Hit and Run
If you’re being investigated for or formally charged with a hit and run, don’t make the mistake of navigating the criminal justice system alone.
Call (604) 669-6699 (available 24/7) or email info@penderlitigation.com to chat with an experienced lawyer ASAP.
Hit and run accusations can lead to jail time, fines, lengthy driving prohibitions, insurance points, and even a criminal record, impeding your ability to travel and secure gainful employment. But hit and run cases can be won. Pender Litigation is specially equipped to examine the circumstances of your case and launch a tactical defence.
Our first consultation is privileged and confidential, with no obligation on you.
When we meet, we’ll discuss your case and any related documents you can provide; answer your questions; and provide you with the estimated cost of retaining our services.
Hit and run cases can be won.
When you retain Pender Litigation, you’ll move forward with an experienced hit and run lawyer by your side and our entire team of criminal defence lawyers ready to assist the lawyer handling your case. Our team-based approach means your defence is strengthened by the skill and insight of multiple lawyers whose backgrounds include both defending and prosecuting cases.
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What is a Hit and Run?
A hit and run, or failure to stop after an accident, occurs when, while operating your vehicle, you get into an accident with another conveyance or person and fail to remain at the scene afterward.
When the other vehicle is unoccupied, it is your duty to locate the vehicle’s owner and inform them of the accident as well as your vehicle and contact information. If the other owner cannot be located, you must leave a notice on their vehicle in an obvious place, which contains the following information:
- Your name and address
- The name and address of the registered owner (if different)
- The licence number
Penalties for hit and runs depend on whether you are charged under the Motor Vehicle Act or the Criminal Code. Under the Motor Vehicle Act, you are liable to a fine. Under the Criminal Code, anyone who fails to stop after an accident is liable to up to ten years’ imprisonment.
Hit and Run in the Criminal Code of Canada
Concerning hit and runs, section 320.16 of the Criminal Code states
Failure to stop after accident
320.16 (1) Everyone commits an offence who operates a conveyance and who at the time of operating the conveyance knows that, or is reckless as to whether, the conveyance has been involved in an accident with a person or another conveyance and who fails, without reasonable excuse, to stop the conveyance, give their name and address and, if any person has been injured or appears to require assistance, offer assistance.
Accident resulting in bodily harm
(2) Everyone commits an offence who commits an offence under subsection (1) and who at the time of committing the offence knows that, or is reckless as to whether, the accident resulted in bodily harm to another person.
Accident resulting in death
(3) Everyone commits an offence who commits an offence under subsection (1) and who, at the time of committing the offence, knows that, or is reckless as to whether, the accident resulted in the death of another person or in bodily harm to another person whose death ensues.