An auto accident can be a very frightening moment. It’s even worse if you know or believe that the accident is your fault. This could cause you to want to leave the scene of the accident as soon as possible. In reality, that is one of the worst mistakes you could make. Instead, you should stay put, ensure the authorities are contacted, and later begin to work with Freeport auto accident attorneys.
Fleeing Is Not a Legal Defense
Some think that the best defense is leaving the scene immediately. They think that they cannot be accused of any crime if they manage to get away. However, it’s very easy for the police to track down someone who has been involved in an accident. In addition to cameras on every corner, your vehicle has a license plate number. Most people immediately take notice of this number, along with details regarding the vehicle, if they witness an accident. The only real legal defense is working closely with Freeport auto accident attorneys.
It’s an Even Bigger Crime
Reversing and accidentally scraping another vehicle isn’t a serious incident. Once you flee the scene, it becomes known as a “hit and run” and is a criminal offense. You could face huge fines and time in jail for something as simple as scraping against another vehicle. It would be much easier if you stayed and handled the accident in a professional manner.
If the hit and run caused personal injury, then it is considered a class 4 felony. You could be sentenced to three years in prison with a $25,000 fine. That time and the fine increases if a person’s death resulted from the hit and run.
The Best Legal Defense
Even if you were involved in an accident that resulted in the death of a driver or passenger, fleeing is the worst course of action and leads to the worst possible consequences. Instead, you should contact local auto accident attorneys in Freeport to discuss your possibilities.
Fisk & Monteleone LTD. is a personal injury law firm that services Illinois. Their areas of expertise include wrongful death, auto accidents, medical malpractice, and more. They represent clients in numerous communities, including Rockford, Byron, Rockton, Freeport, and Roscoe.
