In most states (and the laws and consequences vary according to state) leaving the scene of an accident before exchanging driver documentation with the other person involved is considered Hit and Run and as such may result in criminal charges. In any case, the driver must stop his/her car whether the accident involved a pedestrian, another moving vehicle, a parked car or the property of another person. Driving away (fleeing the scene) even if you are not to blame can result in your being charged with Hit and run.
Hit and Run Laws
According to most states, and these laws vary according to state, the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident is required to stop their vehicle and locate the owner of the damaged vehicle and/or property and exchange with the owner driver documentation. If you are unable to locate the owner of the damaged property/vehicle you are generally required to leave a visible note on the damaged property which includes your name, telephone number and facts regarding the accident. You are also obligated to file a police report immediately.
Death or Serious Injury
In cases where the accident results in serious bodily injury, most laws require the driver to render reasonable aid to the injured person. If they fail to and the person dies, they can also be charged with vehicular manslaughter. Where death is the result of the accident the driver is also required to immediately report the accident to the nearest highway patrolman or police station.
Penalties for Hit and run
Each state has its own laws regarding penalties for those convicted of Hit and Run, but in most cases they will depend upon the extent of damage to the other person's property and the driver's criminal driving history (if he has one).
- Misdemeanors are the most common Hit and Run charges. They usually result in minimal property damage with no physical injuries. These type of Hit and Run misdemeanor penalties generally carry 6 months in county jail, fines, and victim restitution.
- Felonies result when the Hit and Run incident causes serious bodily injury or death. If convicted of a Hit and Run felony, you could be looking at penalties that include several years in prison, thousands of dollars in fines, DMV points, and license suspension.
Seek Legal Counsel
If you are involved in a Hit and Run accident your best course of action is to employ the services of an attorney who specializes in this sort of law. If serious bodily injury and/or death results from the accident you will need the assistance of a competent attorney.
