If you were accused of causing a hit-and-run accident or leaving the scene of an accident, you could face harsh criminal penalties. It’s important to consider your legal options rather than leaving your case’s outcome to chance.
If you’ve been involved in other traffic violations in Montgomery County, our Montgomery County Traffic Lawyer can also assist you. Contact a Montgomery County hit-and-run accident lawyer at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. to learn more about your legal options. We will evaluate your case and assert your innocence in a court of law.
Penalties of a Hit-and-Run Accident in Montgomery County
The penalties you could face for a hit-and-run conviction largely depend on your situation. If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident that only caused property damage, you could face a first-degree misdemeanor for leaving the accident scene.
Matters change if someone suffered harm or passed away in a collision. In that case, under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3742(b)(3), you could face felony charges.
What Happens if the Accident Seriously Hurt Someone?
If someone suffered serious bodily harm from the alleged hit-and-run accident, if convicted, you could face:
- A third-degree felony
- At least 90 days in prison
- A minimum fine of $1,000
What Happens if Someone Passed Away in the Accident?
If someone passed away because of the alleged hit-and-run accident, if convicted, you could face:
- A second-degree felony
- At least three years in prison
- A fine of at least $2,500
You Could Face Penalties Outside of the Criminal Court System
In addition to the criminal penalties you could face, there are also collateral consequences. These consequences refer to your quality of life, rather than punishments imposed by the state.
Some of these penalties include:
- Child custody or visitation issues
- Immigration or citizenship issues
- Difficulty finding gainful employment
- Trouble finding affordable housing
- Loss of federal student aid eligibility
- Loss of firearm rights
- Suspension or revocation of your professional licenses
You Could Hold Civil Liability for a Hit-and-Run Accident
A hit-and-run conviction is more than fines, jail time, and harm to your life. It also opens you up to a civil lawsuit––meaning the injured party could sue you for damages. They could use a conviction as proof that you acted negligently and should pay for their losses.
A hit-and-run accident claimant can demand compensation for:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- The cost of increased insurance premiums
- Loss of household services
- Skin scarring and disfigurement
- Medical equipment and expenses
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
With help from a hit-and-run accident lawyer in Montgomery County, you can avoid these harsh penalties and civil liability. By working with McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., you can get your hit-and-run charge dropped, reduced, or dismissed. We will protect you from the consequences of a conviction.
For a free legal consultation with a hit-and-run accidents lawyer serving Montgomery County, call (610) 680-7842
We Challenge Montgomery County Hit-and-Run Accident Allegations
Right now, you want an experienced legal advocate on your side. The last thing you want is to struggle through a complicated trial only to be found guilty. McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. will evaluate your case and determine what course of action could clear your name.
Here are some strategies we may employ on your behalf:
- We may assert that your vehicle was not involved in the collision. This involves watching traffic camera footage, consulting with accident reconstruction specialists, and using forensic evidence. We may even locate the actual vehicle involved in the hit-and-run collision.
- Someone else drove your vehicle and caused the hit-and-run accident. Your vehicle may have been involved in the hit-and-run collision. However, someone else may have driven it. In that case, they should be held accountable for the other party’s losses––not you.
- You didn’t know that you hit another person, object, or car. This could be the case if you drive a large truck and hit a smaller object.
- You suffered a serious injury that impeded your ability to stop at the accident scene. If you suffered a traumatic brain injury in a collision, this may have affected your cognitive reasoning. You may have also left the accident scene in search of emergency medical attention.
These are just a few of the potential defenses that could bolster your case. We want to resolve your case and help you return to your life.
Montgomery County Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit-and-Run Crashes in Montgomery County
As you consider your legal options, you may have many burning questions, such as:
How Many People Are Convicted of Hit-and-Runs?
ABC News reports that while 1,200 people lose their lives in hit-and-run accidents each year, few offenders face prison time. It notes that defendants usually accept plea deals before trial proceedings get underway. For instance, instead of facing prison time for vehicular homicide, one could instead get probation.
It’s important to note that many of these defendants partnered with lawyers on their hit-and-run accident cases. With legal help, you could accept a plea deal and resolve your case in that manner, avoiding a lengthy prison sentence.
What if I Was Arrested for Another Traffic Violation in the Past?
If this is your second traffic-related offense, the judge may consider this when deciding your case’s outcome. You could face heightened consequences than if this was your first offense.
What if the Arresting Officer Violated My Rights?
All law enforcement officials must conduct arrests in good faith. This means avoiding unnecessary force, reading your Miranda rights, and following proper procedure. If the arresting officer violated your rights, we could use this information to support your case.
Click to contact our Montgomery County Traffic Lawyers today
Contact a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in Montgomery County for Help Today
If you are found guilty of leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, you could face severe criminal and collateral consequences. Get help avoiding a conviction by connecting with McKenzie Law Firm, P.C.
Our lead attorney, David McKenzie, has decades of experience advocating for people in court. He’s resolved cases that even his own clients thought were impossible to resolve. To begin your case review, connect with our firm today.
Call or text (610) 680-7842 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
