What Are the Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident?

The consequences of leaving the scene of an accident, or committing a hit and run, will depend on the state in which the accident occurred and the severity of the accident. The penalties for leaving the scene of an accident are the harshest when someone is killed or injured in the collision and the driver fails to stop. Most states consider this type of hit-and-run offense a felony. Conversely, if a driver causes only property damage in an accident and flees the scene, he/she may be guilty only of a misdemeanor offense. Read on for details on the penalties for hit and run violations.

Failure to Stop When Injury or Death Occurs

Leaving the scene of an accident becomes a felonious offense if someone was injured or killed in that accident. In most states, the felony is particularly serious if the driver who fled the scene was the driver who caused the accident. Drivers have a responsibility to stop as soon as possible in a safe place after an accident and notify the authorities in these kinds of accidents. Failing to do so may result in significant fines, license suspension or revocation, and years in prison. Having prior hit-and-run convictions on your record will result in even more serious consequences.

Failure to Stop When Property Damage Occurs

Fleeing the scene of an accident where only property damage occurs is not quite as serious of an offense. Most states consider this type of hit and run a relatively minor misdemeanor, punishable by fines and small jail sentences in certain cases. Remember that even if you stopped after an accident occurred, you can still be charged with leaving the scene of an accident until you have completed all the duties set forth by your state law for parties involved in an accident. Get a law enforcement officer’s clearance before you leave the scene.