What is the Penalty for a Hit and Run Accident?
If you are ever involved in a car accident of any kind, get to safety, check for injury, and call the police to report the accident. If youre ever in an accident where you hit another vehicle or a pedestrian, never flee the scene. Even if youre driving without a license or insurance and youre afraid of getting in trouble, it is always better to remain at the scene than it is to leave. The consequences of a hit-and-run accident are not worth it. The extent of the legal trouble youre in for leaving the scene of an accident varies, of course. The penalty varies depending on the state where the accident occurred and the extent of property damage and personal injury. Any time injury occurs, those hurt may be entitled to pain and suffering damages. A hit and run is typically defined as a car accident involving a pedestrian, a fixed object, or another vehicle, and then leaving the scene before you identify yourself or provide assistance to anyone who may need it. A few states even include any collision involving an animal in their definition of hit and run. In the majority of states, you do not have to be the one who causes the accident to be charged with a hit and run. The act of simply leaving the scene is enough for a charge. If you have to the scene to receive assistance  such as going to a nearby location for a better cell signal, most states consider this okay. However, you have to immediately return to the scene. Most states also include parking collision provisions in their hit and run laws. So, if you back into an unoccupied car as youre leaving the grocery store and dont take the time to leave a note with your contact information on it, you can be charged with a hit and run. Criminal Penalties for Hit and Run  If you leave the scene of an accident, the criminal penalty will vary. Most states can charge you with either a misdemeanor or a felony. Typically, felony hit and run is reserved for leaving the scene of an accident where injury has occurred  whether that is a pedestrian or a vehicle occupant. In the case of a felony, most states charge fines ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, with potential for jail time. Some states can sentence up to 15 years in prison, depending on the nature of the accident and its resulting injuries. In the case of misdemeanors, you may be fined up to 5,000 and up to 12 months in jail. Beyond criminal charges, you may also find yourself with administrative penalties on your license, depending on the state. Many states automatically revoke or suspend your license for about six months, regardless of whether the conviction is a misdemeanor or a felony. Not only this, but your insurance company may drop you, making it hard for you to continue to drive a vehicle. If they dont drop you, your premium will definitely increase. If you are ever involved in a car accident of any kind, get to safety, check for injury, and call the police to report the accident.