What Happened:
An accident occurred at the 600 block of Dailey Street in Burlington, North Carolina (NC). When police arrived at the scene of the wreck, they were told that the driver responsible for the crash fled the scene, according to Digtriad.com.
After getting information about the car, police were able to locate the hit and run driver’s car just a few minutes later. The driver was taken into custody and charged with a felony for leaving the scene and for possession of cocaine.
The North Carolina Injury Lawyer’s Perspective:
Anytime an accident occurs, leaving the scene of the accident is not only morally reprehensible, but is also against the law. In North Carolina, hit and run accidents are governed by North Carolina law § 20-166. The law states:
Duty to stop in event of accident or collision; furnishing information or assistance to injured person, etc.; persons assisting exempt from civil liability.
(a) The driver of any vehicle who knows or reasonably should know:
(1) That the vehicle which he is operating is involved in an accident or collision; and
(2) That the accident or collision has resulted in injury or death to any person; shall immediately stop his vehicle at the scene of the accident or collision. He shall remain at the scene of the accident until a law-enforcement officer completes his investigation of the accident or collision or authorizes him to leave; Provided, however, that he may leave to call for a law-enforcement officer or for medical assistance or medical treatment as set forth in (b), but must return to the accident scene within a reasonable period of time. A willful violation of this subsection shall be punished as a Class H felony.
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