Virginia Beach Hit and Run Attorney

As a licensed driver, you are expected to follow any traffic rules and regulations set forth by your state and federal authorities. This includes obeying traffic laws, maintaining adequate liability insurance, and paying any registration fees or taxes that may be required in your area. In addition to these guidelines, the state of Virginia also holds motorists accountable for stopping at the scene of any accident they are involved in, as well as providing assistance if another driver is injured in the accident. Failure to abide by these rules can lead to hit and run charges. If you have been charged with hit and run in Virginia, it is important to seek help from a qualified Virginia Beach hit and run attorney.

When you are involved in an auto accident of any kind, the law requires you to stop your vehicle, and provide your name, as well as contact and insurance information to the other driver. If anyone was injured during the accident, you are also obligated to seek medical attention for the individual.

If any property damage resulted due to the accident, but no one was injured, the law states that you must attempt to find the owner of the damaged property. In cases where finding the owner is not possible—such as hitting a stationary object or parked vehicle—you are expected to leave a note for the owner, providing both your name and contact information. 

Passengers can also be charged with hit and run if they are involved in an accident, and the driver fails to stop. Like drivers, passengers are obligated to report such accidents to the proper authorities. Failure to do so, therefore, can lead to hit and run charges being filed against the passenger, as well as the driver.

The type of charges you will face varies based on the extent of injury and/or property damage caused by the accident. If a person was killed or seriously injured, you can be charged with a Class 5 felony. Likewise, if the amount of property damage exceeds $1,000, felony charges will apply. However, if no one was injured, and the total amount of property damage is less than $1,000, a less severe Class 1 misdemeanor charge will be filed against you.

If convicted of felony hit and run, your penalties may include a jail sentence of one to ten years, and/or a $2,500 fine. For misdemeanor convictions, the maximum sentence you can receive is one year in jail, and/or a $2,500 fine.

If you are suspected of hit and run in Virginia, the police will most likely ask you to bring your vehicle into the station for an inspection. However, it is important to seek legal counsel before you speak to the police, as your statements—as innocent as they may seem at the time—can lead to problems for your defense.

If you are facing hit and run charges, contact attorney Michael C. Tillotson today. With over a decade of defense experience, Mr. Tillotson is well-versed in Virginia’s hit and run laws, and can provide the skilled legal counsel you need during this difficult time. Call now for a free, no-obligation consultation on your case.