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How Long After a Hit-and-Run Accident Can You Be Charged?
According to the Provincial Offences Act, an Ontario hit and run driver could be charged for their role in an accident up to six months after the collision takes place. Unless other rules apply, this statute allows law enforcement officers to issue citations up to six months after the offense occurred or is alleged to have occurred.
Determining the identity of drivers who leave the scene of an accident is crucial for any police investigation following a hit and run. Modern technology makes it easier than ever to identify a driver who leaves the scene of an accident. Surveillance footage, traffic cameras, dash-cams, eyewitnesses recording footage of the accident, and other sources may be able to provide details about the vehicle that fled the scene.
Failing to Stop After an Accident Has Serious Penalties
Failing to stop after a traffic accident is an offense under the Criminal Code of Canada and the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. Drivers who flee the scene of an accident can face both federal and provincial penalties, including:
- A fine of between $400 and $2,000
- Imprisonment up to six months
- Suspension of driver’s license for up to two years
If you sustained injuries in an accident with a driver who fled the scene, once identified, the responsible driver could face additional penalties.
If Police Do Not Identify the Hit and Run Driver
Under Ontario’s no-fault auto insurance laws, if you’ve been injured by a driver who fled the scene of your accident, you may still be able to recover accident benefits through your auto insurance plan.
The no-fault benefits available to victims who have sustained bodily injuries in a car accident are outlined in Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule. These benefits may compensate you for the costs of damages incurred as a result of your accident, including:
- Income replacement for wages lost due to an inability to work
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Attendant care, if necessary
Recovering Damages from the Hit and Run Driver
If the police manage to identify the driver of the vehicle responsible for your hit-and-run accident, a hit-and-run lawyermay be able to help you pursue legal action against them. In many cases, accident benefits are not sufficient to cover the damages incurred when victims sustain serious, catastrophic injuries as the result of a hit-and-run accident. In these situations, a car accident lawyer may be able to help severely injured victims recover costs for non-pecuniary damages, such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life.
According to the Limitations Act of 2002, S.O. 2002, Chapter 24, generally a car accident victim has a two-year timeframe in which to file this type of legal action.
Talk to Preszler Injury Lawyers About Your Hit-and-Run Accident Today
If you were injured in a car accident with a driver who fled the scene, Preszler Injury Lawyers may be able to help you understand your options for compensation. If the identity of the responsible driver is uncovered, our hit-and-run accident lawyers may be able to help you pursue accountability and financial restitution for your injuries. Call Preszler Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-JUSTICE for a free, initial review of your case.
