Any driver that was involved in an accident, but failed to stick around and provide the other driver(s) with contact information could be found guilty of exhibiting hit and run actions.
The one exception to that rule
Not all drivers have a cell phone, and not all cell phones work well at the accident sit. If a driver were to leave the scene of a collision in order to request emergency services, and then return to that same site, that action could not be viewed as typical hit and run behavior.
Any driver that has caused an injury or property damage must provide his or her contact information.
When 2 or more drivers are involved, all of them should share their information. That includes their name, address, phone number, license number and the name of their insurance company. A driver that has damaged a piece of property should leave a note, which contains the contact information.
Consequences faced by someone found guilty of hit and run
Pay a fine, normally between $5,000 and $20,000.
Face possible time in prison, perhaps as much as 15 years
Suspension or revocation of license for a period of 6 months to 3 years. Guilty party could become the target of a lawsuit. The amount demanded in the court ordered judgment would get added to the burden that had already been placed on the guilty party. Do not overlook the fact that the court-ordered judgment could well include a demand for punitive damages, as well as the compensatory damages.
Insurance companies do not feel comfortable about having a contract with a hit and run driver. Some insurance companies cancel the policy of anyone that has been guilty of hit and run behavior.
Consequences for the victim of a hit-and-run incident
Personal Injury Lawyer in Halifax will work with the police, in an effort to find the guilty party. Sometimes, someone has written down the license plate number for the vehicle that was driven by the person that fled from the accident. Sometimes, a video camera has captured footage of the responsible vehicle. That gives the police some information to work with.
When police lack such information, then the driver that lacks the needed contact information must devoted some time to searching out witnesses. A witness might be able to offer more information about the model, year or color of the vehicle that was driven away.
A pedestrian that has been the victim of a hit-and-run driver needs to concentrate on recovering from any injuries. Still, he or she should try to help with locating the responsible motorist. Today, the creation of the Internet has provided such victims with an added means for creating a platform and seeking the assistance of others.
