What happens if you crash and leave in the USA? Although it may seem like a quick exit, the consequences could be quite serious.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a hit-and-run accident occurs approximately every 43 seconds in the United States, totaling more than 737,000 cases annually.

Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that speeding-related deaths reached 12,330 in 2021.

In states like California, penalties for hit-and-run can range from one year in jail and fines of up to $10,000 for minor damages, to four years in prison in cases involving serious injury or death.

In this article, the team at Attorney Dang, Accident Lawyer, explains everything you need to know to protect yourself and act responsibly.

What happens if you hit and run in the United States?

In the United States, leaving the scene of an accident, known as a hit and run, is a serious crime. Even if the accident seems minor, leaving the scene can have severe consequences.

Depending on the state and circumstances, you could face criminal charges, fines, and even the loss of your driver’s license.

In addition to legal penalties, fleeing an accident can also further complicate your situation if the other person involved decides to sue you for damages and injuries suffered.

Insurers may also refuse to cover costs if it is determined that you were at fault and fled the accident. This not only increases the financial cost of damages, but also puts your driving record and, in some cases, your immigration status at risk.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), hit-and-run accidents account for nearly 20% of all reported accidents in the United States each year.

Consequences of hit and run in USA

Laws vary by state, but the potential consequences of a hit and run include severe penalties that can change your life.

For migrants, understanding these laws is crucial, as they may face additional legal implications depending on their immigration status.

1. Criminal charges

• If there is property damage, you could face lesser charges, such as fines of up to $1,000 and imprisonment of up to six months in states like California.
• If the accident resulted in injuries or deaths, charges can escalate to felonies, such as involuntary manslaughter, with sentences that include several years in prison.

Example: In New York, fleeing after an accident with injuries can lead to imprisonment for up to one year and fines of $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the severity.

2. Fines for hit and run in the United States

• Fines vary widely by state:
  • For minor accidents, you could pay between $500 and $1000.
  • In serious cases, fines can exceed $10,000.

Example: In Texas, leaving the scene of an accident with serious injuries can result in a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment of up to five years.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), crimes such as hit-and-run also increase insurance premiums.

3. Suspension of license

• Many states automatically suspend a driver’s license after a hit-and-run, even if it is the first offense. The suspension can last for months or even years.
• Regaining your license may require mandatory driver safety courses, additional fines, and high administrative costs.

Key Fact: In Florida, license suspension after a hit and run can last up to three years if serious injuries were involved.

4. Criminal and civil history

• A hit and run charge may appear on your criminal record, affecting your employment or residency opportunities in the country.
• Additionally, you could face civil lawsuits from victims, resulting in compensation for material, medical and emotional damages.

For migrants, a criminal record can complicate immigration processes, such as visa renewals or citizenship applications.

Knowing these consequences will help you act responsibly and avoid serious legal problems. If you need legal advice, do not hesitate to contact an accident lawyer.

Legal responsibilities after a crash in the USA

If you are involved in a traffic accident, understanding your legal responsibilities is key to avoiding further complications. Ignoring these actions can result in serious legal consequences, including fines, criminal charges, and problems with your insurance.

Below we explain the essential steps you should take and how to comply with hit-and-run laws in the USA:

Stop immediately

Stop your vehicle in a safe place to avoid causing further damage or risk to other drivers. This applies even if the accident seems minor and there are no apparent injuries.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), stopping is the first legal responsibility after an accident, regardless of the severity.

Exchange information

Share your name, address, phone number, insurance information and vehicle registration with the other party involved.

Also note down the contact information of any witnesses present, as they could be key to clarifying responsibilities later.

Document the accident

Take clear photographs of the scene, the vehicles involved, license plates, visible damage, and any other relevant evidence. This documentation can be crucial when filing an insurance claim or defending yourself legally.

Courts and insurance companies often accept photographs as valid evidence to determine legal liability after a crash in the USA.

Report the accident

In most states, such as Texas and Florida, it is mandatory to report an accident to authorities if there are injuries, significant property damage (usually over $1,000), or if one of the drivers is uninsured.

In Texas, failure to report an accident can result in additional fines and suspension of your license. Under the Texas Transportation Code, reporting must be done as soon as possible to avoid negligence charges.

Seek legal assistance

If you have questions about your rights or responsibilities, contacting an accident attorney is crucial.

An accident attorney can help you navigate hit-and-run laws in the U.S., especially if you face legal charges or civil claims.

Fulfilling these legal responsibilities after a crash protects your rights, makes the insurance claim process easier, and reflects ethical and responsible behavior.

How to avoid legal problems after an accident

Avoiding legal problems means complying with the law while protecting your rights. Follow these recommendations:

Keep your insurance up to date

Active insurance can cover many of the costs associated with an accident, from property damage to medical expenses. It’s also critical to periodically review your policy to ensure it adequately covers your needs, especially if you drive in states with specific insurance requirements.

In Texas, drivers must carry liability insurance with a minimum limit of $30,000 per injured person and $60,000 per accident.

Familiarize yourself with local laws

Each state has different rules for handling traffic accidents. For example, in Florida, it is mandatory to report accidents with damages greater than $500. Knowing these laws can prevent you from additional fines or penalties.

Check official sites, such as your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), for up-to-date information.

Act calmly and responsibly

Staying calm allows you to make clear and correct decisions at the time of the accident. If it is safe to do so, pull the vehicle out of the way and check for injuries before contacting the authorities.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) always recommends calling 911 to report an accident, even if it seems minor.

Remembering these steps will help you reduce legal risks and help you better handle any unexpected situations.

What to do if you are accused of hit and run?

• Being accused of a hit and run can be scary, especially if you are unaware of the laws or your legal rights. However, following these steps can help you protect yourself and handle the situation effectively:
• Contact an attorney: An accident attorney can analyze your case, explain local laws, and advise you on how to proceed. It’s crucial to choose an attorney with experience in hit-and-run cases, as they will know specific strategies to minimize the legal consequences.
• Gather evidence: If you have access to photos, videos, security camera footage, or testimony, be sure to gather it as soon as possible. This evidence can be key to proving your side of the story or clearing up misunderstandings.
  Keep digital copies of all evidence and share only the necessary information with your attorney and the authorities.
• Cooperate with authorities: Stay respectful and provide any information you are asked for. Avoid lying or giving inaccurate details, as this could further complicate your case.
  In states like California and Florida, failure to cooperate with authorities can aggravate charges and even lead to harsher penalties.
• Understand the potential consequences: Penalties for a hit-and-run vary by state and the severity of the accident. These could include fines, license suspension, or jail time. An attorney can help you negotiate settlements or reduce penalties.
• Consider the circumstances: If you left the scene of the accident out of fear or confusion, let your attorney know. Extenuating circumstances, such as a personal emergency, may be considered in your defense.
• Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurance company about the incident, but avoid admitting liability before consulting your attorney. The insurance company may assist with your defense and cover some related costs.
• Check local laws: Familiarize yourself with the hit-and-run laws in your state to better understand your rights and responsibilities.

Acting quickly and with the right guidance can make all the difference in how your case is resolved. Seeking legal support early on is essential to protecting your rights and reducing the impact of the accusations.

Legal responsibilities after a crash in the USA if I am a migrant

Being a migrant involved in a traffic accident in the United States can be an especially challenging situation.

However, complying with your legal responsibilities will allow you to protect yourself from penalties, and can make a difference in how your case is resolved.

How does immigration status influence?

Immigration status can play a crucial role in how charges arising from an accident are handled. For example:

• Stricter legal processes: Migrants may face more rigorous investigations by authorities, especially if they do not have valid insurance or proper documents.
• Status Consequences: Criminal charges related to accidents, such as a hit-and-run, could be considered “crimes of moral turpitude” (CIMT). These charges could affect applications for visa renewal, permanent residency, or naturalization.
• Risk of deportation: Although each case is unique, some serious accident-related crimes can lead to deportation proceedings, even for legal residents.

Important: An immigration attorney can work with an accident attorney to minimize the consequences and protect your rights.

Understanding and fulfilling your legal responsibilities after a crash is crucial, especially if you are an immigrant. If you need help, legal advice is your best option to protect your rights and your future in the United States.

How Attorney Dang Can Help You After a Hit and Run Accident

In traffic accident situations, especially if you find yourself in a hit-and-run situation, it is crucial to have the right support.

If you have been involved in an accident and left the scene without reporting it, the legal consequences can be serious, both in terms of penalties and civil damages. This is where legal advice becomes an essential factor in protecting your rights and mitigating the consequences.

The team at Attorney Dang, Accident Attorney is committed to the Latino community and has the necessary experience to guide you through this complicated process, regardless of your immigration status.

They understand the challenges that immigrants face and will provide you with the support you need to effectively resolve your situation.

Now that you know what happens if you crash and run in the USA, it is important that you act quickly to avoid further complications. Don’t face this process alone. Contact us today and receive the legal assistance you need to protect your rights. Remember, call Attorney Dang to give the insurance companies a BANG!

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