Consequences of Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Consequences of Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Arizona

Arizona motorists should be aware of the consequences of Leaving the Scene of an Accident. Leaving the Scene of an Accident is a crime and is also sometimes referred to as Hit and Run. The consequences of Hit and Run are the same as the consequences of Leaving the Scene of an Accident. They are just two different names for the same crime. Officially under Arizona law it is referred to as Leaving the Scene of an Accident.

In Arizona, If you are ‘involved” in an accident, Arizona law requires you to stop or immediately return to the scene of the accident and provide your information and reasonable assistance. You should always err on the side of caution, because “involved” does not mean that you caused the accident or necessarily even physically collided with another vehicle.

The consequences of Leaving the Scene of an Accident vary considerably depending on the facts and circumstances. For example:

If you hit an unattended vehicle such as a parked car you may be charged with a class 3 misdemeanor.

If you hit a fixture or other property such as a sign or fence on a highway you may be also be charged with a class 3 misdemeanor.

If you were involved in an accident with an attended or occupied vehicle, and there were no injuries you may be charged with a class 2 misdemeanor.

If you were involved in an accident and there were injuries you may be charged a with a class 5 felony.

If you were involved in an accident and there were serious injuries or death you may be charged with a class 3 felony.

If you were involved in an accident and there were serious injuries or death and you caused the accident you may be charged with a class 2 felony.

Consequences of Leaving the Scene of an Accident may include:

A criminal record
A misdemeanor conviction (see Misdemeanors in Arizona in this blog)
A felony conviction (see Consequences of a Felony Conviction in this blog)
Driver’s license revocation for up to 5 years
Insurance cancellation or ineligibility
Probation
Community Service
Fines
Jail
Prison
A consecutive sentence to any other crime


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