Legal Definitions - hit and run

The term "hit and run" refers to a specific crime committed by a driver who is involved in a vehicle collision but fails to stop at the scene and fulfill their legal obligations.

Specifically, it occurs when a driver:

• Is involved in an accident with another vehicle, property, or a person.
• Knowingly leaves the scene of the accident.
• Fails to provide their identity, vehicle registration, and other required information to the injured party, witnesses, or law enforcement officers.

The law generally requires drivers involved in an accident to stop, assess the situation, and exchange information. If only property damage occurs and no other person is present, leaving written contact information securely attached to the damaged property and promptly reporting the incident to the police may sometimes be sufficient, depending on state laws. However, simply driving away without taking these steps constitutes a hit and run, which is a serious offense.

Here are some examples illustrating "hit and run":

• Example 1: Collision with Another Vehicle

  A driver, while attempting to parallel park, misjudges the distance and scrapes the bumper of a parked car, leaving a visible dent and paint transfer. The driver glances around, sees no one immediately present, and quickly drives away without leaving a note with their contact information or reporting the incident to the police.

  This illustrates a hit and run because the driver was involved in a collision causing property damage, was aware of the incident, and intentionally left the scene without providing the legally required information.

• Example 2: Collision with Property

  During a late-night drive, a motorist veers slightly off the road and knocks over a homeowner's decorative stone mailbox, shattering it. Fearing the cost of repairs and potential insurance implications, the driver quickly straightens their vehicle and continues driving, never stopping to notify the homeowner or report the damage to authorities.

  This is a hit and run because the driver damaged private property, knew they had caused the damage, and deliberately departed the scene without fulfilling their legal duty to identify themselves or report the incident.

• Example 3: Collision Involving a Person (Minor Incident)

  In a busy parking lot, a driver backs out of a space and lightly bumps a pedestrian who is walking behind their car, causing the pedestrian to stumble but not fall. The driver sees the pedestrian regain their balance and, wanting to avoid a confrontation or delay, quickly drives off without stopping to check on the person's well-being or offer their contact information.

  This scenario constitutes a hit and run because the driver was involved in an incident with a person, failed to stop to ensure the person's safety, and did not provide their identity or other required details, regardless of whether the pedestrian appeared uninjured.