District of Columbia Hit-and-Run
If you’re a victim of a hit-and-run, report it right away. Penalties for hit-and-runs include heavy fines and jail time, even for first offenses.
Written by Brittni Brinn
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
In the District of Columbia, a hit-and-run carries minimum penalties of $250 in fines and under 30 days in prison. The penalties increase if you already have a hit-and-run on your record. If the accident involves injury or death, you could face $2500 in fines, and up to a year in prison.
If you’re the victim of a
hit-and-run
, try to identify the car, report the crime to the police, and file an insurance claim as soon as possible.Leaving the scene of an accident before you exchange your contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and the authorities is a crime. Every state has hit-and-run laws, but the penalties depend on the severity of the charge.
It’s important to know the hit-and-run laws in your state. Let
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walk you through the definition, penalties, and insurance options of a hit-and-run in the District of Columbia. As a bonus, we'll also show you how to reduce your Washington D.C. car insurance costs.
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What is a hit-and-run?
According to Title 50-2201.5c of the District of Columbia Code, a hit-and-run occurs when a driver leaves the scene of a collision. It is also called the “leaving after colliding” law. Even if a driver was not at fault for an accident, they legally must remain at the scene until they have provided their personal information to the driver(s) of the vehicle(s) involved and a law enforcement officer.
By law, if you hit another person, vehicle, or property, you must stop your vehicle and wait at the scene until law enforcement arrives.
What happens if you commit a hit-and-run in the District of Columbia?
As in all states, a hit-and-run in the District of Columbia comes with some heavy penalties. Even if it’s your first offense, you’ll have to pay a fine or serve time in prison. By leaving the scene, a hit-and-run driver fails to take responsibility for the damage they caused and puts lives at risk.
Is a hit-and-run a felony in the District of Columbia?
In the District of Columbia, a hit-and-run may be considered a felony if the accident results in injury or death.
Fleeing the scene of an accident that resulted in property damage only is tried as a misdemeanor. The severity of the penalties attached to these charges depends on if the hit-and-run was a first or subsequent offense.
What is the punishment for a hit-and-run in the District of Columbia?
The punishment for a hit-and-run depends on if the hit-and-run was a driver’s first offense and if anyone was hurt. There are two main categories of penalties for a hit-and-run:
- Penalty for injury: For a first offense, a hit-and-run charge includes a maximum fine of $1,000 and jail time not exceeding 180 days. Subsequent offenses carry a maximum fine of $2,000 and one year of jail time.
- Penalty for property damage: For a first offense, leaving after colliding means 30 days in prison and a maximum $250 fine. Subsequent offenses carry a maximum fine of $500 and up to 90 days in prison.
Any hit-and-run conviction in the District of Columbia will add 12 points to your driving record and result in a license suspension of up to six months.
Key Takeaway: Always stay at the scene of an accident. If you leave, you could face serious penalties.
How to avoid a hit-and-run charge
If you are involved in a collision, stay at the scene. Park as close as you can to the accident while keeping traffic lanes clear. Check on the other driver(s) and passenger(s). Call 911 if they need medical attention and provide the location and nature of the accident.
Remain on the scene until law enforcement arrives. You will need to provide your personal and insurance information to the other driver(s) and the officer. By staying at the scene and providing your information, you can avoid a hit-and-run charge.
What should I do if I experience a hit-and-run in the District of Columbia?
If you experience a hit-and-run, stay calm. Gather as much information as you can about the scene of the accident and the driver who left the scene. Most importantly, make sure that the officer files a police report.
At the scene
Do not try to follow the car. Check on everyone in your vehicle and move your vehicle out of harm’s way. Call 911 to inform emergency services of your location and if you need medical attention.
Try to note as much about the scene as you can:
- The circumstances of the crash
- The other car’s make, model type, color, and body style
- The license plate numbers of any vehicles involved
- The appearance of the driver
- The direction the car was headed
- Any unique identifying marks on the car (e.g. bumper stickers, dents, mods, etc.)
Talk to the witnesses at the scene and get their contact information. It’s also a good idea to take photos of the damage to your car and the crash site to keep for your records.
MORE: The dos and don'ts of filing a car accident claim report
After you leave the scene
Make sure the officer at the scene files a police report. The police report increases the chances that the hit-and-run driver will be found and will be key evidence to support your insurance claim.
File an insurance claim within 24 hours of the accident. If you or the police can identify the driver or have the car’s license plate number, their
liability insurance
should cover the damage.Without information about the driver or their vehicle, filing a claim becomes more difficult. Liability insurance may not cover damages from the accident. However, you may be covered if you have
collision insurance
, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
, medical payments (MedPay) coverage
, or personal injury protection (PIP)
.Key Takeaway: If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, gather as much information about the accident as possible. Make sure the officer files a police report and take photos of the damage to support your insurance claim.
What insurance covers a hit-and-run?
Insurance type | Will it cover a hit-and-run? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Collision coverage | Yes | May need to pay deductible first |
Uninsured motorist coverage | Maybe | Check with your insurance company to see if your policy covers hit-and-runs |
Medical payments (MedPay) coverage | Yes | Only covers what health insurance doesn’t; may need to pay deductible |
Personal injury protection (PIP) | Yes | May also cover lost wages and other expenses related to an accident |
MORE: Does my car insurance cover me if my car is involved in a hit-and-run accident?
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
FAQs
Will a hit-and-run affect my insurance?
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run and you are not at fault for the accident, your rates should not be affected. If you commit a hit-and-run, you can expect to see an increase in your insurance rates. Check in with your insurance broker or company to discuss options after a hit-and-run.
Do I need a lawyer if I’ve committed a hit-and-run?
A hit-and-run is a serious charge, especially if the accident results in injury or death. If you find yourself facing charges for a hit-and-run, it may be a good idea to seek legal counsel.
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