Leaving the scene of an accident that causes either personal injury or property damage is tricky to deal with. Here is what you need to know:
Personal Injury
The statute requires that the specified information must be given to the person who has been injured, if reasonably possible, and if not, to someone acting in their interest or to some public officer or other person at or near the place at the time of the injury.
In order to convict a person of this offense, the Commonwealth must prove four things beyond a reasonable doubt:
- That the defendant operated a motor vehicle;
- That he/she operated it (on a way) or (in a place where the public has a right of access) or (upon a way or in a place where members of the public have access as invitees or licensees);
- That the defendant knowingly collided with or otherwise injured another person; and
- That after such collision or injury, the defendant did not stop and make known his/her name, home address, and the registration number of his/her motor vehicle.
Property Damage
In order to convict someone of leaving the scene of an accident causing property damage, the Commonwealth must prove four things beyond a reasonable doubt:
- That the defendant operated a motor vehicle;
- That while the defendant was operating the vehicle, he/she caused damage to another vehicle or property either by colliding with it or in some other way;
- That the defendant knew he/she (had collided with another’s property) or (had in some way caused damage to another’s property); and
- That after causing such damage, the defendant did not stop and make known his/her name, home address, and the registration number of his/her motor vehicle
If You Have Been Charged With Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Personal Injury or Property Damage
If you have been charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Personal Injury, call our New Bedford OUI lawyers at McCormack Law today to begin preparing your defenses.