WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING DAMAGE TO UNATTENDED VEHICLE OR PROPERTY CHARGE?
An Accident Involving Damage to Unattended Vehicle is a "hit and run" accident with an unoccupied vehicle or to property. If found guilty, PennDOT will add 4 points to your driving record and the Magistrate can sentence you to a 90 day jail sentence and $300 fine. CDL holders face a 1 year disqualification for a first offense. Even if you have a clean driving history, this offense will put you one minor points-based violation (speeding at 10mph over the speed limit) away from having to take an exam and attend a PennDOT Departmental Hearing.
ACCIDENT INVOLVING DAMAGE TO UNATTENDED VEHICLE DEFINED
Under Section 3745 of the Motor Vehicle Code, a person commits an Accident Involving Damage to Unattended Vehicle or Property charge under the following circumstances:
The driver of a car collides with or is involved in an accident with another vehicle or property which is unattended;
Damage results to the other vehicle or property;
The driver fails to immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or the closest nearby location; and
The driver fails to locate and notify the operator or owner of the damaged vehicle or property of the driver's name, address, insurance information and registration number; OR
The driver fails to attach written notice on the damaged vehicle or property his or her name, address, insurance information and registration and fails to report the accident to the nearest police department.
WHY AM I CHARGED WITH ACCIDENT INVOLVING DAMAGE TO UNATTENDED VEHICLE OR PROPERTY?
This charge most commonly applies to "hit and run" accidents with unoccupied parked vehicles. When the vehicle or property is unoccupied, then you will face a summary offense under Section 3745. If you engage in a "hit and run" accident with an occupied car or property, then you will face 3rd-Degree Misdemeanor charges under Section 3743.
DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY?
The Zuckerman Law Firm strongly recommends that you hire a lawyer, as a possible jail sentence can apply upon conviction. Furthermore, a skilled Pittsburgh traffic ticket defense lawyer can assist you with negotiating a possible plea agreement to a reduced offense, which can help you avoid jail time and points. If convicted, your lawyer can effectively advocate for no jail time on your behalf and assist you with filing a summary appeal.
HOW ZUCKERMAN LAW FIRM CAN HELP
At Zuckerman Law Firm, our goal in each and every traffic case is simple: eliminate jail time, points and license suspensions while reducing fines. In fighting for the most favorable results, we prepare for your summary trial while working behind the scenes to negotiate the best possible resolution of your case. We can review your driving history, research case law, prepare cross-examination questions, and negotiate directly with the police officer on your behalf.
If you are charged with causing an Accident With an Unattended Vehicle or Property, get a professional on your side. Call the Zuckerman Law Firm today at 412-447-5580.