Arizona Hit and Run Attorney

Hit and run accidents happen every day. When you are involved in an automobile accident in Arizona, you must fulfill a few obligations. You must give your name, address, and registration to the other party involved in the accident.

You must also show them your driver's license, provide first aid, and get help when necessary. Failure to do so before you leave the accident scene is considered a hit-and-run. At Genesis DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyers, we can help you.

You need to know what to do next if you have been accused of a hit-and-run accident. Some accidents can result in serious physical injury, which can amplify the stakes. Our Phoenix hit-and-run lawyer is here to defend your rights.

Learn more about hit-and-run accidents below. Then, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your car accident.

Our Arizona Hit and Run Attorney Will Defend Your Rights

If you are facing charges for a hit-and-run, our Arizona hit-and-run attorney is here to help defend your rights and guide you through the legal process. We understand the stress and fear that come with being accused of leaving the scene of an accident.

Our firm has extensive experience handling these cases and is committed to providing a strong defense for each client. We work diligently to investigate every detail of the incident to build a solid defense strategy.

Our approach is to carefully analyze the evidence presented by the prosecution to identify any inconsistencies or weaknesses in their case. We also consider all possible legal defenses that could apply to your situation.

By thoroughly preparing and understanding your case, we can effectively negotiate with prosecutors or, if necessary, defend you at trial. Trust our dedicated team to strive for the best possible outcome, whether reducing the charges or seeking a complete dismissal.

Why Do People Leave the Scene of an Accident?

• Panic and fear: Many individuals leave the scene of an accident because they panic. Fear can override rational thinking in high stress, leading to poor decisions. Our attorney understands this human reaction and can work to explain these circumstances to the court.
• Unaware of the damage: Drivers may not realize they've caused severe damage or injury. They might believe the incident was too minor to report or didn't notice the collision. In such cases, proving the driver's awareness is key to our defense.
• No valid driver's license or insurance: A person might flee an accident scene because they lack a valid driver's license or auto insurance. This fear of additional penalties for these violations can prompt them to leave. We explore all the reasons behind a client's decision to leave the scene to defend their actions better.
• Under the influence of alcohol or drugs: Being under the influence can impair judgment and lead to a decision to flee an accident to avoid a DUI charge. Our legal team can address the underlying issues, such as substance abuse, which might help negotiate lesser charges.
• Prior criminal record: Individuals with a prior criminal record may fear harsher penalties if they are found at the scene of an accident. This fear might drive them to make the unwise choice to leave. We consider this background when devising a legal strategy to protect their future.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident?

1. Check for injuries and ensure everyone is safe. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to get medical help.
2. Move to a safe area if possible. If the accident is minor and your car is causing a hazard, move it to the side of the road.
3. Exchange information with the other driver(s). Make sure to get their names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details.
4. Take photos of the accident scene. Document the damage to all vehicles and any relevant road conditions or signs.
5. Look for witnesses who saw what happened. Get their contact information in case their statements are needed later.
6. Report the accident to the police. Even for minor accidents, a police report can be crucial.
7. Call your insurance company to report the accident. Please provide them with all the information they need to process your claim.

Tips For Reporting an Accident To Insurance

• Be honest and thorough: When reporting the accident to your insurance, be completely honest about what happened. Lying to your insurance company can lead to denied claims and legal trouble. Include all details, even those that may seem minor.
• Document everything: Before making the call, gather all relevant information, including the police report number, the other driver's insurance details, and witness statements. All the necessary information will make the reporting process smoother and more efficient.
• Know your policy: Understand what your insurance policy covers before you make the call. This knowledge will help you understand what you can claim and prepare you for the conversation with your insurer.
• Avoid admitting fault: While you should be honest, avoid admitting fault or liability when talking to your insurance. Just stick to the facts without speculating about who was to blame.
• Follow-up: After your initial report, keep track of your claim's progress and contact your insurance adjuster. Ensure your claim is being processed promptly, and provide any additional information if requested.

Why You Need Our Arizona Hit and Run Attorney If You Have Been Accused of a Hit and Run

A hit-and-run charge can be daunting, but you don't have to handle it alone. Our experienced Arizona hit-and-run attorney can provide the expert legal representation you need.

We understand the laws and how to navigate the court system to defend your rights effectively. Our firm is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you, aiming to reduce the impact of the charges on your life.

Penalties for a Hit and Run Accident

If you leave the scene of an accident, you can be charged with a class 3 misdemeanor, which can result in $500 in fines and up to 30 days in jail. For more serious accidents that involve serious injury and death, you can be charged with a felony for leaving the scene.

Leaving the scene can also result in license suspension. If the accident occurred while you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may have to complete court-ordered drug and alcohol counseling to get your license reinstated.

Defense Strategies We Can Use

We meticulously review all the evidence to defend against a hit-and-run accusation and focus on establishing a strong factual defense.

As a hit-and-run driver, you could face a personal injury lawsuit in addition to criminal charges. Our Phoenix hit-and-run accident lawyer can use several strategies to defend you. They include:

Mistaken Identity

In some hit-and-run cases, the true identity of the driver at the time of the accident is unclear. We can challenge the prosecution's evidence that you were driving. This might involve presenting alibi evidence or questioning the accuracy of witness identifications.

Casting doubt about whether you were at the scene can substantially weaken the prosecution's case.

Lack of Knowledge

We can argue that you were unaware of the accident and thus did not knowingly flee the scene. This defense is particularly useful if minimal damage occurred or the incident occurred without your knowledge. Proving that you had no reason to believe there had been an accident can absolve you of the responsibility to stop and report it.

No Damage Occurred

If there is a claim that no damage occurred to any property or person, we can use this to challenge the necessity of stopping and providing information. This approach requires a thorough examination of the vehicles or property allegedly involved. Demonstrating the absence of damage can undermine the basis of the hit-and-run charge.

Emergency Situation

This defense might apply if you left the scene due to an emergency requiring immediate attention. We would need to prove that the urgency to leave was legitimate and that returning to the scene was not feasible.

Such situations could include needing immediate medical attention or other emergencies that justify your departure from the scene.

Contact Our Arizona Hit and Run Attorney To Schedule a Free Consultation

Any hit-and-run is taken seriously, particularly when the other party is injured. A good lawyer will know what it takes to find evidence to be used in your favor. We have experience with hit-and-run cases that we can use to fight for you.

At Genesis DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyers, we can defend you. Contact our legal team for a free consultation. Let's discuss your hit-and-run case today.

Schedule a legal consultation with our Arizona lawyers today!