Legal Definitions - hit and run statute

A hit and run statute is a law that legally obligates any driver involved in a motor vehicle accident to stop immediately at the scene. The fundamental purpose of these laws is to ensure that all parties involved can exchange necessary information, receive appropriate assistance if needed, and that accountability can be established. This requirement applies regardless of who may be at fault, the perceived severity of the accident, or whether the collision involves another vehicle, private property, or an individual.

Typically, these statutes mandate that drivers:

• Stop their vehicle safely at or near the accident scene.
• Check for any injuries to persons and assess damage to property.
• Exchange identifying information, such as name, address, and insurance details, with other involved parties.
• Provide reasonable assistance to anyone who may be injured.
• Report the incident to law enforcement, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage, and wait for an officer to arrive if required.

Failing to comply with these requirements and leaving the scene of an accident is considered a "hit and run" and carries significant legal penalties, which can range from fines and license suspension to imprisonment, depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the accident.

Examples:

• Minor Parking Lot Collision: Imagine a driver is backing out of a parking space at a grocery store and accidentally scrapes the bumper of a parked car, leaving a noticeable scratch. Even though the damage is minor and no one was injured, the driver is legally required by a hit and run statute to stop, attempt to locate the owner of the damaged vehicle, and exchange contact and insurance information. If the owner cannot be found, the driver should leave a note with their details in a conspicuous place on the damaged vehicle. Driving away without taking these steps would constitute a hit and run.

• Damage to Private Property: A motorist is driving down a residential street and swerves to avoid a sudden obstacle, accidentally hitting and damaging a homeowner's mailbox and a section of their fence. Despite the absence of another vehicle or person involved in the collision, the hit and run statute requires the driver to stop. The driver must then attempt to notify the property owner of the damage, provide their contact information, and potentially report the incident to the police, rather than simply continuing their journey.

• Pedestrian Interaction: A car is making a slow turn at an intersection and lightly clips a pedestrian's shopping bag, causing the pedestrian to stumble slightly but remain upright and seemingly uninjured. Even if the pedestrian waves off the driver, indicating they are fine and don't require assistance, the driver is still legally obligated under a hit and run statute to stop, check on the pedestrian's well-being, and offer to exchange information. Leaving the scene, even with the pedestrian's apparent reassurance, could still be considered a hit and run because an "accident" involving a person occurred.