What Are the Repercussions of Fleeing the Scene of an Accident? 

Did you know that, on average, over 5 million passenger car accidents occur in the United States annually? If you are involved in an accident, you must take specific measurements.

If you leave the scene of a car accident without alerting authorities, you are breaking the law. The repercussions of such an action can be felt for years to come. You may even have to serve jail time for doing so.

Be sure to learn about the repercussions of fleeing the scene of an accident so that you do not make the same mistake should it be necessary to do so.

Felony Charges

Fleeing the scene of an accident can have serious repercussions, including felony charges. This includes anything from hit-and-runs to vehicular manslaughter. 

In some instances, depending on the severity of the accident, a fleeing driver could face multiple felony charges. They could be charged with manslaughter, a felony in many jurisdictions.

In general, the repercussions of fleeing the scene of an accident often involve more than just a few tickets. Fleeing in an accident can constitute criminal negligence and lead to felony charges.

When you get into an accident, keep reading to learn why you should hire an accident lawyer.

Emotional Impact

Fleeing the scene of an accident can have traumatic repercussions on an individual’s emotional health. The fear of being caught and the guilt of leaving the scene of an accident can have a profound psychological impact on a person, leading to severe anxiety and depression.

The emotional toll can be immense, particularly for those involved in a high-profile incident. There is also the concern that their actions will reflect on their families and loved ones, leaving them feeling isolated and ashamed.

Fleeing the scene can also lead to feelings of remorse, which can be debilitating and difficult to move past. Ultimately, fleeing the scene of an accident can have severe emotional repercussions that may be long-lasting and difficult to overcome.

Criminal Record

If someone flees the scene of an accident, they will face serious repercussions. A criminal record can have a devastating impact on an individual’s life. It can result in the following:

• Limited job opportunities
• Inability to obtain licenses
• Disqualification 

If the person is a repeat offender, they can even face years of imprisonment. A criminal record affects more than just the individual; it affects their family, friends, and community. The repercussions of fleeing the scene of an accident can be dire.

Unforeseen Adverse

Fleeing at the scene of an accident can have unforeseen adverse repercussions. Penalties vary, but they can include substantial fines and jail time.

Even if there is no bodily injury, a jail term of up to five years or a fine of up to $5,000 can still be imposed. Ultimately, fleeing the scene of an accident could result in a legal and financial nightmare.

Why Fleeing the Scene of an Accident Is Not Advised

When fleeing the scene of an accident, individuals may face drastic consequences, including criminal fees and loss of driving privileges. It is important to stay at the scene and legally resolve the situation for the safety of everyone involved. Contact a lawyer to get the desired assistance if you or a loved one is in a car accident.

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