If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, it can be a confusing and frustrating experience. Many people do not know that fault does not matter when charged with this crime in Wisconsin. In this blog post, our attorneys at Ahmad & Associates will discuss hit-and-runs and how fault does not affect charges. We will also share what you should do if you are a hit-and-run victim.
What is a Hit-and-Run?
A hit-and-run occurs when a vehicle collides with another vehicle or a pedestrian and leaves the scene.
It does not have to explicitly be two cars colliding but can also include a car or truck colliding with:
- A truck
- A motorcyclist
- A bicyclist
- A pedestrian
- A stationary object, such as a street sign, lamp pole, mailboxes, or trees
Those involved in a hit-and-run often face charges for their crime. If you are involved in an accident, you should remain at the scene and wait for the police to arrive.
What Are the Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Wisconsin?
Hit-and-run accidents are taken very seriously by law enforcement in Wisconsin. If you leave the scene of an accident, you can be charged with a crime, regardless of who is at fault for the collision.
The penalties for hit-and-run depend on the severity of the accident:
- If the hit-and-run results in death or great bodily harm, you can be charged with a Class D felony. If convicted, you could face up to 25 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
- If the hit-and-run results in bodily harm, you can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted, you could face up to nine months in jail and a $500 fine.
- If the hit-and-run only causes property damage, you can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor. If convicted, you could face up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.
If you have been charged with a hit-and-run, it is important to contact an experienced attorney to help you navigate the legal process and fight your charges.
Does Fault Matter?
If you leave the scene of an accident, you can be charged with a crime, regardless of who is at fault. This means that you could still be charged with a hit-and-run even if the other driver caused the accident.
Many people do not know that fault does not matter in hit-and-run accidents. If you are involved in a collision, exchanging information with the other driver is important. This includes your name, phone number, insurance information, and license plate number.
What Should You Do if You Are a Hit-and-Run Victim?
If you are a hit-and-run victim, you should do a few things. First, call the police and file a report. This is important because it will document the accident and help with your insurance claim. Without a police report, your insurance company may ask you for more information, which can delay the processing of your claim.
Next, get the license plate number of the other car if possible. If you cannot get the license plate number, get a description of the car and share this with the police. If there were witnesses to your accident, the police might also ask them for information regarding the accident for further use. This will help the police track down the other driver.
Finally, take pictures of the damage to your car and any injuries you might have resulting from the accident. This will also help with your insurance claim.
You Don’t Just Need Representation. You Need Results.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a hit-and-run, our traffic attorneys at Ahmad & Associates can help you navigate the road ahead. Our attorneys understand how overwhelming it can be when facing traffic charges and can help you with your legal challenges.
Schedule a free consultation with one of our traffic crimes attorneys by calling us at (414) 928-7771 or filling out our online contact form. We are available for in-person or virtual consultations for your convenience.