Leaving the scene after an accident can create legal problems that you may not expect, especially if you leave before exchanging information or addressing injuries. You may worry that you made a bad situation worse and wonder what could happen next.
Here are the main issues to understand if you have already left the scene.
You can be cited for failing to stop
Leaving a qualifying accident without fulfilling your legal duties can lead to a failure-to-stop-after-an-accident charge. Under Wisconsin Statute § 346.67, you generally must stop and remain at the scene when an accident causes injury or damages to an occupied or attended vehicle. You also must provide identifying information and reasonable assistance when the circumstances require it.
The violation can add points to your driving record
A conviction can add six demerit points to your Wisconsin driving record. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation lists failure to stop after an accident involving an attended vehicle under § 346.67(1) as a six-point violation. If you accumulate 12 or more points within 12 months, the DMV can suspend your driving privilege.
Leaving can complicate the police investigation
Police may need your statement to figure out how the accident happened. By leaving the scene, you may lose the opportunity to explain what happened from your perspective or provide information that could help clarify your involvement. Investigators may instead rely on other available evidence to piece together the circumstances, which could make it harder for you to answer questions about what happened later.
Address the situation before it gets worse
If you already left an accident scene, do not assume that the matter will resolve itself. Reviewing the accident circumstances, any citation or other paperwork and communications you receive with an attorney can help you understand what the law means for your situation. They can review what happened at the accident, why you left and any citation or contact from police to help you determine the appropriate response.