Annapolis Hit and Run Lawyer

If a person commits a hit and run, it means that an individual caused a car accident that resulted in property damage and/or personal injury and failed to remain at the scene. During the initial consultation, an Annapolis hit and run lawyer will determine whether the individual knew that he or she hit something, whether the car of the individual charged was the only vehicle to be damaged, and whether the individual charged was the driver, passenger, or their vehicle had been borrowed or stolen. Such information may help an attorney begin to form defenses and minimize the consequences.

Penalties

The severity of the penalties for a hit and run depend on the level of property damage and personal injury. Generally speaking, an individual who is convicted of a hit and run may face up to 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. If the individual causes property damage, the MVA may add up to 8 points on an individual’s driver’s record, which will result in a license suspension. Additionally, an individual may face felony charges if the accident resulted in severe bodily harm of another. Penalties for this may include up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Furthermore, if the accident results in a death, the individual may face a felony manslaughter charge with a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
In regards to civil penalties, the individual who was harmed or the owner of the vehicle damaged may file a lawsuit against the individual charged for causing the accident, as well as any injuries or damage that worsened due to the individual leaving the scene.
The disposition of a civil case may affect the process of a criminal case. As such, any individual who is charged with a hit and run should be advised of the collateral consequences in order to be fully informed when making a decision in each case. A knowledgeable Annapolis hit and run attorney can best advise an individual on how to proceed legally in such a case.

COMMON CAUSES

Some common actions that lead to a hit and run and warrant the attention of a hit and run attorney in Annapolis are when individuals fall asleep at the wheel or when individuals are driving distracted, such as texting while driving. These actions may cause individuals to not realize that they had been in an accident, and then inadvertently leave the scene.

Significance of a Hit and Run Case

One aspect of a hit and run that differs from other types of traffic charges is the fact that the individual charged left the scene, and as such is not able to be identified. This proves an issue in the sense that an individual has no person to bring a claim against. Usually, in other traffic charges, insurance information is exchanged by the parties involved and the owners of the vehicles are known. In hit and run cases, this is not always true.

Benefits of an Attorney

A hit and run conviction can have long-lasting consequences that will affect an individual’s livelihood and driving capabilities. Given the severe consequences, it is essential to reach out to an experienced Annapolis hit and run attorney who will determine the appropriate defense strategy for your case. A lawyer may be able to negotiate a deal with the prosecutor, or provide the judge with evidence that may be able to get your charge reduced or dismissed.