Hit & Run

Why Do You Need A Racine Hit and Run Attorney?

Hit and run accidents are a serious offense in Wisconsin and if you are involved in a car accident and fail to stop, then you may be charged with leaving the scene of an accident, commonly referred to as a “Hit and Run”. Even if you are not at fault for the accident, Wisconsin law requires that you stop, exchange basic contact information, and tend to anyone who is injured. Some drivers believe that if no one is injured or if the property damage appears to be minimal, it is not necessary to stop. On the contrary, the law requires that if you are involved in an accident, you must stop, even if you hit an unattended vehicle.

If you were involved in an accident and left the scene of the accident, you need to speak with an attorney who is experienced in Wisconsin Traffic Violations. If you were charged with a hit and run violation, the staff at Cafferty & Scheidegger, S.C., will listen to the facts of your case and aggressively defend you against the charges.

What To Do In A Car Accident

If you are in a car accident, Section 346.67 of the Wisconsin statutes requires that you stop and do several things, including:

• Give your name, address, and registration number to the other driver
• If the other driver asks, show your driver’s license to the other driver
• If the other driver or passenger is injured, provide assistance or call 9-1-1

If you strike an unattended vehicle, you are required to make an attempt to locate the car’s owner or leave a note.

Consequences of a Hit and Run Conviction

Leaving the scene of an auto accident is more than a minor traffic violation. You could be charged with a felony and could potentially face jail time. The penalty for a hit and run conviction depends on the extent of injury or property damage.

• If you leave the scene of an accident where there were no injuries, you could be charged with a misdemeanor. The possible sentence is up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
• If you leave the scene of an accident where there were minor injuries, you could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. The possible sentence is up to 9 months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
• If you leave the scene of an accident where there were serious injuries, you could be charged with a Class E felony. The possible sentence is up to 15 months in jail and a fine of up to $50,000.
• If you leave the scene of an accident where there was a fatality, you will be charged with a Class D felony. The possible sentence is up to 25 years in jail and a fine of up to $100,000.

Don’t Wait to Be Prosecuted, Contact Us First

If you have been accused of hit and run, there are numerous potential consequences that you could be facing. Thus, it is critical that you have experienced representation who understands the details of the law related to hit and run accidents.