Hit and Run Attorney in Pittsburgh

Hit and Run Cases: Leaving the Scene of an Accident

In Pennsylvania, all drivers involved in an accident are legally required to stop and exchange information with the police. If a driver leaves the scene, especially when someone is injured, they could be charged with a felony. A charge for operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) is already a major issue for any driver. When a hit and run charge is added, the consequences can become much more severe, potentially leading to significant jail time and substantial fines. Additionally, the driver’s license may be suspended for a lengthy period.

If you or a loved one are facing charges for both a hit and run and an DUI in Allegheny County, you need professional legal support. Contacting a lawyer from Logue Law Group is a crucial step. We provide comprehensive legal assistance and will build a strong defense for your case. If you have left the scene of an accident, it’s vital to act quickly. Reach out to a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer on our team for immediate help.

Charges for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, specific statutes govern the responsibilities of motorists to stop at the scene of an accident. These laws dictate the actions a driver must take immediately following a collision. Generally, these requirements cover:

• Stopping after an accident on public roads or highways
• Stopping after an accident on non-public roads or highways
• Stopping after an accident involving damage to real property or personal property attached to real property

When a collision occurs, the motorist is legally obligated to remain at the scene. An accident can result in personal injury to individuals or damage to property. The driver involved must stop immediately and remain on site until they have exchanged relevant information with the other involved parties or a law enforcement officer. The information that must be shared includes:

• The name and address of the driver
• The name and address of the vehicle owner (if the driver is not the owner)
• The vehicle registration number

The individuals entitled to receive this information include anyone injured in the collision, the operator, occupant, or owner of the damaged property, or any police officer attending to the scene.

It is also the driver’s duty to make a reasonable effort to locate the owner, operator, or occupant of the damaged property—whether it is a vehicle, a house, or other structure—to inform them of the incident. During this interaction, the driver must provide the personal details listed above.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to locate the owner of the damaged property or asset, you are required to report the accident to the nearest police department in the jurisdiction where the event took place.

In these stressful moments, it is crucial to have the contact information of a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer readily available. By doing so, you can immediately report the incident to a legal professional and receive urgent advice. If you are seeking experienced counsel, turn to the Logue Law Group for assistance.

The severity of the consequences for leaving the scene often depends on the nature of the harm caused:

• If the accident results in no injury, it is typically classified as a less severe offense, often a misdemeanor.
• If the accident causes serious bodily injury or significant physical harm, the charges can escalate to a more serious felony classification.
• In the tragic event that the accident causes death, the offense is treated with the utmost severity, often resulting in a high-degree felony charge.

Navigating the aftermath of a traffic incident in Allegheny County can be complex. Consulting with a Pittsburgh DUI lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Consult With a Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer

If you have fled the scene of an accident for any reason and need legal representation to defend your case, contact the Logue Law Group. We will carefully review your situation and work to achieve a dismissal of the charges or secure the minimum possible penalties. To learn more or to consult with a Pittsburgh DUI lawyer, call us at 412-387-6901 to get in touch with us today.