Being involved in a car accident is a stressful experience, and even the most responsible drivers can make mistakes in the heat of the moment. One of the most severe errors is unintentionally leaving the scene of an accident, which can lead to “Failing to Remain” charges. These charges carry significant legal consequences, including fines, demerit points, and even possible jail time. To help you avoid this grave mistake, let’s explore some common scenarios where drivers unintentionally leave the scene and how to avoid them.
Believing the Accident Is Too Minor to Report
One of drivers’ most common mistakes is assuming that if the accident is minor, there’s no need to stay at the scene or report it. Whether it’s a slight fender-bender or a minor scrape, any collision that causes damage to another vehicle, property, or person should be reported to the police. Failing to do so can lead to “Failing to Remain” charges, even if the damage seems insignificant. Always stop, assess the situation, and follow the legal procedures to protect yourself from potential charges.
Avoiding This Mistake: If you’re involved in an accident, no matter how minor it seems, stop your vehicle and exchange information with the other party. If there’s damage or injury, report the accident to the police as required by law.
Not Realizing You Were Involved in an Accident
Another scenario occurs when a driver isn’t even aware that they were involved in an accident. This can happen in situations like a minor bump in a parking lot or a low-speed collision where the impact isn’t immediately noticeable. If the other party later reports the incident, you could be charged with failing to remain.
Avoiding This Mistake: Be attentive to your surroundings and always check your vehicle after any unusual sound or jolt. Stop and assess the situation if you suspect you might have hit something. It’s better to be cautious and check than to leave the scene and risk charges.
Thinking It’s Okay to Leave After Exchanging Information
Some drivers believe that they’re free to leave the scene once they’ve exchanged insurance information with the other party. However, depending on the circumstances, leaving without notifying the police can still result in a failing to remain charge. This is particularly true if there is significant damage or injury or if the other party decides to report the incident to the authorities later.
Avoiding This Mistake: After exchanging information, ensure you follow all legal requirements, including waiting for the police to arrive if necessary. Always err on the side of caution and make sure all legal procedures are followed before leaving the scene.
Panicking and Leaving the Scene
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, emotions can run high, and some drivers may panic and leave the scene out of fear or confusion. While understandable, this reaction can lead to severe legal consequences. Leaving the scene without reporting the accident is considered a serious offence.
Avoiding This Mistake: If you’re involved in an accident, take a deep breath and remain calm. Focus on following the correct procedures: stop your vehicle, ensure everyone’s safety, exchange information, and contact the police if required. Staying calm and following the law will help protect you from further complications.
Assuming the Other Party Will Handle Everything
In some cases, drivers assume that if the other party says it’s okay to leave or agrees to handle things privately, there’s no need to stay. This can be a costly mistake. Even if the other party seems agreeable at the moment, they may change their mind later, leading to potential legal issues for you.
Avoiding This Mistake: Always ensure proper procedures are followed, regardless of the other party’s suggestions. Reporting the incident to the police and ensuring all legal requirements are met protects both you and the other party from future disputes.
What to Do If You’re Charged with Failing to Remain
If you find yourself charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance immediately. These serious charges can have long-lasting effects on your driving record, insurance rates, and even your freedom.
At XPolice, our experienced team specializes in defending clients against failing to remain charges. We understand the complexities of these cases and are here to help you navigate the legal process. Don’t face these charges alone—contact XPolice today for expert advice and representation to protect your rights and your future.