Hit-and-run accidents result in criminal charges against the driver of the car that caused the accident. When DUI comes into the mix, the case becomes more serious the penalties are even worse, especially in Alaska.
If you or a loved one has been hit by a drunk driver in Anchorage, you are entitled to compensation compensated. The first step is to find an experienced and skilled Anchorage DUI attorney to assist you in filing a claim against the at-fault party.
What You Should Know About Hit-and-Run Laws
It’s illegal to leave an accident scene in all states in two situations:
The above two situations are considered hit-and-runs, but they attract different penalties. A hit-and-run accident involving property damage without injuries is viewed as a misdemeanor, while a hit-and-run that involves injury or death is considered a felony.
The following are some examples of hit-and-run DUI cases:
It doesn’t matter who is responsible for the accident as long as it’s a hit-and-run. In other words, the hit-and-run driver is considered guilty even if the other driver, person, or party is responsible or at fault for the accident. So, the best thing to do the next time you hit someone or something in Alaska is to remain at the accident scene. Otherwise, you’ll face a driving under the influence offense.
The following are the actions you need to take after an accident according to the Alaska traffic code:
The above rules apply to all car accidents or collisions, regardless of damage or the subject. For instance, you should report to the police if you hit an animal or damage an electricity pole, even if a human being was not involved.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI Hit-and-Run?
Your case will likely attract two penalties if you get convicted of a DUI and hit-and-run offense:
A hit-and-run in Alaska becomes a misdemeanor if death or injuries are involved or a felony if injuries or death are not involved. These two penalties will put a strain on your life in the following ways when combined:
The penalty for a felony hit-and-run involving injuries from DUI in Alaska includes:
Penalties for a misdemeanor hit-and-run involving property damage and not death or injuries can either be:
Note You only face the penalties if you’re successfully convicted. Also, you can o defend a hit-and-run charge even if it involves driving under the influence. Prosecutors are known to drop these cases when the accused person or suspect engages a skilled defense lawyer.
The prosecutor bears the burden of proof in hit-and-run and DUI cases because they are considered criminal offenses. That said, the following three facts must exist to sustain a conviction in a hit-and-run accident case:
The duties required after an accident include pulling over, exchanging information, and ensuring that the injured get medical help. You cannot be convicted if the prosecutor fails to prove the above three points.
The following are some of the defenses you can use to defeat a hit-and-run DUI case:
Other advanced defenses can include:
Dui hit-and-runs are criminal offenses in Alaska; that’s why you should hire the services of a skilled and experienced DUI attorney if you’re facing these types of charges.