{"id":355918,"date":"2016-04-04T11:04:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:04:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/leaving-the-scene-of-an-accident-hit-and-run.html"},"modified":"2023-11-21T17:48:37","modified_gmt":"2023-11-21T22:48:37","slug":"leaving-the-scene-of-an-accident-hit-and-run","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/leaving-the-scene-of-an-accident-hit-and-run.html","title":{"rendered":"Leaving the Scene of an Accident and Hit and Run"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Leaving the Scene of an Accident and Hit and Run<\/h1>\n
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\n By Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

When a motor vehicle accident occurs, state traffic laws require drivers involved to follow certain procedures immediately after the incident. In general, those involved in an accident<\/a> must stay at the scene after it occurs, get medical help for anyone in need, and wait for the police to arrive.<\/p>\r\n

When a driver fails to follow these procedures, they can be charged with leaving the scene of an accident, or a hit and run<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Leaving the scene of an accident is more serious than an infraction-level traffic offense<\/a>. Hit-and-run drivers can face significant consequences, depending on the circumstances of the accident.<\/p>\r\n

In most states<\/a>, the specific protocols that must be followed depend on a few factors. These include whether the accident:<\/p>\r\n