Perhaps you were intoxicated when you were involved in the crash, maybe your license was suspended, or you were simply scared. Whatever the reason—you fled the scene when you were involved in an accident on I-495. You didn’t mean to rear-end the person in front of you, but you did and you panicked.
You drove away from the accident scene instead of exchanging information with the other party or contacting the police. You’re not sure why you did it, but now you’re wondering if you broke the law and if so, what penalties you’re facing.
When You Flee the Scene of an Accident
Under Virginia law, you are required to stay at the scene of an accident. If you flee, you can face a variety of charges, including:
- Class Four Misdemeanor. The driver is punishable by a fine if the vehicle or property was unattended and the property damage was valued at less than $250. The passenger who didn’t report the accident is also punished the same as the driver.
- Class One Misdemeanor. The driver is punishable by up to one year in jail if the vehicle or property was attended and the damage was valued at less than $1,000, or if the vehicle or property was unattended and the property damage is valued at between $250 and $1,000.
- Class Five Felony. The driver can face up to 10 years in prison if the vehicle or property was attended and there was an injury, death, or property damage of more than $1,000.
Contact Us Today for Help
If you find yourself facing charges because you fled the scene of an accident, you’ll need the help of an attorney. If not, you could receive more serious penalties than you would if you had a lawyer fighting for you. The Easley Law Firm has represented many drivers in the Fairfax area and may be able to help you. Contact us today to speak with an attorney about your situation and find out more.
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