As most people know, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. This doesn’t stop it from happening though. Sometimes panic sets in and a person will flee without thinking about the consequences. For example, in the fall of 2016 a man hit a stopped patrol car from behind. The officer was conducting a traffic stop on a woman. She was pinned between the hit patrol car and her own vehicle. As a result, the man driving the truck that hit the patrol car fled the scene. Officials followed a trail of oil to his vehicle and subsequently arrested the man for leaving the scene of an injury accident.
Elements of Leaving the Scene of an Accident:
Oklahoma law places a number of obligations on people who are involved in accidents. You can find these under Okla. Stat. 47 §10-104. First, you must—if able—to render aid to the injured person. So, you may call 911 or move the person to a safer area if they are in immediate danger. Next you must stay at the scene to report to officers what happened and give them other information. Officers will likely ask for your name, address, insurance information and more.
Consequences of Leaving the Scene of an Accident:
Oklahoma law uses a graduated system when it comes to leaving the scene convictions. So, if you have a fender bender you can expect minimal penalties. However, if you cause an injury or fatality and flee the scene you can expect much harsher penalties. Oklahoma categorizes this crime into three classes:
– Damage to a Vehicle with no Injuries: This crime is a misdemeanor. The court may fine you up to $500 and subject you to a year prison sentence. The victim may also pursue civil charges which could result in even more fines.
– Nonfatal Injuries: If you leave the scene of an injury accident, you commit a felony. Fines for this felony may reach $1,000 and land you in jail for up to 2 years. You driver’s license is also subject to revocation.
– Fatal Injuries: If you leave the scene of a fatality accident, you will receive felony charges. The penalties are severe. They include a possible jail sentence of up to 10 years and fines reaching $10,000. Further, your driver’s license will be revoked.
Related Crimes in Wagoner County: False impersonation criminal charges
Leaving The Scene of an Accident Attorneys Can Help:
If you or a loved one faces charges of leaving the scene of an accident, call us. Our Oklahoma criminal defense attorneys have years of criminal defense experience. Therefore, we know that people leaving the scene often panic and don’t think through the consequences. Let us help you out of a tough situation. Our first consultation is free.
