What Happens If You Leave the Scene of an Accident?

What Happens If You Leave the Scene of an Accident?

Leaving the scene of an accident can lead to criminal charges, driver’s license consequences and complications in a personal injury claim, especially when someone is injured or killed.

Key Takeaways

• Arizona, California and Colorado treat leaving a crash scene as a criminal offense. The potential charge becomes substantially more serious when someone is injured or killed.
• Drivers generally must stop, exchange identifying information and provide reasonable assistance to anyone who is hurt, regardless of who caused the collision.
• Leaving the scene of an accident doesn’t automatically eliminate a driver’s right to pursue a personal injury claim, but it can create serious credibility and evidence problems.
• Uninsured motorist coverage may compensate someone injured by an unidentified hit-and-run driver.

Drivers leave accident scenes for many reasons. Some panic. Others may not have insurance or may fear being arrested. In some cases, a driver may not even realize that a collision occurred.

Whatever the reason, the legal consequences can be serious. So, what happens if you leave the scene of an accident?

What Happens When You Leave the Scene of an Accident?

Police continue investigating an accident even if someone left the area. Officers may interview witnesses, request footage from traffic cameras, review recordings from nearby homes and businesses and attempt to trace even a partial license plate number.

Charges can be filed days or weeks later once investigators identify the vehicle and determine who was driving. A court may also issue an arrest warrant when authorities have sufficient evidence to support a criminal charge.

Is Leaving the Scene of an Accident a Crime?

Leaving an accident scene is a criminal matter, not simply an ordinary traffic citation. The severity of the potential charge usually depends on the consequences of the crash. An accident involving only property damage is generally treated less severely than one that causes an injury, serious physical injury or death.

What Is Considered Leaving the Scene of an Accident?

Leaving the scene of an accident doesn't always mean driving away without stopping. A driver may also break the law by stopping but failing to take the required steps after a crash. This may include:

• Failing to stop at the scene or as close to it as safely possible.
• Failing to return right away after moving the vehicle.
• Failing to give the other people involved a name, address and vehicle registration number.
• Refusing to show a driver’s license when asked.
• Failing to help someone who is injured, such as by calling for medical help or arranging a ride to a hospital.
• Failing to leave a note with contact information after hitting a parked car, fence, mailbox or other unattended property.

Missing any one of these steps can lead to criminal charges. In Arizona, failing to help an injured person may be charged as a class 6 felony even if the driver gives the required contact and vehicle information.

What Should You Do Immediately After Leaving an Accident Scene?



If you’ve already left the scene of an accident, return immediately when it’s safe to do so. When returning would be dangerous or impractical, contact law enforcement promptly, report the collision and explain why you left. Giving a report on the same day of the accident is generally more credible than an account provided days or weeks later.

You should also seek medical care for any injuries. Prompt treatment protects your health and creates records that may be important in a personal injury claim or insurance dispute.

Preserve as much evidence as possible, including photographs, witness contact information, repair estimates, medical records and communications with insurers. Because a property-damage accident carries different risks from a crash involving serious injuries, it may also be wise to speak with a car accident attorney before giving a detailed statement.

What Should You Do If the Other Driver Leaves the Accident Scene?

If another driver leaves the scene of an accident, call 911 and report the collision as soon as possible. Give the dispatcher any details you remember about the vehicle, including its make, model, color, license plate number, direction of travel and visible damage. Never chase the driver, since doing so could put you and others at greater risk.

Seek medical attention, even if your injuries initially seem minor. Then document the scene by photographing the vehicles, road conditions, debris, skid marks and nearby traffic signs. Ask witnesses for their names and contact information, and look for nearby cameras that may have recorded the crash.

You should also notify your insurance company promptly and preserve repair estimates, medical records and communications related to the accident. Taking these steps after an accident can help police identify the driver and strengthen a personal injury or uninsured motorist claim if the driver is never found.

Can You Still File a Personal Injury Claim if You Left the Scene?

Leaving the scene of an accident doesn’t automatically prevent you from filing a personal injury claim. The criminal charge and the injury claim are separate matters, so you may still pursue compensation from the driver who caused the crash.

However, leaving can weaken your case. An insurance company may question your credibility, argue that your actions contributed to the loss of evidence or claim that you share responsibility for your injuries.

Also keep in mind that Arizona and California reduce compensation according to the injured person’s percentage of fault. In Colorado, you cannot recover damages if you're 50% or more at fault.

Can You Use Uninsured Motorist Coverage for a Hit-and-Run?

Uninsured motorist coverage may compensate you when a hit-and-run driver cannot be identified. Depending on your policy, it may cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and other losses.

You make the claim through your own insurer, but the company can still dispute whether the policy applies or how much it should pay.

Do You Need a Lawyer if Someone Left the Scene of an Accident?

Hit-and-run cases often depend on evidence that can disappear quickly. Security footage may be erased, witnesses may become difficult to find and the responsible driver may remain unidentified.

An attorney can request that businesses preserve video, gather witness statements, work to identify the vehicle and document your injuries and financial losses. Legal help may be particularly valuable when the injuries are serious or your insurer disputes uninsured motorist coverage.

Most personal injury firms offer free consultations, allowing you to learn whether you have a claim before deciding how to proceed.

Talk With Sargon Law Group About What Happens If You Leave the Scene of an Accident

If you were injured and someone left the scene of an accident, you don't have to protect your rights alone. Sargon Law Group proudly represents injured individuals throughout Arizona, California, and Colorado, ensuring clients work directly with the attorney assigned to their case. Our team is available 24/7, offers trilingual support, and works on a contingency fee basis.

If you need answers after a crash, contact Sargon Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney.