What happens if you witness a hit and run?

If the accident you witnessed was a hit-and-run, your input as a witness can be even more vital. You might have seen something that enables police officers to find the culprit, such as the make or model of the at-fault driver’s vehicle, or a partial license plate number.

What’s the best question to ask a car accident witness?

It is always a good idea to start with an open-ended question that invites the witness to provide as much detail as possible. You do not want to ask a leading question like, “Did you see the other driver hit me?”, as that may put the witness on the defensive or make them feel like you’re fishing for a particular answer.

What to do at the scene of an accident?

• DON’T speculate about fault if you are not sure who caused the accident. If you do decide to give a statement to someone at the scene of the accident, stick only to the facts as you know them. If you do not have the answer to a question, say so. Do not feel pressured to answer every question asked.

Do you have to give a statement after a car accident?

While the law does not obligate you to stay at the scene or give a statement, telling the police or the drivers involved in the crash what you saw could help clear up questions of liability and fault. Do not be nervous about giving a statement.

What happens in a hit and run accident?

An individual who commits a hit and run accident may face legal penalties if caught. Typically, the level of punishment will depend on the value of the property damaged. In most states, individuals can expect punishment to include:

Is there a hit and run law firm in Massachusetts?

We represent more people facing hit and run ( leaving the scene of an accident) charges than any other law firm in Massachusetts. Attorney Matson literally wrote the book on winning Clerk Magistrate’s hearings, which is where you end up when you get a citation for leaving the scene of an accident.

When does a hit and run become a felony?

When an individual suffers harm and lives, then the individual may be charged with a felony. In Texas, for example, hit and run accidents resulting in serious bodily harm may lead to third-degree felony charges.

Can you say nothing about a hit and run?

Yes, you can, but you should say absolutely nothing about the incident to anyone. If questioned, don’t say a word about what happened to your car or how it happened, or refer them to your attorney. Is there a time limit for filling out a claim?