Can you be charged with hit and run after providing insurance information?

Full question:

If you run into property out in the county and give your insurance information to the owner, can you later be charged with hit and run by a city policeman?

  • Category: Criminal
  • Date:
  • State: North Carolina

Answer:

According to North Carolina law, if you are involved in a crash, you must stop your vehicle at the scene and provide your information, such as your name, address, and insurance details, to the other party involved. If the crash results in property damage, you must also report the incident to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Specifically, under G.S. 20-166, the driver involved in a crash must remain at the scene until law enforcement completes their investigation or authorizes leaving. If you fail to comply with these requirements, you could be charged with hit and run, which is a serious offense. Leaving the scene without fulfilling these obligations can lead to criminal charges, including a Class 1 misdemeanor or a Class F felony, depending on the circumstances.

Even if you provided your insurance information, if you did not follow the proper protocols required by law, you may still face legal consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to the requirements set forth in the statute to avoid being charged with hit and run.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Police can prove a hit-and-run by gathering evidence from the scene, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and physical evidence like vehicle debris. They may also use license plate information if the fleeing vehicle was identified. Additionally, if the driver provided their insurance information but left the scene without fulfilling legal obligations, it can be used against them in court.