Contacting a Maryland hit and run attorney should be your first step if you’ve been involved in a hit and run in Maryland. Maryland law mandates that drivers in accidents stay at the scene until they’ve fulfilled specific responsibilities. Fleeing the scene—commonly known as a “hit and run”—can lead to criminal charges and penalties from the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). If you’re facing accusations of leaving an accident site, securing legal support from a skilled traffic attorney is essential.
Understanding Maryland Hit and Run Regulations
An experienced attorney from The Law Offices of Krum, Gergely, & Oates can explain that Maryland law requires drivers in accidents involving property damage, injury, or death to remain at the scene until they’ve met the duties outlined in Maryland Transportation Code § 20-104. These include:
- Offering reasonable help to anyone injured.
- Calling 9-1-1 for emergency services or arranging medical transport for those in need.
- Sharing your name, address, and vehicle registration number—and showing your driver’s license if asked—with anyone injured or managing damaged property.
- Providing the exact details and ID to any police officer who responds.
- If no one is present to receive this information and no officer is available, report the accident to the police as soon as possible with all required details.
Consequences of a Hit and Run
Fleeing an accident scene can result in severe penalties, including 8 to 12 points on your driver’s license, fines, and potential incarceration.
For accidents involving only property damage, penalties may include a fine of up to $500 and a maximum of 60 days in jail. Leaving an accident scene where you were involved in injury or death is treated much more seriously. According to Maryland Transportation Code § 27-113, fleeing an accident that causes serious bodily injury is a serious crime with a punishment of up to 5 years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. If the accident results in a fatality, the punishment can escalate to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Contact The KGO Law Firm for a Consultation
A hit-and-run conviction can bring license points, significant fines, and jail time. With the risk of criminal charges, having a knowledgeable attorney from The Law Offices of Krum, Gergely, & Oates by your side can make all the difference in defending against accusations of leaving an accident scene.
A hit-and-run often involves minor property damage—like brushing against a parked vehicle or slightly damaging a mailbox. A driver might leave the scene to avoid insurance complications or because they didn’t realize any harm was done. However, you could face fines or jail time if a witness reports the incident and identifies you. An attorney from The Law Offices of Krum, Gergely, & Oates can challenge the witness’s account and work to have charges reduced or dismissed.
When injuries or fatalities are involved, the stakes are even higher. Leaving an accident scene that caused serious injury or death is a felony, making legal representation crucial to fight the charges effectively. Contact The Law Offices of Krum, Gergely, & Oates today for a free consultation to protect your rights and future.
Practice Areas
Areas Served
