Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Leaving the Scene of an Accident, commonly referred to as "Hit and Run," can result in serious criminal charges and driver's license consequences.

The severity of the offense depends upon whether the accident involved only property damage, personal injury, or a fatality. Depending upon the circumstances, the offense may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony carrying significant prison sentences.

These cases frequently depend upon vehicle identification, witness testimony, surveillance footage, accident reconstruction, and whether the driver knew an accident had occurred.

An experienced attorney can evaluate whether the State can establish every required element of the offense, challenge identification evidence, investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, and work to minimize both criminal and licensing consequences.

SOURCE(S): 625 ILCS 5/11-401, 625 ILCS 5/11-402