Arizona’s Hit-and-Run Laws
Hit-and-run incidents are those in which a driver immediately flees the scene after being involved in a car accident without fulfilling their legal duty to remain there to provide information, assistance, and/or report the collision. Hit-and-runs can include driving away without notice after causing a minor dent to a vehicle parked in a parking lot or after seriously rear-ending another vehicle driving on a highway.
In Arizona, state law lays out specific rules that drivers must abide by following an accident. These rules vary slightly depending on the type of accident that occurred. Drivers who commit hit-and-runs can be charged with a criminal offense.
Accidents Resulting in Death or Physical Injury (A.R.S. 28-662, A.R.S. 28-663, A.R.S. 28-666)
When a driver is involved in a car accident that results in the serious injury or death of another person, the driver must immediately stop at or near the scene. While there, they must comply with Arizona’s laws regarding their duty to provide information and assistance at the scene of the accident. This generally involves providing their name, address, vehicle registration number, and, if asked, driver’s license. Additionally, they must immediately, through the means of quickest communication, report the accident to the appropriate law enforcement.
A driver involved with an accident that resulted in death or serious injury and fails to remain at the scene to provide information and assistance is guilty of a class 3 felony. First-time offenders can face incarceration of up to 8.75 years.
A driver that caused an accident that resulted in death or serious injury and fails to remain at the scene to provide information and assistance is guilty of a class 2 felony. First-time offenders can face incarceration of up to 12.5 years.
A driver involved in an accident that resulted in a non-serious injury and fails to remain at the scene to provide information and assistance is guilty of a class 5 felony. First-time offenders can face incarceration of up to 2.5 years.
Moreover, violators may have their driving privileges revoked for up to five years for accidents resulting in serious injury and up to ten years for accidents resulting in death. They may also be court-ordered to undergo drug or alcohol screening if this was found to be a contributing factor to the accident.
Accidents Resulting in Vehicle Damage (A.R.S. 28-662, A.R.S. 28-663)
Drivers involved in accidents that result in only damage to another vehicle are still required to stop at the scene. While there, they must comply with Arizona’s laws regarding their duty to provide information and assistance at the scene of the accident. This generally involves providing their name, address, vehicle registration number, and, if asked, driver’s license.
Drivers who fail to comply with these laws will be guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor, which can result in up to six months of incarceration. They may also be court-ordered to undergo drug or alcohol screening if this was found to be a contributing factor to the accident.
Accidents that Result in Collision with an Unattended Vehicle
If a driver hits an unattended vehicle, either on private or public property, they may not leave the scene. Instead, the driver must stop and locate and notify the owner of the vehicle they hit of their name and address. If the owner cannot be located, the driver must leave behind an easily seen note with that same information on the vehicle for the owner to find.
Drivers who fail to stay at the scene to provide this information are guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor, which can result in incarceration of up to six months.
Accidents that Result in Damage to Highway Fixtures or Property
Hit-and-run accidents aren’t only those which involve people and vehicles. A driver that is involved in an accident that results only in damage to fixtures or other property legally on, or adjacent to, a highway must also stop at the scene to provide information. The driver must make a reasonable effort to locate the owner of the damaged property and provide their name, address, vehicle registration number, and, if asked, provide their driver’s license.
Drivers who fail to take these actions are guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor, which can result in incarceration of up to six months.
If you have been charged with any of these hit-and-run offenses, call Rideout Law Group today.
RIDEOUT LAW GROUP
With offices in Lake Havasu City and Scottsdale, our firm serves the entire state of Arizona, with a particular focus on criminal defense, family law, and juvenile cases.
Our goal is for the best outcome for your criminal case, which can include:
- charges that are reduced or dropped.
- top experts reviewing your case.
- aggressive negotiations with the prosecution for plea bargains.
- fines or probation in lieu of jail time.
At Rideout Law Group, our attorneys are able to expertly examine the evidence in your case to provide a strong strategy for argument that leads to an outcome that is most favorable to you. We have experience in all types of criminal cases for both adults and juveniles, with positive outcomes both in plea negotiations as well as jury trial settings.
Call us today for a free consultation at 480-584-3328.