After an auto accident, making a report to law enforcement is an important step. If you fail to do so, you could face charges for a hit-and-run or run into other legal troubles.
In cases where there is only property damage, the law is rather lenient. But if your accident involves injuries or someone dies, you must contact law enforcement.
Help others
If you are physically able to do so, you should help others involved in the accident to get proper medical help. You may need to call 911 and request an ambulance or provide first aid within your abilities or with the help of a 911 operator. You should assist when you can to help save lives.
Stay at the scene
Your main duty after an accident is to not leave the scene. You can move out of the roadway and should do so if possible. But you need to stay in the same general area until law enforcement comes and tells you otherwise.
You must stay even if another involved vehicle leaves. All parties in an accident have the duty to stay on site and could face potential charges for leaving. If there were only injuries, the potential charge is a third-degree felony. If someone died, you could face a second-degree felony. These are serious charges that come with potential prison time of a year or more.
An accident can shake you up and leave you feeling out of sorts. You may be scared and want to leave, but it is best if you try to remain calm and wait for law enforcement and medical help to arrive on the scene.
