Va. Code §46.2-894 requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in property damage to stop as close to the scene of the accident as possible, without obstructing traffic, and provide his name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number to the police, the person struck by his vehicle, the driver or occupant of the other vehicle involved in the accident, or the custodian of other property damaged. The driver also must render aid if it is apparent someone is injured or if the injured person requests the assistance.
The driver also has a duty to report the same information if his vehicle is in an accident resulting in damage to unoccupied property (Va. Code §46.2-896). If he cannot locate the property owner, he must leave a note with the time, date, location of the accident, a description of the property damage, and his contact information, in addition to the other required information. He must also report the accident to the police within 24 hours.
A Manassas Hit and Run Charge is a Crime
A passenger over 16 years old can be charged with a crime in Manassas for failing to report an accident within 24 hours if he knew the driver did not make a report.
Penalties for Manassas Hit and Run
A Manassas Hit and Run involving unoccupied property is a misdemeanor. If the property damage was less than $250, the offense is a Class 4 misdemeanor, punished with a fine up to $250 and 3 DMV demerit points. If the property damage exceeded $250, the offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor. This offense is punished with up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, and 3 DMV demerit points. If the property damage exceeded $500, the driver can be punished with driver’s license suspension for up to 6 months and 3 DMV demerit points. Click here for more information on a Manassas Hit and Run involving unoccupied property.
A Manassas Hit and Run involving occupied property can be a misdemeanor or a felony. If the property damage was under $1,000, the driver will be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punished with up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, and 4 DMV demerit points. If the property damage exceeded $500, the driver’s license can be suspended for up to 6 months. If the property damage exceeded $1,000, the driver will be charged with a Class 5 felony, which is punished with up to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $2,500, 6 DMV demerit points, and his license will be revoked for one year. Click here for more information on a Manassas Hit and Run involving occupied property.
A Manassas Hit and Run resulting in injury or death is a Class 5 felony, punished with up to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $2,500, 6 DMV demerit points, and the offender’s driver’s license will be revoked for one year. Click here for more information on a Manassas Hit and Run resulting in injury or death.
A passenger who fails to report a Hit and Run can be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on whether the accident resulted in only property damage or if someone was injured or killed. A passenger will be charged with a Class 4 misdemeanor for failure to report an accident involving unoccupied property resulting in less than $250 in damage. This offense is punished with a fine up to $250. For any other accident involving property damage, the passenger can be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punished with up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. Additionally, his driver’s license can be suspended for up to 6 months if the property damage exceeded $500. If someone was injured or died as a result of the accident, the passenger will be charged with a Class 6 felony, which is punished with up to 5 years in prison, a fine up to $2,500 and driver’s license revocation for one year. Click here for more information on Hit and Run liability as a passenger in Manassas.