aim to ensure that victims injured in car accidents receive medical attention for their injuries and compensation for property damage. Drivers who do not comply with hit-and-run laws can be criminally prosecuted.
Even if the other car was driving recklessly and you bear no fault for the accident, you must comply with these laws. If you flee the scene of an auto accident, evidence of your flight may be admissible to prove that you knew you were at fault. This law serves to encourage blameless drivers to stop and render aid.
In order to further encourage these policy goals, drivers who flee the scene of an accident, but report the accident shortly afterwards, face some protection under the law. Reports by a driver who has left the scene of an accident cannot be used against them in a subsequent criminal prosecution for the hit-and-run. Unfortunately, many drivers may not know about this law and fear coming forward after a hit-and-run accident.
If you are a driver who has been involved in a collision, you must:
- Stop
- Provide identification
- Render assistance if needed
Special Circumstances in NJ Hit & Run Cases
If you have been involved in a collision with an unoccupied vehicle, many states require that you leave a note providing your contact information and a brief description of what happened. Then, you must contact local law enforcement as soon as possible to report the incident.
Sometimes in a hit-and-run, a passenger might either encourage an at-fault, fleeing driver to leave the scene, or even physically grab the wheel after the accident and veer away from the scene. Passengers involved in hit-and-runs can be prosecuted for this type of conduct.
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident on private property, such as a long driveway or private parking field, you may also be criminally prosecuted even though you are not on a public roadway.
Civil and Criminal Liability for NJ Hit and Run Accidents
Drivers who flee the scene of a car accident can be criminally prosecuted, and also face civil liability. Injured victims or owners of damaged property may sue the offending driver not only for causing the collision, but also for any injuries or damage that was exacerbated by failing to render assistance.
Haddonfield Traffic Court Lawyers at The Law Offices of Michele Finizio Represent Drivers Who Have Been Charged with a Hit-and-Run in NJ
If you were involved in a car accident and have been charged with a hit-and-run or related violation, call a trusted Haddonfield traffic court lawyer at the Law Offices of Michele Finizio today. We understand that car accidents can be traumatic and frightened drivers may be too stunned to respond appropriately. With offices conveniently located in Moorestown, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey including Camden County, Burlington County, Atlantic County, Mercer County, Gloucester County, Cape May County and Salem County. Call us at 856-888-9059 or contact us online today.
