What are the consequences of not reporting a car accident?
In Alaska, not reporting a car accident can lead to serious consequences. Generally, all motor vehicle crashes must be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days if the accident caused injury, death, or property damage over $2,000. If you fail to report an accident, you may be subject to criminal and/or civil penalties. Criminal penalties for not reporting an accident may include fines and/or jail time. Specifically, an individual who knowingly fails to report an accident or provide information to the DMV can be convicted of a misdemeanor. If convicted, they may face up to 1 year of jail time and fines of up to $10,000. In addition, civil penalties may be applied if the failure to report an accident results in a lawsuit. The damages awarded in a successful lawsuit could be far greater than the criminal penalties discussed above. For example, a party who fails to report an accident may be held responsible for any damage or injury caused by the accident, as well as other damages related to the negligence of not reporting the accident. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the consequences of not reporting an accident in Alaska. Facing criminal and civil penalties, as well as potential civil or criminal liability, can be costly and time-consuming. To avoid costly penalties, it is recommended to always report an accident to the proper authorities and document any information related to the incident.
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