, you can expect a misdemeanor or felony charge to tarnish your record. The crime also comes with various penalties—from steep fines to lengthy prison sentences.

Victims of a hit-and-run should file an insurance claim within 24 hours of the accident. If you have collision or uninsured motorist coverage, it should cover your damages. On top of this, reporting to the police and collecting information about the hit-and-run vehicle can help your case.

Every state has different hit-and-run laws. To help you understand the rules of the road, we made a complete breakdown of hit-and-run laws in Mississippi. We’ll cover everything from reporting an accident to the associated penalties.

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What is a hit-and-run?

A hit-and-run is the act of a driver leaving the scene of an accident—without stopping to exchange information. Properly exchanging information allows drivers to inform their insurers and assess the damage.

The law requires that each party stay at the accident scene, not just the driver at fault. If you're the victim of an accident, you can face hit-and-run charges for leaving before the proper procedures have been completed.

What happens if you commit a hit-and-run in Mississippi?

You should never leave the scene of an accident—no matter your role. Hit-and-run charges in Mississippi come with some serious penalties. To avoid fines, jail time, and

license suspensions

, stay at the accident scene for as long as needed.

Is a hit-and-run a felony in Mississippi?

The type of charge you face will depend on the accident’s severity. Was someone hurt, or was damage extensive? If so, Mississippi will likely charge the hit-and-run driver with a felony.

If the damage was minor or the hit vehicle was unattended, you can expect a misdemeanor.

In any case, criminal charges are no joke. On top of steep fines, suspensions, and jail time, hit-and-run drivers convicted of a felony may lose many rights—such as voting and jury service.

What is the punishment for a hit-and-run in Mississippi?

The main factors determining the punishment for a hit-and-run will be the amount of damage and significance of the injuries caused by the accident.

Minor injury or damage can result in fines ranging from $100 to $1000 and up to a year in county jail. Accidents causing severe injury or death can have lasting consequences for hit-and-run drivers including $10,000 fines and up to 20 years in state prison.

Here’s a chart outlining the different punishments for hit-and-runs in Mississippi:

Result of accident	Possible punishment
Property damage or minor injuries	30 days to a year in county jail	Fines between $100 and $5,000	Imprisonment, fine, or both
Serious injury or death	5 to 20 years in state prison	Fine from $1,000 to $10,000	Imprisonment, fine, or both

Additional charges such as

reckless driving

DUIs

can greatly impact punishment. License suspension is a given for drivers whose hit-and-run involved drug or alcohol consumption.

How to avoid a hit-and-run charge

As per the state's

car accident laws

, Mississippi drivers should stop their vehicles as soon as possible after a collision. According to Code 63-3-403, stops should be made without obstructing traffic, and drivers must be present until the required information is exchanged. Failure to do so will result in a hit-and-run charge.

After an accident, a driver should do the following:

Stop their vehicle

Identify the owner of the damaged vehicle or property

Exchange necessary information—license, registration, and contact details

Provide assistance to any injured person(s)

Report the accident to the police

If the struck vehicle or property is unattended, Mississippi law demands that the at-fault driver leaves notice with the required information.

What should I do if I experience a hit-and-run in Mississippi?

If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run in Mississippi, you should collect vehicle information, act fast, and—most importantly—stay calm. By handling the situation well, you can minimize the time spent filing a claim and reporting the accident.

At the scene

If a vehicle drives away from the accident, do not attempt a chase. Following a car can be risky and could potentially affect your insurance claim. When struck, move your vehicle to a safe location and call the police.

While you wait for the police to arrive, pay attention to the following:

Events before and after the crash

Details about the other vehicle (make, model, body type, identifying marks)

The other vehicle’s license plate number

The driver’s appearance

The direction the vehicle drove after the accident

You should take pictures of the scene and any damage to your vehicle. If witnesses were nearby, ask them what they saw and take down their contact information. Witnesses can be an excellent source of information and can corroborate your claim.

Key Takeaway If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, stay calm. Make sure everyone in your vehicle is okay, move out of the flow of traffic, and call the police. Remain at the scene and gather as much information as you can.

After you leave the scene

You should file a claim to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Claims received within 24 hours will yield the best results.

While waiting for your claim to be processed, you can check if the police have filed a report. Official traffic incident reports can be found online. If not available, ask your local law enforcement agency if the report is currently undergoing review—as your insurer may reference the document when assessing your claim.

If identified, the driver’s liability insurance should cover any damages caused by an accident. Below are some coverage options that may protect you if the driver is uninsured.

Collision coverage

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Medical payments (MedPay) coverage

Personal injury protection (PIP)

What insurance covers a hit-and-run?

Insurance type	Will it cover a hit-and-run?	Notes
Collision coverage	Yes	A deductible may be requested
Uninsured motorist coverage	Maybe	Ask your agent if this insurance applies
Medical payments (MedPay) coverage	Yes	Will cover the balance left over from heath insurance
Personal injury protection (PIP)	Yes	Covers lost wages or additional fees associated with the accident

MORE:

Mississippi car insurance laws, explained

How to find affordable insurance for collisions and more

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FAQs

Will a hit-and-run affect my insurance?

Hit-and-run victims will not be affected by higher insurance rates—though you may have to pay a deductible. Causing a hit-and-run will drastically increase your monthly rates on top of possible criminal charges.

Do I need a lawyer if I’ve committed a hit-and-run?

It’s always a good idea to lawyer up if you’ve committed a hit-and-run. This crime can come with lasting penalties—like fees, suspensions, and jail time. A lawyer can reduce your sentence and help you navigate a complicated legal system.

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