Failing to Stop and Report an Accident

Caddick Davies Solicitors specialise in representing motorists who find themselves charged with offences of failing to stop and report an accident, contrary to Section 170(4) of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

When do you have to report an accident?

In accordance with the law, if a motorist has an accident on a road or other public place which results in damage to another vehicle, personal injury to any other person, damage to any roadside fixture (e.g. signs and fences) or any animal, then they are required to stop immediately at the scene and to exchange their name, address and vehicle details with any person that may reasonably require them.

If a person for any reason is unable to provide their details, for instance, if it is late at night and there is nobody around, then you are under a duty to report the accident at a police station or to a police constable as soon as “reasonably practicable” and in any event within 24 hours.

The maximum penalty for failing to stop and report an accident is 6 months in prison and/or a fine and the endorsement of between 5 and 10 penalty points.

This offence is commonly committed in combination with an offence of Driving Without Due Care and Attention (Careless Driving) when it is often the case that a person has been involved in a minor collision without knowing (e.g. clipping a wing mirror or brushing a car in the supermarket car park).

We have successfully defended many motorists charged with this offence and so if you find yourself with a Court Summons for failing to stop and report an accident, please contact us for advice and a no obligation consultation on how we can help.

Call for a Free Consultation 0330 175 6854

What is the penalty for failing to stop after an accident?

The maximum penalty for failing to stop and report an accident is imprisonment for 6 months and the endorsement of between 5 and 10 penalty points, or in some cases a disqualification from driving.

Most cases of failing to stop and report are sentenced by way of a fine and the endorsement of penalty points, with sentences of imprisonment and disqualification being reserved for the most serious cases usually involving death or serious injury.

If you find yourself with a Court Summons for failing to stop and report an accident, please contact us for advice and a no-obligation consultation on how we can help.

What are the defences for failing to stop after an accident?

There are a number of defences which may be argued against an allegation of failing to stop and report an accident. These include technical legal arguments, and also more factual defences, which may include the following:

1) I was not involved in an accident;
2) There was no damage caused;
3) I stopped or reported the accident; and
4) I was unaware of any accident or damage, such that I was not aware that I should stop or report the accident.

If you find yourself investigated or summonsed before the Magistrates’ Court for an offence of failing to stop or report an accident, please contact us for advice and a no-obligation consultation on how we can help you. Our team of motoring solicitors are available to speak to you in detail about your charge and advise on your legal options.

What happens if you don’t report hitting a car?

How We Can Help

We specialise in the representation of motorists charged with the offences of failing to stop and report an accident.

We have successfully defended many motorists charged with the offence and have avoided the endorsement of penalty points on their licence and even disqualification.

If you find yourself being investigated or with a Summons to appear before the Magistrates’ Court for an offence of failing to stop and report an accident, please contact us for advice and a no obligation consultation to discuss how we can help you.

Call for a Free Consultation 0330 175 6854