Leaving the Scene of an Accident/Hit and Run: State Laws

All states have laws covering hit and run accidents under their traffic laws. Leaving the scene of an accident is more serious than a simple traffic violation. It can carry significant legal implications.

Generally, a hit and run occurs if you leave the scene of an auto accident without identifying yourself or rendering aid to injured parties. This definition covers collisions with:

• Pedestrians
• Other cars (either in motion or unattended vehicles)
• Fixed objects (like a mailbox, fence, pole, or signpost)

The legal definition of hit and run doesn't include fault. The violation is committed if you leave the scene, regardless of whether you caused the accident. Most states allow an exception for a driver to temporarily leave the scene to get emergency help.

Penalties for leaving the scene of an accident include fines, loss of driving privileges, and jail time. These offenses may be classified as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the details of the accident and the level of injuries.

Typically, felony hit and run charges occur when a driver leaves the scene of an accident where a driver, passenger, or pedestrian has been injured. Penalties are even more severe if the accident results in serious bodily injury or death.

State Laws and Statutes

You'll find links to state-specific hit and run laws in the table below. The linked materials cover several legal aspects of these regulations, including:

• Requirements to exchange information (contact, insurance company, and vehicle registration number) after a fender bender or minor accident
• Unique rules and penalties for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injuries or death
• Consequences for leaving the scene of a car accident resulting in only property damage
• Protocols for offering reasonable assistance to injured persons and when to render aid
• Civil liability for hit and run accidents (damages for medical treatment, lost wages, and other expenses)
• What to do if you hit an unattended parked car (like leaving a written notice in a conspicuous place)
• Hit and run criminal offense levels and varying sentencing guidelines, fines, and penalties
• Reporting an accident to your local law enforcement agency and waiting for police officers to arrive

Charged With a Hit and Run? Get Legal Guidance

Leaving the scene of an accident can be a serious criminal charge. It can carry penalties from driver's license suspension to incarceration. If you've been charged with a hit and run, you'll need a strong defense in court. Consider speaking to a criminal defense attorney in your area who can review the details of the offense and help you build the best defense possible.

If your vehicle has been damaged by a driver who left the scene of the accident, you can speak with a traffic ticket attorney for legal advice. If you've been injured, you may be eligible for compensation to cover your medical bills, rehabilitation, and other expenses.