A hit-and-run accident is when a driver hits another car, person, or piece of property and then flees the scene without stopping to provide their personal information. In Arizona, this can result in serious criminal charges ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony.
This article looks at the frequency of hit-and-run accidents, the laws that apply, and what to do if you’re involved in a hit-and-run car crash in Arizona.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, there were 15,014 hit-and-run accidents in 2017. Of those, 64 resulted in fatalities and 2,900 resulted in injuries. A majority (12,050) resulted in property damage only.
The two most likely victims of hit-and-run accidents are pedestrians and cyclists. Car accidents involving multiple vehicles generally result in damage significant enough to prevent either drivers from being able to flee the scene.
The high rate of hit-and-run accidents in Arizona is due, in part, to the fact that the state has grown rapidly. In the last 7 years, Arizona has increased by almost 800,000 drivers.
Under Arizona law, a driver is legally obligated to stop and take certain actions after an accident. The actions that drivers must take and the penalties for failing to take those actions depend on the nature of the accident:
Arizona Penalties for Hit-and-Run Crashes | ||
---|---|---|
Type of accident | Maximum penalty for fleeing the scene | Statute |
Damage to non-vehicle | 30 days jail, 1 year probation, $500 fine (plus surcharges) | A.R.S. § 28-665 |
Damage to parked vehicle | 30 days jail, 1 year probation, $500 fine (plus surcharges) | A.R.S. § 28-664 |
Property damage only | 4 months in jail, 2 years of probation, $750 fine (plus surcharges) | A.R.S. § 28-662 |
Non-serious injury | 2.5 years prison (more if prior felony conviction), loss of driver’s license for 3 years | A.R.S. § 28-661 |
Serious injury or death (where you did not cause the accident) | 8.75 years (or more if prior felony conviction), loss of driver’s license for 5 years | A.R.S. § 28-661 |
Serious injury or death (where you caused the accident) | 12.5 years (or more if prior felony conviction), loss of driver’s license for 10 years | A.R.S. § 28-661 |
There are many reasons why a driver might flee the scene of an accident. Some of the more common reasons include:
While unequivocally the wrong decision, fleeing the scene of an accident that you caused is a common impulse. You may fear that the other driver will retaliate if you stop. Or, you may have tried to move your vehicle to a safe spot and lost track of the other vehicle in the process. Or, maybe you didn’t even realize you struck another vehicle until later.
Whatever the reason, fleeing the scene of an accident is serious. In such a case, we recommend you contact an Arizona criminal defense attorney to talk about how to make things right while still protecting your legal rights.
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, your instinct might be to chase after the driver. This isn’t a good idea. In addition to putting yourself and others at risk, you stand a good chance of being pulled over for speeding.
Instead, take a deep breath and move your vehicle to a safe spot off the road, if possible.
Once you’re safe, call the police and report the accident. While waiting for the police to arrive, write down any information that you can remember about the other driver and vehicle, including:
Finally, you’ll want to contact your insurance company and file a claim. Arizona is a no-fault insurance state, which means the one who causes the accident is liable to pay for your damages.
Of course, if you can’t locate the other driver, filing a claim becomes more complicated. Your policy might still provide coverage assuming you purchased the necessary optional coverage. Examples of optional coverage that might cover your damages includes:
Finally, if you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, consider contacting an experienced Arizona personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can help you understand your recovery options if the other driver can’t be located, or help you take legal action if the driver is eventually found.