If you have been involved in a crash and the other driver has left the scene, take the situation seriously and call the police. Your second call should be to a qualified Defense Attorney in Hattiesburg. A conviction for hit-and-run can result not only in a criminal record, but heavy fines will be imposed as well. Your driving record will also be affected and, depending on the extent of damage or injury, a sentence is imposed. Do not risk your freedom; contact a local defense attorney and discuss your legal options.
A hit-and-run is usually defined as fleeing the scene of the accident where a driver has caused damage or injury without providing proper documentation to the other driver, or the failure to stop and render aid if damages incur. If you have been involved in an accident where property damage occurred (including vehicles) you must stop, locate the owner or person in charge of the property and exchange documents. If the driver cannot locate the owner or other driver, he or she cannot leave the scene until two specific things are done:
• Leave a note that can be easily seen that includes: The facts that explain what happened, the full name of the driver, the driver’s license number and state where it was issued, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), name, address and telephone number of the insurance company and the insurance policy number of the driver.
• Report the accident to the local police or highway patrol. Even though the accident was not your fault, you should take these steps. However, if a driver thinks the accident was their fault and he or she admits it to the police, the driver and other witnesses are incriminating themselves. Anything a person says can and will be used against them. This is the reason why it is essential to have a criminal Defense Attorney by your side.
Hit and run is a serious crime, but does not necessarily mean the accused is going to go to jail. For those who commit this crime for the first time, a reputable criminal defense attorney can often reach an agreement with the victim, the judge and the prosecutor, which is called a “civil agreement”. No matter what the circumstances are, it is important to hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
