Have You Received A Letter From A Police Department Regarding Leaving The Scene of an Accident? (2024)

If you were involved in anLSA (leaving the scene of an accident) in Miami-Dade County and were not arrested or issued a PTA (promise to appear) on the scene, then you may have received a letter from a police department indicating that they wish to speak with you.

I know for a fact that the City of Miami Police Department and the Miami Beach Police Department issue letters to driver's suspected of leaving the scene of an accident. The letters come to driver's whose tag numbers are reported to the police.

The letter will tell you to respond and set up an appointment with police so that you can answer questions. First and foremost,you do not have to speak with police ever and have no obligation to answer their questions. If you receive this letter you should be aware that you are under criminal investigation and should contact a criminal defense attorney.

If police had enough probable cause to arrest you, they would have done so already. They are sending you this letter because they still need more evidence in order to arrest.

LSA, or leaving the scene of an accident, is a misdemeanor when there is no serious injury (just property damage). It becomes a felony when there is serious bodily injury to another.

Don't become a witness against yourself. Invoke your rights and call an attorney.

Eric Matheny is a criminal defense attorney serving Miami-Dade and Broward. Attorney Eric Matheny handles LSA investigations and LSA criminal matters, both misdemeanors and felonies. Call(305) 504-6655.

Have You Received A Letter From A Police Department Regarding Leaving The Scene of an Accident? (2024)

FAQs

Is leaving the scene of an accident a felony in California? ›

California Penal Code §20001 applies when a driver leaves the scene of an accident, without leaving identifying information, and someone other than the driver was injured or killed. Penal Code § 20001 can be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony.

What happens if you don't file SR1? ›

Your driving privilege will be suspended if you do not complete an SR-1 report or did not have the proper insurance coverage at the time of the vehicle collision. Every vehicle collision reported to DMV by law enforcement will show on your driver's record unless the reporting officer says another person was at fault.

When must you report a collision to the police or local law enforcement? ›

Generally you must report accidents to your local police department if: Anyone is injured in the crash. The dollar amount of the damage caused reaches $1,000. There are any aggravating circ*mstances (such as one of the drivers operating without a license or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol)

Should I file a police report for a minor car accident in California? ›

What are the Benefits of Reporting a Car Accident? Even when a car accident seems minor, calling and reporting the accident to the police is still a good idea. There could be damage to your or the other driver's vehicle that becomes apparent later. Some injuries are not evident at the time of an accident.

What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident in California? ›

Property Damage Only (VC 20002): Leaving the scene of an accident involving only property damage is a misdemeanor. It can result in fines, probation, and up to six months in jail.

What evidence is needed to convict a hit and run in California? ›

In hit-and-run cases, compelling evidence is crucial to ensure accountability, such as photos and videos, paint damage, skidmarks, eyewitness testimonies, police and first responder reports, medical records, and more.

Do insurance companies file SR-1? ›

Many auto insurance companies report accidents to the DMV and fill out the SR-1 form for their policyholders. Not all insurance carriers perform this task. It's important to make sure they are taking care of it so you don't face a penalty when the deadline is missed. The California car accident attorney for a client.

What does an SR-1 form do? ›

Form SR-1 requires drivers to submit details about all property damage, personal injuries, and deaths that are related the accident. This includes all drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians who are affected by the crash.

Does my insurance file SR-1? ›

But, the DMV requires the filing of an SR-1 Form which identifies you and your insurance within 10 days of an accident. The truth is that your insurance company will not file an SR-1 Form.

Which type of collision must be reported? ›

Collisions. Traffic collisions must be immediately reported to the police if it results in death, injury or property damage of $5,000 or more. A collision report is completed and stored in a collision database.

Is tapping a bumper considered an accident? ›

Yes, even a minor bumper tap is considered an accident.

Fender benders involve minor damage and typically result in no or minor injuries. Serious accidents, on the other hand, can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.

What's the most common cause of a collision? ›

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), bad judgment or driver errors cause most traffic accidents. Examples include tailgating, failure to yield, failure to obey traffic signs or signals, and other conscious or unconscious errors in judgment that result in a motor vehicle accident.

Do you have to report a minor accident to the police in Florida? ›

Put simply; you need to call the police after an accident in Florida when there are injuries, significant property damage, suspicion of illegal activities, hit-and-run incidents, or conflicts with other parties involved. It is against the law to leave the scene of an accident with injury or significant property damage.

Is it illegal to not report a car accident in California? ›

Depending on the situation, you could lose your driving privileges for failing to report a car accident in California. In some circ*mstances, you could be charged with hit-and-run, which could result in criminal charges.

Should you call the police for a minor accident in Texas? ›

Contact the local police or the Texas Highway Patrol to report the accident. Even in minor accidents, having a police report can be invaluable, as it provides an official record of the incident.

Is a hit and run a felony in CA? ›

California Hit and Run offenses can either be charged as a felony or as a misdemeanor. Hit and Run offenses involving property are charged as misdemeanors if the value of the loss is under a certain amount. While those causing any injury or death to another person can be charged as felonies.

Can you go to jail for a car accident California? ›

Hit-and-run scenarios involving only property damage are still misdemeanors punishable by fines and license suspension. However, hit-and-runs resulting in injury or death become felonies, potentially leading to significant jail time and life-altering repercussions.

What is the minimum sentence for a felony in California? ›

Under the California felony sentencing guidelines, felony penalties can include: felony (or formal) probation, a term of at least 1 year in state prison, or. at least 16 months in county jail (only for felonies that are not serious, violent, or sexual).

What happens if I'm at fault in a car accident in California? ›

At-Fault. Most states, including California, operate on an at-fault insurance system. In simple terms, this means the at-fault party can be directly sued for causing the accident. It also means you can file a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance policy rather than going through your own coverage.

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