What is a Hit and Run?
A hit-and-run accident is defined as the criminal act of causing a traffic collision and not stopping afterward. It is considered a supplemental crime in most jurisdictions.
What Evidence is Needed to Convict a Hit and Run?
In order to convict a person of a hit-and-run crime, prosecutors must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. This is considered to be a high burden of proof and requires that there be no other reasonable explanation for the accident that occurred other than the defendant's guilt.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Hit and Run?
In most states, the deadline for reporting a hit-and-run accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles is 10 days from the date of the incident. You are required to report it to the DMV if anyone was injured, or if the accident caused over $1,000 in property damage.
Related Article: Hit and Run First Offense
Can Someone Falsely Accuse You of Hit and Run?
Your vehicle may match the description of one involved in a hit-and-run, but it may not be the actual vehicle. And with no proof of an accident on your vehicle, you will be able to show that the other person is making a false accusation. Accident fraud can and does occur, which is why it is critical to show that there is no evidence of a collision.
How Long Does it Take for Police to Investigate a Hit and Run?
A hit-and-run investigation can take days or even months to complete, depending on the specific details of the case. In the worst-case scenario, the police may be unable to identify the driver.
Related Article: Hit and Run Investigation Process California
"Civil Compromise" in Hit and Run Cases
Criminal charges in certain hit-and-run cases may be dismissed if you take responsibility for all the expenses of the accident. This is known as a “civil compromise,” and if you meet all the requirements, the court has the discretion to dismiss criminal charges against you.
This means you will be required to compensate the injured victim for all of their damages. After you make payment in full, the injured victim could appear in court and tell the judge you have paid all the relevant expenses and request that the charges be dismissed.
Related Articles:
- Should You Get a Hit-And-Run Lawyer After a Car Accident?
- Steps to Prove Innocence in a Hit-and-Run
- Hit and Run Defenses
See all related car accident lawsuits our lawyers have covered.
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If you or a loved one was involved with such matters, you should contact Schmidt & Clark immediately for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
