Hit and run, parked car, advice needed.

[De2020]

Before we get started, the fault is fully mine, I accept this.
I was driving down a road in a usual manner, pulled too far to the left hand side of the road and hit a car parked half on the road and half on the pavement, a honest accident.
I immediately pulled over, got out of my car and anxiety and fear seriously kicked in, I couldn't control my bladder, my emotions or thoughts. Stupidly I left the scene as someone approached, I really had no idea what I was doing or what I was going to do.

A long story short, I need to appear in court and rightfully so. I never once thought I'd get away with no bad karma coming my way. I'm not a trouble maker, just a serious wimp who buried my head.
I've never been in trouble with the police before and I have no points on my license.
Over the past few weeks I've been trying so hard to find out an accurate punishment I might face?
I can't afford legal advice, I can't afford a fine up to 5000 and the thought of prison has given me nightmares and anxiety daily.

I could really do with any advice anyone might be able to give.

Again, it's completely my fault and I'm seriously worried. Thank you in advance

You won't go to jail OP.

I'm in Scotland but what I would say is as follows,

Write out a clear and factual letter to hand over incase you feel unable to speak, or to read if you manage.

The letter should apologise, explain your health position, your reasons for leaving, your financial circumstances, your personal circumstances, eg dependent children, employment, outgoings etc. State that you have no previous convictions and no points on licence.

Any recompense which has been made, Ie, have the insurance now dealt with it?

Here a duty solicitor would chat to you on the day and deal with it. You would be looking at points and a fine, but can ask for time to pay at an affordable rate a month. I'm sure someone will clarify if it's the same in England if that's where you are.

For future, if something like that were to happen and you don't feel safe, able to stay, leave your details on the car and report it to the police ASAP. The silly thing is if you had done that then this part would have been avoided. Accidents happen.

Are you sure you need to attend court OP? People we send to court for failing to Stop at an accident have the option of pleading by post.
If the only offence is failing to stop at an accident and no one was hurt you will not go to Prison. Yes it is a serious offence in that it is recorded, but you will get a fine and normally 6 points (If you plead guilty). The fine Is worked out via your income - you should have been sent a form for you to fill in for the court to declare your income - this is so they can work out a suitable fine.
I have never known anyone get a £5000 fine (assuming you are in England).otherwise you seem genuinely remorseful and that goes a long way in court.

I can't thank you enough for your detailed replies! I will take your advice and write a letter beforehand, I haven't been able to bring myself to tell friends and family (burying my head).
Yes I had a letter with a hearing date, no option of pleading by post. I do have the finance form that I will fill in and send straight back.
Thanks again

Make sure you keep copies of everything you send to the court so you can take them with you on the day. That way if there is a problem with the post you will not be panicking about trying to fill everything in again.
It sounds like you are intending on a guilty plea. The hearing should go quite quickly in that respect. You will probably spend more time Just waiting for your slot in court that day.
Going to court will probably not be such a bad thing for you op . At least this way you can perhaps make a formal apology in court. Not sure how you would feel about that but it sounds like this is Playing on your mind so might help you move on after this is all over.

Thank you PinkBuffalo you've been a great help x

What follows assumes you are in England or Wales.

From the description you give this sounds like your offence will fall into category 3. If that is the case the starting point for sentencing is a band B fine (75%-125% of your weekly income) and 5 or 6 points on your license. It is possible that the court would go for a band A fine (25%-75% of weekly income) or a band C fine (125%-175%). Pleading guilty should lead to a lower fine, as should the fact this is your first offence.

Prison is reserved for the most serious cases. From your description it sounds highly unlikely that you will get a prison sentence.