Gilbert Hit and Run Lawyer

Have you been involved in a car accident? We can provide the defense you need at Genesis DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyers. Drivers must remain at the accident scene until dismissed by the authorities. When they do not, they can be charged with a hit-and-run.

Hit-and-run car accidents are confusing, and these charges are always serious. That is why you need a Gilbert car accident attorney in your corner. Our Gilbert car accident attorneys can defend you in criminal court as well as civil court. You could also face a personal injury claim if someone has suffered serious injuries. Learn more about hit and runs below. Then, contact us for a case consultation.

Hit and Run Attorney in Gilbert, AZ

You must fulfill a few obligations when you are involved in an automobile accident in Gilbert. 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.

If you leave the scene of an accident, you can be charged with a class 3 misdemeanor, resulting 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.

Any type of hit and run is taken seriously, particularly when the other party is injured. When you've been charged with a hit and run, it is crucial to have legal representation from an experienced Gilbert Criminal Defense Lawyer on your side who can help reduce your charges. A good lawyer will know what it takes to find any evidence to be used in your favor. Contact Genesis DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyers to learn how we can help you.

What Defines a Hit and Run?

A hit-and-run accident occurs when one driver damages another vehicle, person, or property and then leaves the scene without stopping to provide contact information or aid. This is illegal and can result in serious penalties, including fines and imprisonment. The law requires all drivers involved in an a hit and run accident to stop and exchange information. Victims of hit-and-run accidents often feel confused and vulnerable because they are left to deal with the aftermath alone.

In many cases, a hit and run may involve a driver without insurance or fear legal consequences for their actions. This makes it difficult for the victims to receive compensation for damages or injuries. Victims can feel a range of emotions, from anger to helplessness. Hit-and-run victims need to know that there are legal options available to help them recover damages.

The Dangers of Being Charged With a Hit and Run

Being charged with a hit and run can lead to severe legal consequences, reflecting the seriousness of leaving the scene of an accident. If convicted, individuals face penalties, including hefty fines, points on their driving record, and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the incident. Such charges negatively affect one's driving record and overall criminal record, which can have long-term repercussions on future employment and other aspects of life. The stigma associated with a hit-and-run conviction can permanently tarnish a person's reputation, making community relations and personal interactions challenging.

Moreover, the financial implications of a hit-and-run charge can be substantial. Defendants may be held liable for not only the direct damages stemming from the accident but also for punitive damages intended to punish the driver for fleeing the scene. Insurance premiums can skyrocket as a result, or the insurance company might even drop coverage altogether. On top of legal fees and potential civil lawsuits, those accused of a hit-and-run find themselves facing a complex legal battle that requires experienced legal counsel to navigate effectively.

What You Should Do If Charged With a Hit and Run

• Stay Calm and Don't Panic: It's important to remain calm if you're charged with a hit and run. Panicking can lead to poor decisions that might worsen your situation.
• Contact a Lawyer Immediately: Contact a lawyer with experience with hit-and-run cases as soon as possible. They can provide crucial advice and start working on your defense.
• Do Not Discuss the Incident: Avoid talking about the incident with anyone but your lawyer. Discussing details could unintentionally harm your case if your words are used against you.
• Gather Any Evidence: Collect any evidence that might help your case, such as photos from the scene or contact information for witnesses. This information will be valuable to your lawyer.
• Write Down Everything You Remember: Write down everything you remember about the accident as soon as you can. Details can fade quickly, so it's important to record them while they're fresh.
• Follow Legal Advice Closely: Always follow the advice given by your lawyer. They know the best steps to take to protect you.
• Prepare for the Legal Process: Be prepared for a potentially lengthy legal process. Stay informed and involved in your defense strategy.

How We Defend Clients Against a Hit and Run

• Analyzing the Evidence: We start by thoroughly analyzing all the evidence presented. We look for inconsistencies or anything that might suggest you were not at fault or that the situation was unavoidable.
• Working with Experts: We often work with accident reconstruction experts to better understand the dynamics of the accident. These experts can provide testimony that may challenge the prosecution's claims.
• Negotiating with Prosecutors: Our experienced attorneys negotiate with prosecutors to find possible reductions in charges or penalties. We aim to achieve the best possible outcome for you through strategic discussions.
• Building a Strong Defense Strategy: We build a robust defense strategy tailored to the specifics of your case. If necessary, we prepare to challenge the charges in court, ensuring we are ready for trial.
• Supporting Our Clients: We provide continuous support and updates to our clients throughout the legal process. We understand the stress and uncertainty a hit-and-run charge brings and strive to make the process as clear and smooth as possible.

Can You Get My Case Dismissed?

Getting a hit-and-run case dismissed is challenging, but it's not impossible. Our approach involves carefully reviewing the evidence and identifying any legal flaws or procedural errors that could work in your favor. We focus on building a strong defense that challenges the prosecution's case against you. Ultimately, the possibility of dismissal depends on the circumstances of your case and the strength of the evidence.

Is a Plea Bargain Right for Me?

A plea bargain might be a good choice if the evidence against you is strong and a conviction seems likely. It can result in reduced charges or lesser penalties, which might be preferable to the risks of going to trial. However, accepting a plea bargain also means you'll be waiving your right to a trial, where you could potentially be found not guilty. We will help evaluate all aspects of your case to determine if a plea bargain is the best course of action for you.

Contact Our Gilbert Hit and Run Lawyer To Schedule a Free Consultation

Criminal charges and personal injury claims after a hit and run are complicated. We are here to defend your rights at Genesis DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers. Accident victims, insurance adjusters, and other plaintiffs can pursue fair compensation for medical expenses in addition to criminal charges. You deserve a robust defense, and we can provide that. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.

Schedule a legal consultation with our Gilbert lawyers today!