At Goldstein & Handwerker, we often get calls from people in a panic: "I left the scene of an accident—what's going to happen to me?" It's more common than you might think, and in many cases, the person didn't even realize they were doing something wrong.

Accidents frequently happen in parking lots or tight spaces where damage may be minor or unnoticed. Sometimes, people truly don't realize they've been in an accident. Other times, they're frightened—especially if the accident happens late at night or in an unfamiliar area—and they make the split-second decision to keep driving.

If you're contacted by the police after leaving the scene, you may be facing a “leaving the scene of an accident” charge, which can carry serious penalties in New Jersey, including license suspension, hefty fines, and even a criminal conviction.

However, there are defenses, and intent is often the key issue. Did you knowingly flee the scene to avoid responsibility? Or did you leave for a legitimate reason—fear, confusion, or lack of awareness? We've helped many clients successfully argue that their actions did not stem from criminal intent.

In some situations, both drivers exit their vehicles, assess the damage, agree it's minor, and part ways. Later, one party contacts the police, and suddenly you're under investigation. This kind of misunderstanding is common—and defensible.

Often, we can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charge to something less serious like “failure to report an accident.” This lesser charge typically carries minimal penalties and signals to the court that you weren't trying to evade accountability.

The most important thing to remember: Don't panic. If you've been contacted by police about leaving the scene of an accident, call a qualified criminal defense attorney right away.

If you find yourself in this situation, Goldstein & Handwerker is here to help. Call us or visit our website at www.ghlawnyj.com for a consultation. Let's work together to protect your rights.