What happens if I commit hit and run and get caught?
July 1, 2024 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Jenny König
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am reaching out to you because I have found myself in an unfortunate situation and urgently need legal advice. My name is Felix Prestel and recently I caused an accident in which I fled the scene out of panic. I assumed that the damage to the other vehicle was not significant and just wanted to quickly get home. Unfortunately, I was spotted by a witness and the police have already contacted me.
Now I am greatly concerned about the consequences I may face if caught for hit and run. I have read online that this is considered a criminal offense and can result in fines, points on my driving record, or even imprisonment. I am truly worried about how a conviction for hit and run could impact my driver's license, my insurance coverage, and my future.
Could you please explain to me what legal consequences I may face if caught for hit and run? Are there any ways in which I can improve my situation and mitigate the consequences? I am willing to take responsibility for my actions and would like to know the best course of action to resolve the matter and minimize any negative repercussions on me.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Felix Prestel
Dear Mr. Prestel,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the legal consequences of hit-and-run. It is understandable that you are concerned about the consequences, but it is important that you are aware of the seriousness of the situation and act accordingly.
Hit-and-run, also known as leaving the scene of an accident, is a criminal offense under § 142 of the German Criminal Code (StGB) and can indeed result in fines, points on your license, and even imprisonment. The exact penalty depends on various factors, such as the severity of the damage to the other vehicle, whether anyone was injured, and whether it is a repeated offense.
If you are caught for hit-and-run, it is important that you seek legal advice. An experienced lawyer can inform you about your rights and obligations, help you communicate with the police and other authorities, and develop an appropriate defense strategy.
There are also ways to improve your situation and mitigate the consequences. For example, you can actively try to compensate for the damage caused and reach an out-of-court settlement with the victim. This can have a positive impact on the penalty and show that you are taking responsibility for your actions.
It is also advisable to turn yourself in to the police and confess your wrongdoing. A comprehensive confession can also help reduce the penalty.
Overall, it is important that you take the situation seriously, take responsibility for your actions, and seek professional legal support. Only then can you take the best possible measures to minimize the consequences of hit-and-run.
I hope this information was helpful to you. If you have any further questions or need legal assistance, I am at your disposal.
Sincerely,
Jenny König
Traffic Lawyer
