What can happen if a driver leaves the scene of an accident in Baker?
Baker, LA – Drivers are expected to remain at an accident scene and contact the proper authorities after a collision. Louisiana and other states have passed laws to punish those who simply leave a crash scene without following the procedures to report the crash and exchange information with the others involved. It is also possible that any driver who is at fault for an accident can be sued, even if they initially fled the scene. There are accident lawyers who can provide more specific information about these processes.
Penalties after an arrest
A person who is arrested for leaving the scene of an auto accident will be charged with a criminal misdemeanor. If there were no injuries in the accident, the driver who fled can face up to six months in jail and fines of up to five hundred dollars. If the driver was intoxicated at the time, they will be placed in jail for a minimum of ten days. In situations where the hit and run collision caused injuries or death, the potential penalties increase to a prison term of up to ten years and fines of up to five thousand dollars. Note that this means that the crime of leaving the scene of an accident with injuries or death is charged as a felony rather than a misdemeanor.
When a person is charged with leaving the scene, they will also face a mandatory license revocation.
Is it possible to sue a driver who has fled the scene?
The driver responsible for a crash can potentially be sued, however the practicalities of doing so can be an issue when they have left before they can be identified. Anyone who was involved in a hit and run accident should contact the police immediately and give a description of the vehicle. The crash should also be reported to the relevant insurance provider, as it still may be possible to receive compensation through the insurance claim process depending on the policy in place and other specifics of the situation. A lawyer can provide advice about bringing a case against the driver and the potential value of the case, although much of the legal process is limited by whether the driver has been located or not.
Accident attorneys in Louisiana
Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf is a law firm that assists accident victims with the process to receive compensation. People in Baker and other nearby parts of Louisiana can speak with their attorneys for advice.
USAttorneys.com is a web directory of lawyers in every state around the country. Anyone who needs a referral to a licensed attorney in their area can call 800-672-3103
Firm contact info:
Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf
3960 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-343-2205
www.mlhlaw.com
