Continuing our series of posts here at your favorite Baltimore Criminal Defense firm, “Traffic Lawyer Series” where we break down the exact charges you may face and what the State must prove for you to be guilty. For our first post, click here: Driving without a license. Also, Check out Driving on Suspended or Revoked License! Now, Hit and run!
Duty of Driver at Scene of Accident (aka hit and run)
20-102 Duty of Driver at Scene of Accident
According to Maryland Transportation Article 20-102, the driver of each vehicle involved in an accident that results in bodily injury to another person immediately shall stop the vehicle as close as possible to the scene of the accident, without obstructing traffic more than necessary. The penalty for failure to immediately stop and remain at the scene of an accident involving bodily injury, with or without an accident, is 12 points and you must appear in court where you could face up to a year in jail.
According to Article 20-104, a driver also has a duty to render reasonable assistance to persons injured in an accident. The driver of each vehicle involved in an accident that results in bodily injury to or death of any person or in damage to an attended vehicle or other attended property shall render reasonable assistance to any person injured in the accident and, if the person requests medical treatment or it is apparent that medical treatment is necessary, arrange for the transportation of the person to a physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical treatment. Each driver must also give his name, his address, and the registration number of the vehicle he is driving and, on request, exhibit his license, if it is available, to:(1) Any person injured in the accident; and (2) The driver, occupant of, or person attending any vehicle or other property damaged in the accident. If a police officer is not present and none of the specified persons is in condition to receive the information to which the person otherwise would be entitled, the driver, after fulfilling to the extent possible every other requirement, immediately shall report the accident to the nearest office of authorized police authority. Failure to render reasonable assistance to injured persons and/or to provide required ID and license carries 8 points, but you must appear in court where you could face up to 60 days in jail.
Hit and Run with Serious Bodily Injury or Death
Please understand that you could face, if the other party in the accident is seriously injured or killed substantially increased penalties. 5 years for serious injury and 10 years if a person dies and you flee the scene of an accident.
Baltimore Traffic Lawyer: Bottom line
If you find yourself charged with a hit and run offense, you could easily spend some time significant time in the detention center, even on a first or second offense. It is not a charge to be toyed with lightly. There are, however, a number of good defenses and factors that can reduce your charge. That’s why it’s so vitally important to keep your favorite Baltimore Criminal Lawyer’s number handy!
