Why Do Drivers Hit and Run in Minnesota?
There are many reasons why somebody driving a vehicle flees an accident. The most-common is that the driver was unaware that they hit somebody or something. But there are other, more serious reasons:
- They were intoxicated and knew police would charge them with DWI
- They don’t have auto insurance
- They do not have a driver’s license
- There was a warrant out for their arrest
Whatever the reason, if you are charged with a hit and run offense in Minnesota, call a knowledgeable Sieben Edmunds Miller traffic offense lawyer.
Accidents Causing Injury and Death in Minnesota
Nationally, during the past 10 years, thousands of people were injured and more than 1,200 people were killed in hit and run accidents. Some 10 percent of all accidents in the U.S. are hit and run.
Prosecutors are especially tough on drivers who cause an injury or death. You may be charged with felony Criminal Vehicular Homicide or Criminal Vehicular Operation if the accident involved:
- Death
- Great bodily harm where critical injuries are sustained
- Substantial bodily harm where there are serious but non-life-threatening injuries
- Bodily harm such as cuts, bruises and low levels of pain
The state asks drivers for information that can be self-incriminating, and police officers are likely to ask you questions where the answers may damage your defense in court. The solution is to call Sieben Edmunds Miller where one of our traffic accident lawyers will help you complete the state forms so that you comply with the requirement to file a report but not incriminate yourself.
And by no means should you ever answer any police questions without having a lawyer present. If they push you, cite your 5th Amendment right to remain silent and your right to be represented by an attorney.
Defending You Against Hit and Run Charges in Minnesota
Often, we learn that a client fled the scene of an accident in a moment of panic. They regret doing so and want to avoid the criminal charge. Don’t deal with this by yourself: We want to know how the accident happened and what occurred right after the incident.
We know that many hit and run charges result from things that weren’t your fault. For instance, sometimes another person was using your car and you may not have been anywhere near the accident when it happened. But you may still need to challenge the charge in court. We will help you explain yourself in court and challenge the arrest.
We handle many hit and run cases in Minnesota and Wisconsin courts and know not only what you are facing but how frightened you feel. We will evaluate your case, walk you through the facts and lay out how we can help you.
Don’t Fight Hit and Run Charges Alone
Call a Sieben Edmunds Miller hit and run accident attorney serving Minnesota and Wisconsin. Or use our handy on-line chat form. But don’t ignore the ticket or the seriousness of what you’re facing.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
We are here to help. Let us evaluate your case for you. Free of charge – no obligation. Complete our free case evaluation form or call us directly at (651) 323-2464.
Recent Blog Posts
Minnesota’s Zero Tolerance for Teens Drinking and Driving
DWIs are one of the most common criminal charges in Minnesota. Some estimates show that one out of every seven drivers in Minnesota has a DWI on their record. Since prosecutors see this charge often, it can be difficult to avoid a DWI conviction without compelling...
Minnesota Ignition Interlock For An Out-Of-State DWI?
Many Minnesota drivers have received a DWI in another state, most commonly in Wisconsin. Minnesota and Wisconsin share records, so both states are aware if you get a DWI. This means you may face repercussions in both states, including possible license revocation....
Breathalyzer Issues That May Lead to An Unfair DWI Charge
Breathalyzers are commonly used by law enforcement when they pull someone over for suspicion of driving while intoxicated. A breathalyzer is an interesting piece of technology that is meant to measure the amount of alcohol in your blood by analyzing your breath. The...
Common Mistakes Not to Make When Being Charged With Felony DWI
Being charged with a felony DWI in Minnesota is a very serious matter. This type of conviction can result in jail or prison time and expensive fines; it is not the same as a first time misdemeanor DWI charge! In fact, most people charged with a felony DWI have already...
What Should I Know About the Minnesota Ignition Interlock Requirements?
If your Minnesota driver’s license has been revoked or cancelled because of a DWI or other qualified impaired driving incident, you may be able to regain your driving privileges by participating in the Minnesota Ignition Interlock Device Program (IIDP). In this blog,...
Do I Need Whiskey Plates?
The Minnesota law requiring special registration license plates (also known as Whiskey or WX plates) on vehicles involved in certain DWI offenses changed last year. This blog post will answer frequently asked questions about whiskey plates in Minnesota, including...
Free Case Evaluation
Contact Info
Note: The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.