Hit and Run Attorney in Mercer County

If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision while driving in Mercer County and fail to stop or provide your personal information, you could face serious criminal charges known as “hit and run.” Leaving the scene of an accident is considered a grave offense in the state of Pennsylvania, carrying severe repercussions that can impact your future, your freedom, and your driving privileges. When you find yourself facing such allegations, it is critical to secure robust legal representation immediately to protect your rights.

At Logue Law Group, our dedicated Mercer criminal lawyer possesses the extensive knowledge and courtroom experience necessary to defend clients against hit and run accusations. We understand that panic or confusion can lead to mistakes, but you deserve a fair defense. If you have been charged with leaving the scene, do not delay—contact our office immediately for assistance.

Understanding “Hit and Skip” vs. “Hit and Run”

In the United States, traffic regulations universally mandate that if you are responsible for—or involved in—a collision, you must bring your vehicle to a halt and exchange information with the victim or law enforcement. Failure to adhere to this rule is commonly referred to as a “hit and run.” However, legal terminology can vary depending on where you are.

In Pennsylvania, you may hear this offense referred to as “hit and skip” or even “tap and run.” Regardless of the terminology used, the legal definition remains consistent: fleeing the scene without fulfilling your statutory duties. Navigating these definitions and the statutes that govern them can be complex. Consulting with a knowledgeable Mercer criminal lawyer can help you understand the specific nature of the charges against you and formulate a strategy to address them effectively.

Your Legal Duty to Stop After an Accident

According to the Pennsylvania Revised Code (ORC) section 4549.02, anyone operating a motor vehicle on public roads who is involved in a collision must stop immediately at the scene. However, merely stopping your car is insufficient to comply with the law. You are legally required to remain at the location and provide specific information to the other party involved, whether that is the driver of the other vehicle, an injured pedestrian, or a police officer.

You must provide the following details:

• Your full name
• Your residential address
• The registration number of the vehicle you were driving
• The name and address of the vehicle owner (if it is not your car)

There are scenarios where the other party may be too severely injured to receive your information. In such critical instances, ORC 4549.02(A)(2) mandates that you contact local law enforcement immediately to report the incident. Furthermore, you must remain at the scene until police officers arrive or until you are transported to a hospital for medical treatment. If you are unsure of your obligations in a complex accident scenario, seeking advice from a qualified Mercer DUI lawyer can provide clarity, especially if other factors like impairment are alleged.

Accidents Involving Unoccupied Vehicles

Not every collision involves another driver. You might find yourself in a situation where you collide with an unoccupied vehicle or property. In these cases, the law still requires you to take action. You must securely attach a note in a conspicuous place on the damaged vehicle or property. This note must contain your name, address, vehicle registration number, and the vehicle owner’s information.

Failing to leave this information and departing the scene can result in a hit and run charge, even if no one was present during the impact. Unfortunately, misunderstandings occur frequently. A driver might clip a fence or a mailbox, step out to check for damage, see none, and drive away, only to be charged later. If you believe you have been wrongfully accused of fleeing the scene, a skilled Mercer criminal lawyer from our team can help investigate the evidence and advocate for your innocence.

Penalties for Hit and Run Convictions

The consequences for violating these statutes are outlined in detail within ORC 4549.02(B). The severity of the penalty depends heavily on the outcome of the accident and the extent of any injuries caused.

Potential penalties include:

• Misdemeanor of the First Degree: If you fail to stop at the scene of an accident that causes no serious injury, you face up to six months in jail and fines reaching $1,000.
• Felony of the Fifth Degree: If the accident results in serious physical harm to a person and you flee, you face 6 to 12 months in prison and fines up to $2,500.
• Felony of the Fourth Degree: Depending on the severity of the circumstances, this can result in 6 to 18 months of imprisonment and fines up to $5,000.
• Felony of the Third Degree: If the accident causes the death of another person, fleeing the scene is a major felony punishable by 9 months to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
• Felony of the Second Degree: If you were aware that the accident resulted in a fatality and still chose to flee, you could face 2 to 8 years in prison and fines up to $15,000.

Given the tiered nature of these penalties, having a seasoned professional on your side is vital. Our team, which also houses an experienced Mercer DUI lawyer, understands how to mitigate these penalties and challenge the prosecution’s narrative regarding the severity of the event.

Damages to Property Adjacent to the Road

The law also covers accidents that occur off the main roadway. Under ORC 4549.03, if you are involved in an accident resulting in damage to real property or personal property legally adjacent to the highway, you must take reasonable steps to locate the owner. If the owner cannot be found, you must provide your details to the local police department within 24 hours.

Failure to report this damage within the 24-hour window can lead to hit and run charges. A conviction under this section is typically classified as a misdemeanor of the first degree. This highlights why it is essential to act quickly and responsibly. If you missed this window and are now facing legal action, a Mercer DUI lawyer can help you navigate the ensuing legal process and aim for a reduction in charges.

Contact a Mercer County Traffic Attorney Today

Facing criminal charges for a traffic offense can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. The legal system is complex, and the stakes are incredibly high. You do not have to face this challenge alone. At Logue Law Group, our Mercer criminal lawyer’s priority is ensuring that your rights are upheld throughout the legal proceedings.

Our attorneys will meticulously review the details of your case, challenge inconsistent evidence, and strive to secure the most favorable outcome possible for your situation. Whether you need a dedicated traffic defender or a Mercer DUI lawyer to handle complex vehicular charges, we are here to help.For a comprehensive case evaluation, call us today at 412.389.0805.