What is considered a hit and run?
You are driving home on one cool afternoon when you suddenly hit another car that rolls down the valley. You look around and luckily, no one saw you.
You quickly drive away well knowing no one saw you and you, also because don’t like getting involved in the complexities of a car accident. A few minutes later while relaxed on your sofa, your heart begins to race and you quickly remember all the possible consequences.
Are you gonna be charged with leaving the scene of an accident offense or a hit and run? what are the differences between the two? How does your state define a hit and run and what should you do following a car crash?
Well, let’s explore what it means by “leaving the scene of an accident and how to avoid committing a hit-and-run. Ready? let’s dive in.
Page Contents
Definition of a hit and run
A hit and run occur when following a crash, the driver(s) leave the scene of an accident without sharing personal information, reporting the crash, and or rendering aid if there is any person(s) injured due to the crash.
Read more: What happens if someone reports your plates after a hit-and-run?
It’s everyone’s legal obligation to stop at the scene of an accident, or as close as possible, and ensure the above legal obligations are carried out as prescribed by every state or country.
Importance of reporting a hit and run
Reporting a hit and run is crucial for several reasons. Here are some of the reasons why it is important to report a hit and run:
1. Legal obligation. As I already mentioned, stopping at the scene of an accident and reporting the crash is a legal obligation in all states. Failure to report any crash is an offense and can result in criminal charges and severe legal penalties.
2. Safety of all the parties involved. By reporting a hit and run accident, you will be helping all the persons involved in the accident to receive the required medical treatment.
3. Helps in insurance claims. If the driver behind the hit and run accident is identified, his/her insurance company will be held responsible for paying all the damages.
4. Identifying the driver. Reporting a hit and run helps authorities to track down the driver that is responsible for the accident. Such driver(s) will be held accountable for their actions thus preventing future similar incidents.
5. Prevention of future accidents. Once the driver is held accountable for their reckless driving, such drivers will try to drive responsibly in the future to avoid similar charges.
How to avoid a hit and run?
Hit and runs are serious criminal offenses. Depending on the severity of damages/injuries, the driver may be in for a significant length of jail/prison time, hefty fines, and or revocation/suspension of your driver’s license.
Below are my recommended tips to avoid a hit-and-run:
1. Stay alert. “A study conducted in the UK revealed that the number one cause of car accidents was “failure to look properly” and distracted driving”, says Adams, a police officer in San ReDiego.
Recommended reading: What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
“To avoid causing accidents, you must concentrate on driving. Avoid distractions like texting or using your phone while behind the wheel”, concludes Adams.
2. Follow the rules. You must ensure you followed traffic rules like your state’s speed limits, stops signs, and other traffic lights.
3. Be aware of your surroundings. While driving ensure you are keeping an eye on other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
4. Parking. ensure you parked your car in safe and well-lit areas. This will reduce the risk of having your vehicle hit by other cars.
5. Install a dash cam. Dash cams help by recording any events while driving. It may later help you if you are falsely accused of causing an accident.
What to do if you witness a hit and run?
Charges of hit and run are imposed on drivers that illegally leave the scene of an accident. To hold the drivers responsible, the police or prosecutor will need concrete evidence.
What should you do if you witness a hit and run accident? If you witness a hit and run, here are some steps you can take:
1. Pullover. If you witness a hit and run while driving your car, I recommend pulling over at the scene if you deem it safer, or at least 100 metres away from the crash scene.
2. Record information. Records as much information as possible. Ensure you get records of the car, occupants, color of the car, make, model, license plate information, and any other distinguishing features.
4. Call the police. If there are injuries, call 911. You should also call and report the crash to the authorities. Make sure you provide the police with the information you recorded regarding the accident scene.
5. Render aid. If you are trained in first aid, help those that are injured. If you have no training, call and wait for the police to arrive at the scene of an accident.
6. Provide a statement. Tell the police everything you know. Make sure to talk to eyewitnesses who saw what happened and report to the police accordingly.
what is considered a hit and run in california?
In California, a hit and run is defined as leaving the scene of an accident without sharing information or rendering help if there are injuries or deaths.
In California, the penalty of leaving the scene of an accident involving property damages only is called a hit and run misdemeanor.
In California, a driver that commits a hit and run misdemeanor receives a punishment of up to 6 months in jail, fines of up to $1,000, and 2 points on your driving record.
Additionally, you will face charges of a hit and run felony in California if you left the scene of an accident involving injuries or deaths. The penalties of a hit and run felony are up to 4 years in prison, fines of up to $10,000, and or suspension of your driver’s license.
what is considered a hit and run in georgia?
Just like in California, a hit and run in Georgia is defined as leaving the scene of an accident without sharing your information and or rendering help if there is a need.
Below are some of the things you need to know about hit and run in Georgia.
1. Hit and run misdemeanor. This occurs when you leave the scene of an accident involving only property damages. In short, the accident involved no injuries or deaths.
Recommended reading: What Happens If You Have a Car Accident Without Insurance?
In Georgia, Penalties for a misdemeanor hit and run can range from fines and restitution to jail time.
2. Hit and run felony. In Georgia, a hit and run felony is your charge if you left the scene of an accident involving injuries and or deaths. Just like in California, Penalties for a felony hit and run can include prison sentences.
what is considered a hit and run in texas?
In Texas, You will have committed a hit and run crime if you fled or left the scene of an accident without properly identifying yourself to anyone involved in the crash. You will also face charges if you failed to help people that are injured in the crash.
You will also face serious consequences or criminal charges if you left the scene of an accident in Texas before reporting the accident to the police.
The offenses of leaving the scene of an accident in Texas can range from a felony or misdemeanor depending on the degree of damages or injuries.
If you are suspected to be a hit-and-run perpetrator, charges will be initiated by a letter from police informing you that you are suspect, or a criminal citation will be emailed to you.
Conclusion.
Irrespective of where you are reading this from, what constitutes a hit and run seems to be the same. In whatever country or state you may be reading this article from, the law states that you must stop at the scene of an accident.
However, the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident vary from one area of jurisdiction to another. I highly recommend seeking legal representation whether you are a victim or the driver that just committed a hit and run.
Source.
1.penalty | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute. Website: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/penalty#:~:text=A%20penalty%20is%20the%20punishment,penalties%20are%20usually%20less%20severe.
2. Types of Criminal Offenses Under the Law. website: https://www.justia.com/criminal/offenses/
3. Hit and Run – The 2 Types and What to do if You’re Involved. Source: https://www.feldmanroyle.com/vehicular-crimes/hit-and-run/
4. Hit-and-Run Criminal Charges and Conviction Penalties. source: https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/hit-run-charges.html
5. What is a Hit and Run? Let’s Look at the Law. source: https://www.daveabels.com/is-it-really-a-hit-and-run-lets-look-at-the-law/