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Failing to Stop or Report an Accident

Expert legal support when driving incidents escalate

Accused of failing to stop or report? Specialist legal advice

If you are involved in an accident whilst driving that results in:

  • someone being injured
  • damage to another vehicle
  • damage to property

Then you have a legal obligation to stop and exchange details with anyone who has reasonable grounds to ask for them.

Where it’s not possible to stop, you must report the incident in person to a police officer ideally as soon as possible, or within 24 hours.

Contact our Motoring Law team
Failing to stop or report an accident

Failing to stop or failing to report

Failing to stop at the scene and report a traffic accident is an offence, and if convicted you could face an endorsement of 5-10 penalty points, a fine of up to £5000 or you could be sentenced to up to 26 weeks in prison.

The court will consider a number of factors to decide on the seriousness of the offence and the penalty you should receive, including whether:

  • you knew damage had been caused but left the scene anyway
  • you are suspected of driving with excess alcohol or drugs whilst committing the offence
  • there is evidence of bad driving

Speak to our lawyers right away

We would recommend seeking legal advice quickly if you have failed to stop and report an accident or have been convicted of failing to stop and report.

Our motorist defence team have significant experience in dealing with failure to stop and report offences and have successfully defended many of these cases.

 

Why use Rothera Bray for 'failing to stop and report an accident' offences

  • If you’re invited to a police station interview we can attend this interview with you
  • When you instruct us we will go through all aspects of your case to make a strategy and put forward a successful defence
  • We have significant experience in representing clients in court for offences of failing to stop or report an accident
  • We will thoroughly examine all the evidence against you, including assessing the strength of the evidence and whether all evidence has been disclosed
  • We can help you whether you decide to plead guilty or want to defend your case
  • We may be able to defend your case in situations where you were unaware an accident had happened or you stopped at the scene but were unable to find anyone to exchange details with and left only after a reasonable duration of time

We have a range of fixed-fee services: please see visit our specialist motorist website for more information:

Keep Me On The Road - Fees
Anton Balkitis and Olivia Maginn, two of our most experienced motoring lawyers
Don't wait around to see if you've been charged with failing to report - get in touch today.
Anton Balkitis

Contact our Motoring Offence Law team

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Motoring Offence Law reviews

September 22, 2026
I had Chelsey and Anton representation on case and the outcome was even better than anticipated. Super helpful, knowledgeable and professional. Could not recommend this firm and them specifically enough!
- Farida
August 17, 2026
Handled my case with compassion, clarity and efficiency. Having never been served a prosecution notice, in entirely unexpected circumstances, I feared the worst. Reassurance was delivered immediately. My solicitor, Olivia was a class act the whole way and Chelsey coordinated the process never missing a beat, communicating effectively throughout. I felt supported and the outcome of my court hearing has ensured that I can continue to drive.
- Jake Tyers
August 14, 2026
Excellent service. Rothera Bray recently represented me in court for a driving offence and their service was second to none. Everyone that dealt with me, namely Chelsey, Georgina and especially Anton in court , were absolutely amazing. I also extend this to those working behind the scenes. They were friendly, compassionate and very understanding and at a time when I was feeling somewhat overwhelmed by everything they really put me at ease. The outcome was excellent for me following Anton's representation. I was so happy , I can't thank you enough. I highly recommend Rothera Bray and wouldn't hesitate to use them again, although I am NOT planning on finding myself in a similar situation EVER again! I couldn't have wished or hoped for a better service. Gold star. :) Thank you! X
- Rupert
July 15, 2026
I engaged Rothera Bray for a motoring matter. They were professional, fair, honest and competent throughout - having spoken with a few other law firms, it was a very easy choice to go with them and I’m delighted that I did. Chelsey and Rebeca did an excellent job, gathering information and helping to focus on what mattered most. Anton was superb, putting me at ease “on the day”. He showed his expertise and command throughout and achieved a great outcome. Very grateful to the whole team and highly recommend.
- Danny C
July 6, 2026
I cannot thank Chelsey and the team at Rothera Bray LLP enough for their outstanding support. We were facing a highly stressful motoring matter involving a Section 172 allegation alongside a speeding offence, which originally arose because we never received the initial NIP / request to provide driver details in the post. Chelsey was incredibly efficient, swift and proactive. Thanks to her exceptional legal expertise, she acted immediately to negotiate with the Prosecution, successfully getting the Section 172 charge completely withdrawn before the court date. She resolved the speeding offence smoothly without requiring our personal attendance in Court and secured an incredibly favourable outcome (minimum penalty points and zero prosecution costs). Her communication was clear, fast, and deeply reassuring throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend Chelsey and her firm to anyone who requires legal assistance with motoring matters.
- W Cheng
July 1, 2026
Anton, Rebeca & Chelsey have been excellent from start to finish. Professional and reliable at all stages, handling everything with care and attention to detail. Nothing has been any trouble and are fast to respond to any queries. Extremely knowledgeable in their field and without a doubt would recommend to anyone.
- Jessica Cousins
June 15, 2026
This firm is awesome, they delt with everything quickly, and professionally. Georgina Power was amazing, will definitely be using them again.
- Andy Flint
April 30, 2026
Rothera Bray put a strong hardship case for me successfully. I would like to give a personal thanks to Anton who was kind, approachable and I was impressed with his professionalism. If you want a lawyer who will work your behalf to get the best result then look no further. I can not thank them enough.
- Chris H
April 30, 2026
I recently instructed Rothera Bray Solicitors for a totting up/exceptional hardship case and cannot praise them highly enough. Despite some delays and inconsistencies on my part during case preparation, they remained professional, patient, and thorough throughout. The solicitor expertly presented my circumstances to the Magistrates, resulting in a finding of exceptional hardship and no disqualification despite reaching 12 points. This outcome has protected my employment and family responsibilities. Their communication was clear, their advice was sound, and their representation in court was excellent. I'm extremely grateful for their work during what was an incredibly stressful time. Would absolutely recommend to anyone facing similar circumstances.
- Terence
April 30, 2026
Rothera Bray solicitors helped me keep my licence. From start to finish they were absolutely brilliant. The solicitor they sent to court with me was brilliant. And I can’t thank them enough. I gave 5 stars, I would of gave 10 if possible!
- Steve Yeomans
April 28, 2026
Rothera Bray were extremely professional and employed great communication throughout the process. They talked me through the possible scenarios and what the potential outcomes might be. Both the Paralegals and the Solicitor were clear and concise during their representation and achieved the best outcome I could've hoped for. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again.
- AC
January 23, 2026
I recently had a legal issue I needed assistance with and was told of Rothera Bray by an acquaintance. From my very first conversation with a very pleasant lady called Rebeca, my mind was put at ease. Further along the line I was then in conversations with Chelsey, who too was great. Very professional and informative. I was kept up to date on a daily basis and the two people I mentioned truly made a terrible time, very manageable. I cannot recommend Rothera Bray solicitors enough.
- Ben Pitcher
January 19, 2026
We recently had a hearing with the TC. Originally we were not going to appoint a representative but last minute decided to do so. We were recommended Georgina Power of Rothera Bay Solicitors who I initially contacted to make enquiries. As soon as I spoke to her I knew straight away she would advise and help us to the best of her ability and that she certainly did. In a very short timeframe Georgina took ownership of all documentation which took a lot of pressure off us, never in the past had we dealt with such proceedings. Then she communicated via email and then arranged a teams meeting. On the day of the hearing we met and Georgina made us feel relaxed and confident going into the hearing. Georgina helped us get the result we needed and we were able to continue with our license. I cannot speak highly enough of Georgina and the firm. All emails were answered promptly and any question were always addressed. If there was a score to be had above excellent I would 100% give it. Thankyou so much Georgina.
- Anonymous
January 15, 2026
I was put in contact with Georgina Power at Rothera Bray Solicitors following our request to attend an STL (Senior Team Leader meeting with the Traffic Commissioner). From the first conversation I was made to feel comfortable with both the professionalism along with the knowledge/experience to deal with our case. Throughout the process we were guided/advised in all area's along with the required expectations, a witness statement was prepared along with the required supporting evidence in advance of our case. At the STL meeting we were supported by Georgina verbally and on the back of this a positive outcome was achieved.
- G Barker
January 15, 2026
I have been working with VUS Ltd for almost a year now following a DVSA Stop and subsequent MIVR they were recently summoned to an STL Meeting at The Office of Traffic Commissioner, I advised the MD of VUS that it would be advisable to get a specialist Transport Solicitor on board to assist with this matter. I always give the names of 2 different Solicitors to my client one being Georgina Power who I had worked with on a PI for Woodspace Ltd (t/a C Dart). Thank you again to Georgina who did a very professional job and I will contact her again when I need to.
- Peter Adams - Transport Manger
November 10, 2025
I would like to send a big shout out to Anton Balkitis at Rothera Bray. Appearing at Court for me and handling the judges, knowing what to say and how to say it, is not something I could have done on my own. It felt good to have someone on my side that really knew their stuff. I highly recommend for anyone who needs a helping hand and wants the best outcome at Court.
- Ryan