The penalties for a hit-and-run where no one is injured generally include fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Depending on the state where the accident occurs, a misdemeanor charge may also be applied.
Getting into an accident is a stressful situation, no matter the circumstance. But it’s important to remember that leaving the scene before exchanging information with the other drivers can lead to serious hit-and-run charges. Even in cases where no one is injured, you must remain at the scene.
To help you understand the penalties you can expect from a hit-and-run charge, the car insurance
experts at Jerry
have put together this guide. From what to do if you are the victim of a hit-and-run to how a hit-and-run charge can affect your insurance, here’s everything you need to know. RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
What is the penalty for a hit and run with no injuries?
The penalties for a hit and run with no serious injuries will vary from state to state. However, in all states, any driver who leaves the scene of an accident before exchanging information with the other parties and law officers is committing an illegal act and will potentially face the following:
The accident's severity and driving history will come into play and may even affect the penalties you’ll face. For example, if the hit and run is your first offense, you may not have to pay the maximum fine required by your state.
However, a hit-and-run charge will be added to your record even if no one was injured. Depending on your state, this charge could appear as demerit points or a major violation, or it could be considered a reason to suspend your license.
Generally, states will divide hit-and-run cases into two categories:
Hit and run resulting in property damage
Hit and run resulting in injury or death
The penalties for a hit and run resulting only in property damage can still be pretty heavy—in some states, you could face a misdemeanor or even jail time. Always make every effort to contact the owner of damaged property, whether it’s a knocked-over fence or a parked car, so that you are not charged with a hit and run.
Let’s consider some examples of the penalties for a hit and run based on state:
| Hit and Run Charge (No injuries) | |
|---|
| | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $6,000 |
| Class 2 or Class 3 Misdemeanor | Maximum 4 months in jail and fine up to $750 OR Maximum 30 days in jail and fine up to $500 AND license revocation for one year |
| | Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 |
| | $5 fine for the Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund |
| | Revocation of license for one year |
| | Up to one year in jail and fine up to $2,500; if the damage is over $1,000, driver's license can be suspended |
| | Up to 180 days in jail and fine up to $1,000 |
| | Fine of up to $500 and/or up to 2 months in jail |
| | Up to 90 days in jail and/or fine up to $100 |
| | Fine of up to $250 and/or up to 15 days in jail |
Is leaving the scene of an accident illegal?
Yes. If you are involved in a collision or accident, you must stay at the scene until you have exchanged information with the other drivers and law enforcement. You will have to provide:
Any other required documentation
If you leave before this information has been provided, you can be charged with a hit-and-run.
If no one is present at the scene—for example, if you hit an unattended vehicle or a stationary object—you are still legally required to provide your contact information. Leave a note in a conspicuous place on the damaged property and make every reasonable effort to contact the owner—in some cases, you will have to report the accident to the police.
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What are hit and run laws?
If a driver hits a pedestrian, bicycle, motor vehicle, or any other form of property and leaves without providing their information, they will be subject to a hit-and-run charge. Hit-and-run laws also apply to any motorist or involved party that leaves the scene, even if they were not at fault.
Regardless of your state, there are laws to prevent drivers from leaving the scene of an accident before they provide their information. This allows all parties involved to claim to their insurance company and provides the necessary contact information if legal proceedings or further police investigation are required.
There is another reason that hit-and-run laws are in place: when there is an accident, drivers have a legal obligation to check on the well-being of everyone involved. If someone is injured in an accident and requires immediate medical assistance, the drivers involved have the best chance of calling emergency services in time.
Hit-and-run laws will apply if a driver leaves the scene of an accident without attending to these two very important obligations. Also, remember that even if a driver did not cause the accident, they can still be charged with a hit-and-run if they leave the scene prematurely.
A hit-and-run charge will be added on top of any accident-related violations. For example, one reason a driver may flee the accident scene is to avoid a driving under the influence (DUI)
charge, which is a major violation that carries heavy penalties. But a hit-and-run charge on top of a DUI charge can really wreck your driving record, insurance rates, and even your criminal record—it’s better to take responsibility for the DUI than risk compounding it with a hit-and-run. Across the board, hit-and-run charges carry more severe penalties if the accident results in injury or death. If you are facing criminal charges for leaving the scene of an accident, you should get in touch with a law firm—many lawyers will provide a free consultation and can provide legal advice throughout your case, especially if they are criminal defense lawyers.
What to do if you’re in a hit-and-run car accident
If you get into an accident where a driver has left the scene without leaving their contact information, here are some steps to take immediately:
Make sure that everyone in your vehicle is alright and call emergency services.
If you are able, check on the other parties involved in the accident and make every effort to provide reasonable assistance.
Move your vehicle out of danger if possible. Do not leave the scene.
Exchange your contact and insurance information with any other involved parties.
Take down any information from witnesses, including a way to contact them.
Note down anything you remember about the hit-and-run vehicle: car model, license plate number, what the driver looked like, bumper stickers, etc.
Stay at the accident scene until a police officer or emergency personnel clears you to leave.
You will need toinform your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. The police will let you know if you also need to file a report at the local police station. They may call you for further information if they locate the hit-and-run driver.
MORE: Hit and run insurance claims: Everything you need to know
How a hit-and-run accident affects car insurance
If you are found guilty of a hit-and-run, you’ll have to deal with more than just a major violation on your driver’s license. Heavy fines, license revocation, and jail time are all on the table depending on the state you live in and the severity of the case. But what about your car insurance?
Sometimes, a provider may cancel your insurance coverage outright if you are convicted of a hit and run. Even if your insurer continues to offer coverage, you could go from paying a few hundred a year to hundreds or even thousands more for your insurance.
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, your insurance rates should not be affected. However, you may have to pay for repairs unless you have hit-and-run coverage. That’s why some drivers pursue personal injury litigation against a hit-and-run driver once their identity is discovered.
MORE: How different types of car accidents affect your insurance rates
How to find cheap car insurance (even with a bad record)
Finding cheap car insurance
can feel impossible if you have a hit-and-run or other major violation on your driving record. But with the Jerry
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