Hit and Run Toronto
This is a provincial offence regulated by the Highway Traffic Act, section 200, which says that every driver in Toronto is expected to remain at the scene of an accident or return as soon as possible to exchange driver particulars and assist any injured persons. People often call it fail to remain at the scene of an accident or fail to remain charge.
Simply speaking, hit and run accident – this is when one driver strikes another driver’s car and leaves the scene of a collision.
There is also a criminal offence called failure to stop at the scene of an accident or hit and run criminal charge, which carries much more serious charges depending on the intent and damages resulting from an accident.
In this article, we’ll tell you only about Toronto hit and run as a provincial offence.
What is Toronto Hit and Run Offence
In Ontario, a hit and run is classified under Section 200 of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) as an incident where a driver involved in an accident fails to meet their legal obligations before leaving the scene. These obligations include:
- Remaining at the scene: Stay at the location of the accident or return if you have already left.
- Reporting to authorities: Notify the police if the accident results in personal injuries or if property damage exceeds $5,000.
- Providing assistance: Offer help to anyone injured or in need at the scene.
- Evaluating the damage: Take note of the extent of damage caused by the incident.
- Sharing information: Provide your contact details, driver’s licence, and insurance information to the police or affected parties.
These requirements ensure that everyone involved receives the necessary support and that the incident is documented appropriately as per the law.
Toronto hit and run cases can range from striking another vehicle or pedestrian to damaging someone’s property. Regardless of the situation, leaving the scene without fulfilling these duties can result in significant legal repercussions.
Reasons Why Drivers Leave the Accident Scene:
- They operate a motor vehicle without insurance;
- They are impaired and are afraid to get charged for driving while impaired;
- They do not wish to involve their insurance company to avoid insurance premium hikes;
- They drive while under suspension;
- They hit a pedestrian(s) and are afraid of punishment (possibly going to jail in cases of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle resulting in bodily injuries);
- There are also instances where the driver may have not known that the accident had occurred.
Please note, that the law requires drivers to report an accident regardless of the above reasons. Yes, it is possible to get charged for driving while impaired as a result of having to report an accident. But the punishment can be much more severe if you fail to return to the scene of the accident or fail to report.
Penalties for Hit And Run in Toronto
In Ontario, hit-and-run offences come with significant consequences. If convicted, you could face:
- 7 demerit points added to your driving record.
- Fines ranging from $400 to $2,000, depending on the circumstances and the judge’s decision.
- Licence suspension for up to 2 years, with the duration varying based on the severity of the offense and whether it’s a repeat violation.
- Up to 6 months of jail time, particularly in cases involving injuries or fatalities.
- Increased insurance premiums as insurers classify this as a high-risk offense.
Additional legal ramifications: In some cases, other charges might be added to a Toronto hit and run offence, such as careless driving (under the Highway Traffic Act), dangerous driving Criminal Code and/or failure to report an accident Ontario (3 demerit points). However, these additional charges depend on the specifics of the incident and are not automatically applied in every case.
As you can see, hit and run conviction in Toronto is quite serious in terms of penalties and liability. Thus, the most appropriate here is to consult with a paralegal or a fail to remain lawyer Toronto to seek legal advice about your options.
A knowledgeable Toronto hit and run lawyer or paralegal will know how to provide you with the best possible defence and secure the cleanliness of your driving record for as long as possible while reducing your fines, demerit points, avoid driver’s licence suspensions or help you get rid of the charge(s) entirely.
How to Fight Hit and Run in Toronto
To be brief:
- Don’t plead guilty and don’t pay your ticket;
- Get legal advice and hire a reliable Toronto lawyer for hit and run or paralegal.
If you want to fight Toronto hit and run charge by yourself – not a good idea! Why?
Because:
- you can make an incriminating statement under the pressure
- you don’t know how to cross-examine witnesses
- you are not aware of all legal processes and don’t know all aspects
- if you fail you may get 7 hit and run points, pay huge fines and get your licence suspended at least
Every case is different, hence fighting hit and run charges in Toronto must be tackled by expert knowledge and knowing how the court treats these cases when it comes to using police officer’s evidence and how to resolve these cases.
Process of Toronto Hit and Run Accidents Investigation
- Police start accident investigation.
- The police officer contacts the owner of the vehicle and invites them to the police station to clarify some peculiarities.
- Police may insist on your visit, but don’t do this without proper legal advice.
- Schedule court date.
- Prior to your court date, your lawyer must attempt to get policeman’s evidence (video, audio, pictures, witness statements, police officer’s notes) and develop your own defence strategy.
Remember, once you’ve been contacted by the police and invited to the police station, immediately call X-COPS for your free consultation. Such a serious charge requires the involvement of real specialists to help you to defend your rights and protect you from being misled by wrong advice!