To learn more about the consequences of a hit and run in Virginia, reach out to our skilled Richmond criminal defense attorneys today. Our legal team is on your side.
How does Virginia define a hit and run?
According to the state of Virginia, fleeing the scene of an accident, also known as “hit and run,” is a serious criminal offense that inherently occurs out of the failure to stop, render aid and provide identifying information. No matter what the cause of the accident, Virginia law requires certain actions to be taken.
It is important to recognize that the duties and penalties for a hit and run vary depending upon whether you were a driver or a passenger, whether the accident involves an attended or unattended vehicle, and whether the accident involves only property damage of a certain amount or also involves injury or death. Depending upon your situation, your hit and run may be indicted as a misdemeanor or felony and the punishments can include the imposition of a fine, incarceration, and a suspension of a driver’s license.
What should I do if I hit an unattended vehicle?
According to Virginia Code 46.2-896, if you hit an unattended vehicle or some other unattended property causing property damage only, as the driver, you must make a reasonable effort to find the owner or custodian of the property, and if such owner is found, you must report your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number. If such owner cannot be found, you must leave a note or other sufficient information (your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number) including driver identification and contact in a conspicuous place at the scene of the accident; and, within 24 hours, you must report the accident in writing to police as follows: your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number, date, time, and place of accident and your description of the property damage.
If your injuries are a result of the above requirements, you must, as soon as possible, make the required report to the police and locate the owner or custodian of such damaged vehicle, and report your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number. If you are in this unfortunate situation, reach out to our skilled Richmond criminal defense attorneys.
Contact Our Firm
If you live in Virginia and have been charged with a crime, the time to speak with an experienced Richmond criminal defense attorney is now. Led by Attorney James A. Bullard Jr., our firm has fought on behalf of clients facing serious legal penalties for decades. We handle various criminal and traffic cases, including reckless driving tickets, DUIs, violent crimes, drug crimes, and so much more. Contact James A. Bullard Jr. P.C. today so we can begin formulating a comprehensive defense on your behalf.
