A hit-and-run driver--someone who leaves the scene of an accident without stopping to help anyone who’s been injured or exchange information with the other driver—can be charged with a crime that’s usually called “failure to stop and render aid.” A conviction will almost certainly result in a suspended driver’s license. It may also subject the offender to a fine or jail time.
Similar laws apply to boats and other types of watercraft.
The Duty to Give Information and Aid
Every state has its own laws about the duty of drivers to stop and provide information and assistance after an accident. Typically, drivers must give each other their names and addresses, the registration numbers of the vehicles, and the names of their insurance companies.
If anyone has been injured in the accident, the driver must provide reasonable assistance. That can include taking or making arrangements for transporting the person to a doctor for medical treatment if necessary.
Failure to Stop and Render Aid: Criminal Penalties
In most states, failure to stop and render aid is a minor charge—an infraction or a misdemeanor—if no one was hurt in the accident. The penalty might be a small fine, community service, or a short jail term.
If, however, someone was hurt, the driver who doesn’t stop could be charged with a felony. In Texas, for example, failure to stop and render aid at an accident that results in death or serious injury is a felony, punishable by a prison sentence of two to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
Driver’s License Suspension
If someone is convicted of failure to stop and give aid at an accident in which someone is injured or killed, another consequence is almost surely a suspended driver’s license. For example, under Colorado law, anyone who is convicted of leaving the scene of an accident where there was an injury or death will have his or her license revoked for a year. The license won’t be reinstated until the driver has a hearing and the hearing officer determines that it is safe—based on a review of the person’s driving ability, character, and habits—to restore driving privileges
Almost all states have entered into an agreement, commonly called the Driver License Compact, under which they exchange information about convictions such as leaving the scene of an accident. So, for example, if a Colorado driver is convicted of this crime in Alabama, the driver’s licensing authority in Colorado will be notified. The home state driver’s licensing agency will treat the conviction as if it had happened there—and suspend or revoke the driver’s license accordingly.
Get Legal Help
A conviction for a hit-and-run accident can have serious consequences. In addition to a criminal record and a suspended driver’s license, your insurance companies may revoke your insurance—and you could have a very hard time insuring another vehicle at a reasonable cost in the future.
