What Happens if You Flee an Accident in Arizona?

Being in a car accident can be hugely nerve racking, especially if you believe you caused the collision. Faced with the potential legal consequences of your actions, you may instinctively flee the accident scene instead of stopping, calling 911 and rendering help.

Fleeing the scene of an accident in Arizona without stopping to exchange information and render aid is considered a hit-and-run or failure to stop and is punishable by law. Whether you caused the car accident or not, remaining at the scene is the law.

What Are the Duties of Motorists Involved in Accidents in Arizona?

Drivers in Arizona and throughout the U.S. owe one another a duty of care, meaning every person on the road is expected to respect the rules of the road, drive defensively and avoid causing harm to other drivers, passengers or pedestrians via reckless or negligent behavior. However, in the event of an accident, there are additional duties all involved parties must fulfill:

1. Duty to stop: You must stop if you struck or were struck by another vehicle and the other driver experienced property damage and/or injuries.
   
   
2. Duty to share information: As a motorist involved in an accident, you’re required to share certain personal information with the other party. This information includes your name, address, vehicle registration number, driver’s license number and auto insurance information.
   
   
3. Duty to render aid: If someone is injured in the accident and needs medical attention, you’re obligated to render aid. This could mean calling 911, carrying the person to a safe location or taking them to the nearest hospital.

What Are the Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Arizona?

Leaving the scene of an accident in Arizona is considered a hit-and-run and is punishable by law. Depending on the unique circumstances of the accident, the person fleeing the scene could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony.

A hit-and-run is a misdemeanor under the following circumstances:

• Class 3 misdemeanor: The driver failed to share personal information, such as name, address or driver’s license number. A Class 3 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.

• Class 2 misdemeanor: The driver left the scene of an accident involving property damage, but no one was injured. A Class 2 misdemeanor is punishable by up to four months in jail and a $750 fine.

If the driver fled the scene of an accident, which not only involved property damage but also physical injures or even death, they’ll likely be charged with a felony. The specific classification will depend on the severity of the accident and the degree of injuries involved:

• Class 5 felony: The injuries resulting from the accident weren’t serious. The maximum penalty for a Class 5 felony is 2.5 years in prison, a $750 fine and a three-year driver’s license revocation.

• Class 3 felony: The injuries were serious or fatal but the driver fleeing the scene didn’t cause the accident. The maximum penalty for a Class 3 felony is 8.75 years, a $750 fine and a five-year driver’s license revocation.

• Class 2 felony: The injuries were serious or fatal and the driver fleeing the scene caused the accident. Punishments can include up to 12.5 years in prison, a $750 fine and a ten-year driver’s license revocation.

Keep in mind, if someone loses their life because of an accident you caused, you may also face manslaughter or homicide charges.

What Should You Do if You Fled the Scene of an Accident in Arizona?

There are many reasons why people may choose to flee an accident. Factors like driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving with a suspended license and having an outstanding warrant for arrest are just a few reasons why some drivers leave the scene of an accident without fulfilling their lawful duties, even if they didn’t cause the accident.

Whatever your reason was, keep in mind that fleeing the scene of an accident is a serious matter. Even if you weren’t intoxicated or in legal trouble, you likely will still face serious charges and penalties if convicted.

To mitigate the situation, it’s likely best to look for a skilled criminal defense lawyer who can defend you in court and protect your legal rights.

Are You Facing Hit-and-Run Charges in Phoenix?

If fear caused you to flee a car accident, don’t wait for things to sort themselves out—the outcome for inaction likely won’t be in your favor. Instead, contact criminal defense attorney Michael Alarid immediately to maximize your chances of avoiding unduly harsh penalties.



Call (602) 818-3110 to request a consultation.