VTL 600(2)(a) - Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Personal Injury

One of the most serious traffic related charges is for leaving the scene of a car accident in which someone was injured. The exact wording of the statute is as follows:

Any person operating a motor vehicle who, knowing or having cause to know that personal injury has been caused to another person, due to an incident involving the motor vehicle operated by such person shall, before leaving the place where the said personal injury occurred, stop, exhibit his or her license and insurance identification card for such vehicle, when such card is required pursuant to articles six and eight of this chapter, and give his or her name, residence, including street and street number, insurance carrier and insurance identification information including but not limited to the number and effective dates of said individual's insurance policy and license number, to the injured party, if practical, and also to a police officer, or in the event that no police officer is in the vicinity of the place of said injury, then, he or she shall report said incident as soon as physically able to the nearest police station or judicial officer.

At its base level it is a misdemeanor, three points on the license, and a maximum fine of $1093. A conviction of this offense will leave you with a permanent criminal record. If you are a CDL driver, your CDL privileges will be revoked for at least one year. The charges can be raised to a felony if the injury is “serious”. Something like a broken bone can be considered “serious” under the statute. For any such charges you can contact the Benjamin Goldman Law Office for a free consultation.