Is it a Crime to Leave the Scene of an Accident?

Posted January 23rd, 2025.

Categories: Blog.

two cars driving fast past each other

If you are involved in a car accident and leave the scene without stopping and exchanging information, you have committed a serious crime. The penalties can be severe so it is important that you understand your responsibilities after an accident and the implications of fleeing. Speak with a New Jersey criminal defense attorney for more information and representation.

Is it a Crime to Leave the Scene of an Accident in NJ?

Yes, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in New Jersey. Like most states, NJ law stipulates that any driver involved in an accident has certain responsibilities. In New Jersey, a driver who gets in an accident is required to:

  • Stop immediately at the scene or as close to it as possible
  • Provide a reasonable amount of assistance to anyone hurt
  • Present their name, address, license, vehicle registration, and insurance information to other drivers, passengers, and police

Anytime an individual is involved in an accident and fails to complete any of the above steps, they have committed a hit and run. This charge relates to any type of accident, whether both drivers were on the road, a driver hit a parked vehicle, a driver hit a pedestrian, etc. Regardless of the details of the accident, if the driver knew they were involved or should have known they were involved, they are required to stop.

What Are the Penalties for Fleeing the Scene?

The penalties that you can incur for fleeing the scene of an accident and committing a hit and run vary depending on the specific details of the situation. The legal consequences and level of offenses are generally broken down into two categories: property damage only and injury or death.

If you are charged with a hit and run where only property damage occured it is likely charged as a disorderly persons offense. You can expect to face the following penalties.

  • Fines ranging from $200 to $400
  • Up to 30 days in jail
  • License suspension for 6 months

However, your repercussions can be more severe if you leave the scene of an accident that resulted in injury or death. Consider the following indictable crime hit and run penalties.

  • Fines ranging from $2,500 to $5,000
  • Up to 180 days in jail
  • License suspension for 1 year

New Jersey does not use the terms “misdemeanor” or “felony.” Instead, their comparable verbiage is disorderly persons offense and indictable crime, respectively. A hit and run where the only damage is to property is typically charged as a disorderly persons offense while any injury or death is an automatic indictable crime. However, it is important to keep in mind that if it is your second offense or other aggravating factors were present, you could face enhanced charges and penalties.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime and one that can result in life-altering consequences. If you are facing hit and run charges it is crucial that you work with an experienced attorney to implement effective defensive strategies throughout your case. Reach out to a skilled lawyer today.

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