Leaving The Scene of an Accident

Leaving the scene of an Accident Naperville Defense Attorney

In Illinois, the law is very clear. You have thirty minutes to report a crash once it has taken place. If you do not report the accident and/or flee the scene of the crime, the penalties are severe. If you or someone you love has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident, you need to seek the guidance of a lawyer who will explain your options and defend your interests. At the Law Office of Ken Wang in Naperville,  our team will help you resolve this matter as efficiently as possible while providing you with reliable, high-quality legal service every step of the way.

What should I do if I am in an accident?

If you have been in a car accident, you may feel overwhelmed and upset. It can be hard to maintain a clear head and take the necessary steps. First, it is important to ensure that everyone is OK. If someone is injured, do not attempt to move them or treat their injuries. Instead, call 911 immediately to get qualified medical assistance to the scene.

Once you have established that all the people involved are safe, you should exchange information with the other drivers including:

  • The names of all parties
  • Descriptions of the vehicles involved
  • Insurance company for all drivers
  • Addresses
  • Drivers license numbers
  • License plate numbers

If there are witnesses, it is a good idea to get their information as well.

Filing a Report

Depending on the severity of the crash, there may not be an officer or sheriff at the scene of your accident. In this situation, you need to file a report yourself with the appropriate agency, which may be the local police, a sheriff’s office, or the state police, depending on the location of the crash.

What if I forget to file the report?

There can be a number of reasons why you do not file a report immediately, or why you choose not to stop after an accident. Maybe you were incapacitated, or you were unaware that the accident had taken place or that it was severe enough to warrant a stop. In any case, if you have been in an accident and do not take the legally obligated steps, you may be subject to criminal charges. Depending on the severity of the accident and whether you simply fail to file a report or if you leave the scene entirely, the penalties can include fines up to $2,500, a jail sentence, and license suspension or revocation.  One of the main issues with leaving the scene of an accident traffic tickets is that they are viewed as being nearly equivalent to DUI by prosecutors on a driver’s abstract.

If you are being charged with leaving the scene of an accident, you need a Naperville defense lawyer from the Law Office of Ken Wang. We can explain your options as you navigate this challenging process. Our team is focused on building real, lasting relationships with each of our clients. We make ourselves available when and where you need us, with night and weekend hours available as well as house calls. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We serve clients in DuPage County, Will County, Bolingbrook, Plainfield, Naperville and along the I-55 corridor.