Leaving the Scene of an Accident - The Consequences
Leaving the scene of an accident is an offense that carries serious legal and personal consequences. Understanding how the law might punish you, can help you avoid these penalties. For this reason, it is important to know how many points for leaving the scene of an accident can be assessed in any given situation.
What is Leaving the Scene of an Accident?
Leaving the scene of an accident is described as the intentional or unintentional fleeing the scene after a collision or near-collision, without providing identity, license, and insurance information and making sure that no
emergency response is needed.
Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident
The law states that anyone who intentionally, or through negligence, leaves the scene of an accident is guilty of a misdemeanor. In the worst case scenario, the person could be faced with jail time. The penalty for a first-time offender could include a fine of up to $1,000, six points placed on the offender's driving record, up to one year in jail, and/or a license suspension for up to a year. In more serious cases, such as an accident with a serious injury or death, it can carry a felony charge that is punishable by fines between $1,000 and $5,000, license suspension for up to three years, and/or jail time of up to 30 years.
How Many Points for Leaving the Scene of an Accident?
In the State of Texas, leaving the scene of an accident can result in 6 points added to your driving record. These points will stay on your record for a minimum of three years, meaning your insurance premiums can be impacted for that length of time. Further, if too many points are added to your record, you may lose the privilege of driving altogether.
Suspension for Leaving the Scene of an Accident
In the state of Texas, when you accumulate 6 points on your driving record in a 12-month period, your license may be suspended. If you are caught leaving the scene of an accident, the points will be assessed to your account and your license may be subject to suspension.
Accident Report for Leaving the Scene of an Accident
When you leave the scene of an accident, a police report must be filed. In most cases, the police report can be filed by the other driver, witnesses, or insurance companies. The accident report should include the location and time of the accident, a description of the vehicles and damage, and the other party's insurance information.
Civil Liability for Leaving the Scene of an Accident
In addition to criminal penalties, a person who has left the scene of an accident may be sued in civil court. The person at fault in the accident may be required to pay for all damages caused by the accident, including medical expenses, property damages, and pain and suffering.
Will My Insurance Cover Me for Leaving the Scene of an Accident?
If the driver leaving the scene of an accident has insurance, their insurance may cover some of the accident costs. However, if the driver is found to be at fault, their insurance company may refuse to pay for damages or have the policy revoked.
The Consequences of Leaving the Scene of an Accident
No matter the circumstances of an accident, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense with serious consequences. The consequences can range from expensive fines to license suspension and even jail time. Additionally, the person leaving the scene of the accident may be found liable in civil proceedings. Knowing how many points for leaving the scene of an accident may save you from expensive fines and license suspensions in the future.
Post a Comment for "How Many Points For Leaving The Scene Of An Accident?"