Can they put you in jail for not reporting a car accident?

Question

My friend was in a car accident 3 months ago that totalled her dodge charger. noone was hurt as she lost control on loose gravel and hit a tree completely destroying the car. She left the car there and walked home and failed to tell anyone and just left the car there out of harms way. Two days ago a county cop came to her front door and threatened her that she had to go to court for this incident and it not being reported and that she could possibly be put in jail. Is that right for the cop to say that and what could happen to her?

thanks to anyone who may try to help!

Answer 1

Well it is hard to prove who was driving. Yes, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident and the fact she left the car was not smart. She could have had it towed or something.

She could have been given a fail to maintain control ticket had a cop been there. IF she admits to it to the officer he can still give her one technically.

It will be very hard to prove if she was in fact driving since no one saw who it was.

Her insurance will need a police report to file a claim as well

Answer 2

She was wrong for leaving  from the accident. If she would have lift the accident to seek medical treatment then she would have been much better out. Did she leave the car there because she was drinkingand did'nt want to get in trouble.sense it was just her car in the wreckmust likely it will pass over without any big problems.

Answer 3

you have like ten days to report it though. look through ur DMV handbook. my Florida one said ten days.

Answer 4

Leaving the accident is against the law.  If it was truly an accident why didn't she report it?  Why abandon the car?  

Answer 5

Yep.  Oh, and that policeman was not "threatening".  That's not what they do.