Charges for a hit-and-run

Hit-and-runs are illegal and can result in fines, penalties, and even jail time.
Written by Rob Shapiro
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Despite being fairly common, hit-and-runs are illegal and can result in fines, penalties, or even jail time. Every state mandates that drivers involved in an accident must remain at the scene of the accident. 
If you’re facing a hit-and-run charge, it’s important to know your options. It’s best to consult with a lawyer who specializes in hit-and-run cases so they can build a defense based on evidence that can prove your innocence. You can also plead guilty in the hope of receiving a lesser charge.
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, the car comparison and
licensed broker app
, helps drivers with hit-and-run charges on their record find affordable
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. If you’re looking for a new insurance company after your hit-and-run charge, Jerry can provide you with competitive quotes in under a minute. 
Continue reading to learn more about hit-and-run charges. 
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What is a hit-and-run accident?

A hit-and-run accident is when a driver is in an accident with another car, private property, pedestrian, or cyclist and then drives away without identifying themselves, waiting for authorities to arrive, or providing help or aid to the victim.
Some states also include hitting an animal as an accident that requires drivers to stop at the scene. 
Additionally, most states stipulate that it doesn’t matter who caused the accident. All parties must remain present until it is appropriate for them to leave.
One exception is if you leave the scene to get medical assistance. This can involve leaving to go call an ambulance, the police, or to seek help from someone nearby. You must return to the scene as soon as possible. 
A hit-and-run charge can also be leveled against a driver who leaves the scene of an accident in a parking lot. If you hit an unoccupied car, you are required to leave a note on their windshield with your contact information.  
Key Takeaway A hit-and-run accident involves a driver hitting another car, property, pedestrian, or cyclist and then driving away, even if it happens in a parking lot. 

Hit-and-run charges

Each state has different criminal penalties for a hit-and-run charge. A hit-and-run can be either a felony or a misdemeanor depending on where you live. 
Most states consider a felony hit-and-run to be when a driver vacates the scene of an accident where someone is injured. It doesn’t matter if the victim is a pedestrian, driver, or passenger in a vehicle. 
Felony hit-and-run penalties can be harsh. They typically include:
  • A fine between $5,000 and $20,000
  • Prison time up to 15 years, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the injuries that were sustained by others
Misdemeanor hit-and-run penalties are less severe but are still quite stiff. Depending on the severity of the charge, they can include:
  • A fine of up to $5,000
  • One year in prison
In
California
, for instance, a felony hit-and-run conviction can mean up to four years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. A misdemeanor hit-and-run charge, though, can result in potentially six months of jail time and a fine of up to $1,000.
Other consequences that can come from a hit-and-run charge include:
  • Your driver’s license being
    suspended
    or
    revoked
  • You could face a civil lawsuit from the victims of the accident
  • Your insurance premiums and rates will significantly
    increase
  • Your insurance company could cancel your car insurance
Key Takeaway Each state determines the penalties for a hit-and-run accident. A felony hit-and-run can result in a fine of up to $20,000 and 15 years in jail, while a misdemeanor hit-and-run can result in a fine of up to $5,000 and one year in prison.

How to get out of hit-and-run charges

There is no definitive way to get out of a hit-and-run charge or to avoid conviction. It depends on the severity of the accident and the injuries sustained by the other parties that were involved. 
If you want to avoid hit-and-run penalties, you should consider doing the following:
  • Contact a lawyer who has a history of handling hit-and-run cases.
  • Gather any evidence that could prove your innocence.
  • Give thought to whether pleading guilty could result in lesser charges. A lawyer should be able to advise you on this matter.
It is hard to argue that you were unaware of the accident. Even minor collisions can be felt and the evidence can be found on your vehicle. Ignorance is not a good defense to bring to court in the hope that it will prove your innocence.
MORE: Does insurance cover a hit and run?

What will a hit-and-run charge do to your car insurance?

Many insurance companies have a policy to automatically cancel your insurance coverage if you are convicted of a hit-and-run.
If you are able to keep your insurance policy, your rates will likely increase. If your car is damaged, you will most likely need to pay the deductible before you can be reimbursed for repairs.
Collision coverage
should cover the victims of a hit-and-run accident, but it will not cover the driver who is deemed to be responsible.
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run and the perpetrator isn’t found, you will want to have more than minimum
liability coverage
. It may be beneficial to have
uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
to make sure you receive as much reimbursement as possible.

How to find affordable car insurance

Being convicted of a hit-and-run accident can make your car insurance situation murky.
Jerry
has helped many people who are dealing with serious driving infractions find affordable
car insurance
and the right coverage.
All you have to do is download the app, provide some basic information, and then Jerry will generate customized insurance quotes from more than 50 top insurance companies.
Join Jerry users who save an average of $887 a year on car insurance!
“I have a really bad record, so all of my previous insurance quotes were pretty high. I started using
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and the fantastic app saved me $130 a month on my insurance.” —Jett A.
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