Many people do not realise that being involved in an accident, however minor it may seem, carries with it an obligation to stop and provide details to the other people involved or, failing that, to report the accident to the police as soon as reasonably practicable.
The offence can vary significantly in terms of seriousness, from a minor supermarket car park prang to a more serious situation where there has been significant damage to property or injuries have been caused.
Often we are contacted by people who have been accused of this offence but were not even aware they had been involved in an accident due to the minor nature of the damage caused. In such a situation it is a defence to the charge if it can be established that the driver genuinely did not know that there had been an accident.
More often than not, where this offence is alleged, the police will send a notice of intended prosecution to the registered keeper of the vehicle. Once it has been established who the driver was at the time of the alleged offence, a formal interview will normally be arranged. Good legal representation and advice at the interview stage can be vital to the prospects of successfully defending the charge.
Penalty Table – For Advice Call 0800 4334 678
| Failing to Stop and Report an Accident |
|---|
| 5-10 points or disqualification of up to 12 months, Band B fine to custodial sentence of up to 6 months (sentence dependent on severity of offence, for more information contact us) |
Band A fine = 50 % net weekly income
Band B fine = 100% net weekly income
Band C fine = 150% net weekly income
