What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident

It is stressful to be involved in any type of accident. Things can get even more complicated if the other driver didn’t exchange information with you and simply left the scene. What do you do when you’re left alone to wait for authorities? This guide will help you navigate one of the most stressful situations a driver can face.

What Can Be Defined as a Hit-and-Run Accident?

An accident can be considered a hit-and-run if at least one person involved in the incident fails to inform authorities, give contact details, or offer any assistance. A collision can be considered a hit-and-run incident regardless if the other party involved is a fellow motorist, a pedestrian, an establishment, or an object.

Whether you were at fault or not, leaving the scene is illegal in most states. Depending on the situation, it may be considered a misdemeanor or a felony if another person is injured.

Handling a Hit and Run

Being a victim of a hit-and-run accident can be a terrifying and frustrating experience. Here are some dos and don’ts when dealing with this type of situation:

Check for Injuries

Before anything else, you have to make sure that you and your passengers are safe. If your car is in a dangerous location following the crash, move it once it is safe.

Call 911

Law enforcement can assist with medical assistance, so call 911 if someone is seriously injured. If you are trained, give first aid to injured passengers.

Get Adequate Information About the Incident

Once you’re safe, gather as much information as you can about the other vehicle and driver. Written documentation is essential so that you do not have to rely solely on memory. Images can also be useful.

If possible, gather the following information:

• The license plate information of those involved
• Vehicles’ year, make, and model
• Details of the damage
• The direction of the vehicles (where they’re headed)
• Place, time, and possible cause of the accident
• Take photos of the incident 

Talk to a Witness

Do ask witnesses if they have any additional information about the accident. Get their names and contact information if they’re willing to give you or the police a statement. Witness information is especially valuable if the hit-and-run happened while you were not in your vehicle.

Report the Incident

Aside from asking for medical assistance, it’s also crucial to report the incident to the police or a collision reporting center (CRC), not more than 24 hours after the accident happened. Your report will help the police apprehend the person at fault. Provide them with all of the information you’ve gathered, as well as the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.

Contact your Insurance Company

Insurance coverage varies depending on your provider and state. If you are involved in a hit-and-run, your auto insurance policy may cover some of your expenses. Furthermore, any deductible or policy limit that you have chosen will apply. Contact your insurance agent to know more about what applies to your vehicle.

In this situation, having collision and medical payment coverage can be extremely beneficial. Collision coverage pays for vehicle damage, while medical payments coverage pays for hospital bills following an accident.

Don’t Chase the Perpetrator

It’s unsafe to engage in a car chase with a stranger. Aside from that, you’ll also leave the scene of the accident, which can also put you in a bad position. You’ll also lose out on hearing from eyewitnesses, and authorities might wonder who was truly at fault.

What Is the Penalty for Hit and Run With No Injuries?

State rules on hit-and-runs can differ. If found guilty of a hit-and-run incident, the offender may also be subject to fines, jail time, license suspension, and other legal repercussions.

Although laws may vary, there are common denominators. Any driver who flees the scene of an accident before exchanging information with the other parties and law enforcement may be breaking the law and could face the following penalties in all states:

• Hit-and-run-charges with a fine
• Suspension of license
• Jail time

Take note, however, that this will depend on the severity of the accident. A driver who leaves the scene of an accident after committing a hit-and-run is likely to receive a traffic ticket at the very least. But in many cases, the harm brought on by the collision may be greater, and the driver may be subject to harsher punishments.

In Arizona, leaving the scene in a non-injury accident is a class 2 misdemeanor. The attended vehicle hit-and-run punishment carries a potential jail sentence of 0 to 4 months as well as a $1500 fine. Your license could possibly be suspended by the court for a whole year.

What Are Your Responsibilities As a Driver Involved In an Accident?

To avoid any unwanted fines and charges, here are your responsibilities as a driver in case you’re involved in a collision:

• Make sure to stop the vehicle. If needed, move it to a safe location. 
• You’re obliged to exchange contact information with authorities and those involved. 
• Seek medical assistance and contact authorities when necessary.

What If the Accident Involves an Unattended Vehicle?

A driver is required to make a reasonable effort to locate the owner of any vacant vehicles or other property for which there is no obvious owner after an accident in order to notify them of what happened. Leaving a note at the scene of the collision with a description of what happened and contact information is a good idea in case you get involved in this type of accident.