Leaving The Scene Of An Accident (Hit And Run) Tickets

Leaving the scene of an accident can be either noncriminal or criminal depending on the circumstances.  More specifically, the charge is noncriminal if only property damage is involved, and criminal if personal injury or death is involved.

Leaving The Scene Of An Accident With Property Damage

Leaving the scene of an accident with property damage is a traffic infraction.  If you are involved in an accident that causes property damage to another, you are required under New York VTL 600(1)(a) to stop, and show or exchange the following information:

  • Driver license
  • Proof of insurance
  • Name
  • Address
  • Identity of insurance carrier
  • Insurance policy number, and effective dates
  • Driver license number

If the owner of the damaged property is not present, for example you hit a parked car or building, then you are required to provide your information as soon as physically possible to the nearest police station, or judicial officer.

If you fail to meet your obligations under New York VTL 600(1)(a), you will be charged with leaving the scene of an accident or "hit and run."  The penalties for leaving the scene of an accident are as follows:

  • 3 points on your driving record
  • Up to a $250 fine
  • $93 surcharge
  • Up to 15 days in jail

Leaving The Scene Of An Accident With Personal Injury

Leaving the scene of an accident with personal injury is a crime.  If you are involved in an accident that causes personal injury to another, you are required under New York VTL 600(2)(a) to stop, and show or exchange the information discussed above with the injured party (if practical), and a police officer.  If no police officer is available, then you are required to provide your information as soon as physically possible to the nearest police station, or judicial officer.

The penalties under New York VTL 600(2)(a) vary depending on the circumstances.  

If the conviction stems solely from failing to provide the required information then it is a Class B misdemeanor with the following penalties:

  • 6 month revocation of your drivers license
  • 3 points on your driving record
  • Up to a $500 fine
  • $93 surcharge
  • Up to 3 months in jail

The penalties increase for repeat offenders.  Repeat convictions are class A misdemeanors with 3 points on your driving record, up to a $1,000 fine, and up to 1 year in jail.  

If the conviction stems from other than solely failing to provide information, i.e., leaving the scene, then it is a class A misdemeanor with the following penalties:

  • 6 month revocation of your drivers license
  • 3 points on your driving record
  • Up to a $1,000 fine
  • $93 surcharge
  • Up to 1 year in jail

Repeat offenders will be charges with a class E felony with 3 points on your driving record, up to a $2,500 fine, and up to 4 years in jail.

If the conviction stems from other than solely failing to provide information but the injury is a serious physical injury as defined in section 10 the penal law, then it is a class E felony with the following penalties:

  • 6 month revocation of your drivers license
  • Up to a $5,000 fine
  • $93 surcharge
  • Up to 4 years in jail

If the conviction stems from other than solely failing to provide information but the injury results in death, then it is a class D felony with the following penalties:

  • 6 month revocation of your drivers license
  • Up to a $5,000 fine
  • $93 surcharge
  • Up to 7 years in jail

Contact A Leaving The Scene Of An Accident Ticket Attorney

Contact the Shelton Law firm if you receive a ticket for leaving the scene of an accident or "hit and run."  The Shelton Law Firm knows how to defend clients charged with leaving the scene of an accident.  With the Shelton Law Firm on your side, you have the peace of mind to know that your leaving the scene of an accident or "hit and run" ticket attorney will zealously defend your rights.