LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING PROPERTY DAMAGE

G.L. c. 90 § 24[2][a]

• To be found guilty of knowingly leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage, the Commonwealth must prove four things, beyond a reasonable doubt:
  • (1) That the defendant operated a motor vehicle;
  • (2) That while the defendant was operating the vehicle he or she caused damage to another vehicle or property either by colliding with it or in some other way;
  • (3) That the defendant knew he or she had collided with another’s property or had in some way caused damage to another’s property; and
  • (4) That after causing such damage, the defendant did not stop and make known his or her name, home address, and the registration number of his or her motor vehicle.
• Practice Notes
  • A person “operates” a motor vehicle under the law whenever he or she is in the vehicle and intentionally manipulates some mechanical or electrical part of the vehicle which alone or in sequence, will set the vehicle in motion.
  • A driver has a duty to immediately stop at the scene and offer the specific information required: name, home address, and motor vehicle registration number