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Is it a Crime to Leave the Scene of an Accident in New York?

Getting into a car accident is never fun. It often leaves behind severe property damage, injuries, and even death. Dealing with the aftermath of a crash can be overwhelming, scary, and expensive, but it is necessary. If you leave the scene of an accident you have committed a crime and can face a variety of legal repercussions. Contact an experienced New City traffic violation attorney to discuss your legal options during your case.

What is New York’s Law Regarding Accidents?

In New York, all drivers are required to abide by certain traffic laws when they are involved in an accident. Under state law, any person operating a motor vehicle who is involved in an accident where they know or should know that property damage, injury, or death was caused is required to:

  • Stop immediately at the scene
  • Provide their driver’s license, insurance information, and vehicle registration to anyone else involved and/or the police
  • Provide their name, residence, and contact information to anyone else involved and/or the police
  • Report the accident if police did not arrive on the scene

Completing the above actions ensures that the police and insurance companies involved have the correct information so that the situation can be resolved.

Is it a Crime to Leave the Scene of an Accident?

Yes, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in New York. If you do not follow the above requirements you can be arrested and charged with NY Vehicle and Traffic Law §
600(1): Leaving Scene of an Incident Without Reporting. The crime is more commonly referred to as a hit and run.

What Are the Penalties for a Hit and Run in NY?

The penalties for leaving the scene of an accident vary depending on the damage that was done and the extent of the accident. For example, if only minor property damage was sustained the consequences will not be nearly as severe as if someone was seriously injured or killed.

Below are the potential penalties for each type of hit and run.

Property damage only:

  • Traffic violation
  • Fines up to $250
  • Up to 15 days in jail

Failing to exchange information:

  • Class B misdemeanor
  • Fines of $250 to $500
  • Up to 3 months in jail

Serious injury or death:

  • Class A misdemeanor
  • Fines up to $5,000
  • Up to 7 years in prison

All of the above can also be punished with a mandatory insurance surcharge, license revocation of 1 year, 3 points on the driver’s license, and more. Second or subsequent violations will also increase the severity of your offense, potentially resulting in felony charges. The actual penalties you will incur depend on the severity of the accident and the specific circumstances of the situation.

For more information and legal representation during your case, work with an experienced defense attorney.

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