Being in an accident is a traumatic experience and no one really knows how they are going to react until they are in the middle of the chaos. Some people are unnaturally calm. Others become extremely agitated. Unfortunately, a small number of drivers choose to flee.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of hit-and-run accidents is increasing. In the three years between 2009 and 2011:

• Total traffic fatalities fell 4.5 percent
• Hit-and-run fatalities rose 13.7 percent, from 1,274 to 1,449
• 60 percent of hit-and-run fatalities were pedestrians

Maryland drivers are legally obligated to remain at the scene of an accident. Failure to do so is a criminal offense. There are different charges and penalties depending on the circumstances of the accident:

• Failure to stop after unattended property damage: Misdemeanor, with up to a $500 fine, 60 days in jail and eight insurance rate points
• Leaving an accident scene where seriously bodily injury has occurred: Felony charge, with up to $5,000 fine, five years in jail, license suspension and insurance rate 12 points
• Leaving the scene after a fatal accident: Felony charge of vehicular manslaughter, with up to $10,000 fine and 10 years in jail
• Additional charges and penalties if the driver was drunk, impaired, uninsured or driving with a suspended license

Some drivers do not realize that they need to report an accident after they caused damage to another car or other property, even if no other person is present. In any hit and run, chances are good that security cameras or a bystander witnessed the event, and law enforcement may gather additional evidence linking you to the scene. Therefore, the best thing you can do after a hit and run is to take steps to remedy the situation.

Contact a reputable criminal defense attorney who can guide you through the Maryland judicial process and help ensure that your case receives a fair hearing and an optimum outcome.