Police van parked on a street with traffic cones placed nearby.

Failure to Stop or Report an Accident

As a driver, you are legally required to comply with specific obligations if you are involved in a road traffic accident. These requirements apply when there is:

Personal injury to someone other than yourself.
Damage to another vehicle, property, or an animal.

If you are involved in an accident, you must:

Stop at the scene.
Provide your details: Share your name and address with anyone who has reasonable grounds to request them.
Provide additional information: If requested, give the name and address of the vehicle’s owner and its registration details.

If you cannot provide this information at the scene, you must report the accident to the police as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any event within 24 hours. It is essential to note that this does not give you 24 hours to report the accident; you are required to do so as soon as possible.

Failure to stop and failure to report are two distinct offences, and it is common for individuals to be prosecuted for both.

What Are Possible Defences to Failure to Stop or Report an Accident Charges?

You may have a defence if you can demonstrate that you were genuinely unaware an accident had occurred. However, proving this in Court can be challenging, so obtaining early legal advice from specialist motor offence defence lawyers is critical.

Our team of expert solicitors have extensive experience handling failure to stop or report offences. We will prepare and present a robust defence case on your behalf to minimise any penalties and protect your driving licence.

DJMS Solicitors Can Help

If you are facing a charge for failing to stop or report an accident, contact us today for expert legal advice. We are available 24/7 to guide you through the process, protect your rights, and work towards the best possible outcome. Our team has represented a wide range of private and professional motorists, including taxi and HGV drivers.

DJMS’ expert motor offence lawyers can represent you at the police station interview, even if you attend voluntarily. We can also advise on whether Legal Aid may be available to defend your case.