If you have been the victim of a hit and run, or if you were at fault, you need to call a traffic lawyer. Chris Kopecky is founder and lead counsel of The Traffic Lawyers, P.A., based in Overland Park, Kansas, and, here, he discusses why a lawyer can be of help.
Hit and run charges are serious from the courts’ and prosecutors’ perspectives. There is always a victim, and the victim is upset with the fact that perpetrator has run away from his responsibility.
These kinds of charges typically result from automobile accidents where one of the drivers did not have auto insurance, and was scared and ran. By law, any individual involved in an auto accident is required to stop, provide information to the owner of any property that was damaged, and provide emergency assistance, if needed.
But that doesn’t always happen. If you cannot find the owner of the property - if you hit and damage a parked car, for example - and do not leave a note with your contact information and file a police report soon afterwards, that will also constitute a hit and run.
Habitual Violator
Hit and run cases in Kansas are part of what the state of Kansas calls a “habitual violator” violation. If you get one of these types of violations, along with two others (such as a no-insurance charge), you will lose your driver’s license for three years.
A hit and run charge can also cause you a lot of trouble in the state of Missouri, with 6 to 12 points on your driver’s license. And if a death or serious injury is involved, it may be charged as a felony and serious jail time can result.
Miraculous Result Possible
When confronted with a hit and run suspect, law enforcement authorities will take many things into account. These include extent of damage, if anyone was hurt and how seriously, previous criminal record (if any), and how well the suspect is willing to cooperate with the authorities.
There are many opportunities for a good lawyer to work out a miraculous result for clients with this kind of charge, but only if it is attacked early. Please call The Traffic Lawyers of Kopecky Law immediately if you have been charged with a hit and run or if you have committed a hit and run but have not yet been charged.
This article is for informational purposes only. You should not rely on this article as a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances, and you should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. Publication of this article and your receipt of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.
