Utah Hit-and-Run
Charges for a hit-and-run in Utah can include a maximum fine of $5,000 and upwards of five years in prison.
Written by Drew Waterstreet
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Hit-and-runs in Utah can be tried as misdemeanors or felonies based on severity and circumstances. The most severe cases that involve injury or death can be punished with up to five years in prison and as much as $5,000 in fines. Minor cases that only involve property can be punished with a 90-day jail sentence and a $750 fine.
Accidents happen to the best of us, but leaving the scene of an accident only makes things worse. Always stay on the scene and alert the authorities in the event of a car accident.
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What is a hit-and-run?
A car accident turns into a hit-and-run once a motorist leaves the scene of the incident before providing identification and proper insurance information. You can face serious fines and jail time for failing to stop when you have the obvious knowledge that an accident has occurred.
Staying on the scene is the responsibility of both the victim and the offender. You can be convicted of hit-and-run even if the car accident was not your fault.
What happens if you commit a hit-and-run in Utah
In the unfortunate circumstance that you are involved in a motor vehicle collision, the worst thing you can do is leave the scene. Leaving the scene without exchanging insurance information with the other drivers involved can result in serious legal and financial repercussions.
Is a hit-and-run a felony in Utah?
The punishments for hit-and-run vary according to the circumstances and the severity of harm caused to people and property. Instances that only involve property will be tried as a misdemeanor. Instances that involve serious injury or death can be tried as a felony.
What is the punishment for a hit-and-run in Utah?
Committing a hit-and-run can result in severe financial penalties and jail time. Here are the potential punishments you may receive if you are found guilty of a hit-and-run in Utah:
Result of accident | Legal classification | Imprisonment | Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
Property damage only | Class C misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Approximately $750 |
Minor injuries caused | Class A misdemeanor | Up to one year | Up to $2,500 |
Serious injuries or death | Third degree felony | up to five years | Up to $5,000 |
Some subjective descriptions of what a “serious" injury entails are extreme physical pain, permanent disfigurement, or loss of bodily function.
How to avoid a hit-and-run charge
Details about Utah’s hit-and-run law can be found in code 41-6a-401. This law states that if you have any reason to believe that you have been in an accident, you must stop immediately. You will need to exchange insurance information and alert the authorities. Failing to follow these specific steps could earn you a hit-and-run charge.
If your collision is with an unattended vehicle or stationary property, you must follow alternate steps. First, you must put forth reasonable effort to locate the owner of the property. If unsuccessful, you must leave a note securely on the property with all of your identification and insurance information. These actions should be followed by a call to the authorities to notify them of the accident and your effort to claim responsibility.
If you hit a person, you must stop immediately, alert the authorities, and render appropriate aid until medical responders arrive.
What should I do if I experience a hit-and-run in Utah?
While it’s easy to panic in this hectic situation, it's important to stay calm and start documenting what happened. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident.
At the scene
Do not follow the offending vehicle. This act of road rage only puts you at greater risk. As the vehicle drives away, try to collect as many details as you can. Here are some things to look for:
- License plate, make, model, color, and body style
- The appearance of the driver
- The direction the vehicle is heading
- Custom details like stickers or modifications
Next, move your vehicle if you are obstructing traffic. Without leaving the scene of the accident, of course.
Then you’ll want to communicate with witnesses or the other victims involved in the incident. Discuss your perspective of the incident and see how it matches up with the alternate viewpoints. Accuracy is crucial in filing a police report and insurance claim.
It’s a good idea to take lots of pictures. Visual evidence can be useful when you file your insurance claim.
After you leave the scene
Your insurance claim is dependent on the details of the police report–so you’ll want to request a copy to give to your provider. You’ll want to file a claim within 24 hours of the incident.
Here's where the details become vital. If the hit-and-run suspect is identified in the police report, you will be covered by their
liability insurance
. If the suspect goes unidentified or is uninsured, you’ll have to turn to other insurance coverages, such as
collision coverage
, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
, or medical payments (MedPay) coverage
.What insurance covers a hit-and-run?
Insurance type | Will it cover a hit-and-run? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Collision coverage | Yes | Covers collisions, may need to pay the deductible first |
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage | Maybe | Check with your insurance company to see if your policy covers hit-and-run incidents |
Medical payments (MedPay) coverage | Yes | Covers what health insurance doesn’t, may need to pay a deductible first |
Personal injury protection (PIP) | Yes | Covers lost wages and other expenses related to time lost as a result of the accident |
How to find affordable insurance for collisions and more
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FAQs
Will a hit-and-run affect my insurance?
Your rate should not go up if you are the victim of a hit-and-run incident. If it does, it might be time to give
Jerry
a try. In less than a minute, you’ll receive quotes from over 50 top insurance providers.If you're the offender in a hit-and-run incident, you can expect to see higher insurance premiums in the future.
Do I need a lawyer if I’ve committed a hit-and-run?
Legal advice may be a good idea considering the severe punishments for hit-and-runs in Utah.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
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