If you find yourself in the situation of having run over a person on the road and that person is injured or worse is dead, report the incident immediately to the authorities. A good lawyer could get you off with less than three years in jail, even if the person dies. Diario Libre features a story on 19 June 2024 with what to do if you run over a person, the legal repercussions and the steps to take.
According to Dominican Law 63-17 on Mobility, Land Traffic, and Road Safety, reports the situation worsens when the accident is not reported immediately. The law establishes that any driver involved in a hit-and-run accident is both criminally and civilly liable for the incident. The law mandates specific actions for drivers involved in such incidents and outlines the penalties for causing injuries or fatalities.
Diario Libre tells what to do right after the accident, but also explains that the driver may also face civil lawsuits from the injured party or their family.
The newspaper stresses that the failure to comply with the obligations could only result in more severe judicial charges, especially in the case of hit-and-run accidents that carry additional penalties.
Among the immediate actions drivers need to take upon hitting a pedestrian are:
- Stop Immediately: Pull over to the side of the road and turn on hazard lights.
- Check for Injuries: Assess the condition of the pedestrian and provide assistance if possible.
- Call Emergency Services: Immediately call the emergency medical service (911) and the General Land Traffic and Transit Services Agency (Digesett).
- Remain at the Scene: Do not leave the accident scene until authorized by law enforcement.
- Provide Information: Exchange personal and insurance information with those accompanying the victim and officials.
- Cooperate with Authorities: Provide a clear and truthful account of the incident to the investigating officers.
The severity of the penalties for causing injuries or fatalities in a hit-and-run accident depends on the outcome:
Fatality:
• Imprisonment: 1 to 3 years
• Fine: 10 to 50 minimum wages
Serious Injury:
• Imprisonment: 3 months to 1 year
• Fine: 5 to 10 minimum wages
Temporary Injury:
• Imprisonment: 2 to 3 months
• Fine: 2 to 5 minimum wages
Minor Injury:
• Imprisonment: 1 month to 2 months
• Fine: 1 minimum wage
The Diario Libre story was published after the unfortunate case of what appears to have been a hit-and-run accident on the Malecon in Santo Domingo on Saturday, 16 June 2024.
Read more in Spanish:
Diario Libre
19 June 2024