What you may not realize is that if you leave the scene of a accident you could face hit and run charges, whether you were at fault or not. And if you were at fault and flee the accident scene, you could face ever more severe charges. Either way, at Lerner and Rowe Law Group our Phoenix hit and run defense attorneys may be able to help keep you out of jail and keep your spur of the moment flight decision off your record.
A few basics regarding car accident laws in Arizona.
- In Arizona, you must stop if you are part of an accident (whether or not you caused the accident). If you fail to do so, you may receive charges for leaving the scene of an accident; which can result in a hit and run charge. This can be a serious, especially if the accident caused injuries.
- As an at fault driver you MUST remain at the car accident scene by law. If you don’t, you receive hit and run charges; and will most definitely then need the services of a Phoenix hit and run defense attorney.
Duty to Give Information and Assistance
In addition to not leaving the scene of an accident, the law also requires you to exchange information and render aid if needed. This law is known as Arizona statute [A.R.S. 28-663], “Duty to Give Information and Assistance.” According to this statute you are required to perform the following:
- Provide your name, address, and vehicle registration to the responding police officer and/or the other driver in the accident.
- Show your driver’s license upon request to the other driver and/or responding police officer(s).
- Provide assistance to the other driver as needed by providing first aid for injuries. and/or otherwise getting help, such as calling for an ambulance
If you fail to provide assistance or fail to provide the requested information, you can receive a misdemeanor. These charges may result in up to $500 in fines; 30 days in jail; and a mark on your permanent record.
Often, persons involved in an accident ostensibly come to a mutual agreement not to report the accident to their insurance companies or police and resolve the matter among themselves. Well, if one party decides to later report the hit and run to police the non-reporting party can receive hit and run charges.
When Does a Hit and Run Become a Felony?
A hit and run accident that results in serious physical injury or death is elevated to a felony hit and run. The class of potential felony charges will vary depend on the circumstances of the accident.
Class 2 Felony. If the hit and run caused physical injury or death to someone.
Class 3 Felony. A person who did not cause an accident but left the scene can receive class 3 felony charges in the event the accident caused serious injury or death.
Class 5 Felony. Hit and run accidents that don’t cause serious injury or death.
Facing Hit and Run Charges? Contact Phoenix Hit and Run Defense Attorneys Today!
If you have been charged or arrested for violating the hit and run laws in Arizona, please contact our Phoenix hit and run defense attorneys at Lerner and Rowe Law Group as soon as possible. Regular office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
However, we are available 24/7 to take your call at 602-667-7777.
You can also use the convenient online LiveChat feature.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys offer free consultations and affordable payment plans. We’ll go over your Phoenix hit and run case and discuss your options on how to move forward.