Hit and Run

“Hit and Run,” or more properly titled “Duty to Stop” in motor vehicle accidents, is far more common in Rhode Island than one might think. Attorney Archambault prosecutes and defends 100’s of these cases a year. The reasons for people fleeing after an accident are as numerous as the grains of sand in a beach: the persons who caused the accident has a suspended license, or they were under the influence (DUI), or they had a criminal warrant, or they had some emergency, or they were simply too scared and overwhelmed by the whole event. Whatever the cause, don’t lose hope. There is always a mitigating argument to be made for keeping your license to drive and saving you from being incarcerated.

Attorney Stephen Archambault understands the anger and helplessness victims of hit and run accidents can experience. From years of prosecuting these cases, Attorney Archambault knows how to best represent not only those injured or the victims of these cases, but also the defendants who make a mistake and need to deal with it. He knows how to best represent clients who cause these accidents.

Legal Responsibilities After an Accident
“Hit and Runs” are charged under RIGL § 31-26-1 through § 31-26-5, under Duty to Stop” statutes. The penalties and sanctions can be severe. Rhode Island is very similar to other states in their legal requirements after an accident. If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision in Rhode Island, you are required by law to immediately stop and exchange information with the other driver or person involved in the crash. This rule applies to everyone involved in the accident and not just the responsible party. A hit and run describes a situation where one of the drivers leaves the scene, which may be categorized as either a felony or misdemeanor in the state. A misdemeanor may be charged if property damage was the only consequence, while an injured or deceased accident victim could raise the charges to a felony.

Reasons Drivers Hit and Run
While leaving the scene of an accident is immoral as well as illegal in nearly all cases, there are different reasons why a driver may make this choice:

• Driver is uninsured or under-insured
• Driver had an expired or suspended driver’s license
• Driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash
• Driver was talking, texting, or otherwise distracted by their phone when the crash occurred
• Driver violated a traffic law (speeding, running a stop sign or red light, etc.)
• Driver panicked and fled the scene

Clearly, the best thing you can do is get the best legal representation. Call Attorney Archambault today for your free consultation, contact Archambault Law today at401-300-0925 for a free case review.