Would I be guilty if I witness a car accident and do not stop to check if driver is injured?

Asked 11/20/2009 under Criminal Defense | 691 View(s) | More Legal Topics

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Criminal Defense Law Answers

Many states have statutes that expose people to criminal fines and penalties for failing to stop and provide aid to injured people on the road way.  the purpose of this statute is to make sure that people look out for one another as the state has a public policy in preserving life.  The charge is usually a misdemeano and punishable by a fine, not jail time.  Based on what you say here, it is unclear as to whether and to what extent you are criminally liable.  if no one saw you then you should have nothing to worry about here.  i suggest that you let it go and learn form this for the future and make sure that you stop and render aid.  if you call the police and can remember the incident, you are likely going to be a witness and dragged into court.  In an ideal world, I would think that you would call the police and report what you saw and take whatever consequences comes with it.

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