Utah Failure to Remain at Scene Lawyer

In Utah, drivers of any vehicle have a specific duty to remain at an accident site. If a driver flees the scene of an accident, whether they are scared, have a flight response, or were not sure what they should do, they can face serious penalties. Do not face these charges alone, let Weber Law help you today. 

What is the Statute? 

If you are driving a vehicle and you cause an accident, or are involved in an accident, whether with another motor vehicle, property, or a person, you have a duty to remain at the scene of the accident in order to help the police by giving them all the information you have when they arrive. Additionally, you may, move the vehicle or object as soon as possible if safe to, if it is impeding traffic and call for help if possible. 

If you have an accident involving the property of someone else, you must make the best attempt you can to find the person who owns the property you had an accident with. It is important to provide information to either the police officer or the other person, you can also place the information on the person’s property if you cannot locate them. Information that should be shared includes but is not limited to, the operator’s name, address, and the registration number of the vehicle being operated. Additionally, it is important to provide the name of the insurance provider covering the vehicle being operated, including the phone number of the agent or provider. If the damage to property is apparent to be over $2,500, the person must give notice to the nearest office of law enforcement agency as quickly as possible. 

If you believe the person has been injured or could be dead, it is extremely important to stay at the scene of the accident, as the penalties can be severe.

What is the Punishment?

If you flee the scene of an accident that you believe has damaged another vehicle or property, you could be charged with a class B misdemeanor. 

If you flee the scene of an accident that you believe has injured another person, you could be charged with a class A misdemeanor. 

If you flee the scene of an accident that you believe has injured another person severely or resulted in their death, the charge is increased to a third-degree felony.

A third-degree felony is punishable by up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000.00. 

A class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one-year imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000.00 and not less than $750.00.

A class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.00.

Additionally, fleeing the scene of an accident can carry points on your driver’s license, you could also be cited with other charges along with fleeing the scene of an accident. Unless you have a special license, such as a commercial motor vehicle license, and you get three hundred points or more on your Utah driver license, your license could be suspended.

How Can You Fight It?

If you have been cited for failing to maintain at the scene of an accident in Utah, there are a few ways Weber Law can fight for you. Whether it is negotiating to lower the charge to a lesser crime, reducing your fine amount, reducing jail time, making sure your license does not get suspended or defending you at trial, Weber Law will work for you. By looking at potential evidence such as traffic cameras, officer reports, and potential eye witness testimony, Weber Law will make sure to look at all the details of your case. At Weber Law we are experienced in defending these charges, winning these cases, and getting you back on the road. A court room can be an intimidating place, let Weber Law take the stress and worry from you. If you or anyone you know has been cited for failing to maintain at the scene of an accident in the state of Utah, call Weber Law today for a consultation. 

• Utah Code § 41-6a-401, accident involving property damage–Duties of operator, occupant, and owner –Exchange of information — Notification of law enforcement — Penalties.
• Utah Code § 41-6a-401.3 Accident involving injury — Stop at accident – Penalty.
• Utah Code § 41-6a-401.5 Accident involving death — Stop at accident — Penalty.
• Utah Code § 76-3-204, misdemeanor conviction – term of imprisonment
• Utah Code § 76-3-203, Felony conviction—indeterminate term of imprisonment
• Utah Code § 76-3-301, fines of individuals
• Utah Title R708-3- Driver License Point System Administration