In Arizona, a hit and run accident, also known as a hit and run collision, refers to a situation where a driver involved in a motor vehicle accident leaves the scene without stopping to fulfill their legal obligations. Arizona laws impose certain responsibilities on drivers who are involved in accidents, regardless of who is at fault.
How Does Arizona Law Define a Hit and Run?
Under Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 28-661, the following actions are required of a driver involved in an accident:
#1 Stop at the Scene A driver must immediately stop their vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to it as possible without obstructing traffic, taking into consideration safety and traffic conditions.
#2 Exchange Information The driver must provide their name, address, vehicle registration number, and, upon request, their driver’s license information to the other involved parties, including the other driver, occupants of the other vehicle(s), and any injured persons.
#3 Render Aid If anyone involved in the accident is injured, the driver must provide reasonable assistance, including arranging for medical aid or transportation to a medical facility if necessary. This assistance should be appropriate given the circumstances and the driver’s capabilities.
What Are the Punishments for a Hit and Run in the State of Arizona?
Failure to fulfill these obligations constitutes a hit and run offense in Arizona. The severity of the offense and the potential penalties depend on the circumstances of the accident:
Misdemeanor Hit and Run
Leaving the scene of an accident that only involves damage to property, but no bodily injury, is generally considered a class 2 misdemeanor. Penalties can include fines, potential jail time, probation, and driver’s license suspension.
Felony Hit and Run
Leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries or fatalities is a more serious offense. It is considered a class 3 felony if there are serious physical injuries, and a class 2 felony if the accident results in death. Penalties for felony hit and run can include significant fines, imprisonment, probation, and revocation of the driver’s license.
What Should You Do in the Event of a Hit and Run?
If you are a victim of a hit and run accident, it is crucial to contact law enforcement immediately and seek medical attention if necessary. It’s important to do so as soon as possible. Providing information about the incident, including the details of the fleeing vehicle, any available witness statements, or photographs, can aid in the investigation and apprehension of the responsible driver. As well, it will also help in your personal injury claim against the guilty driver once they are tracked down by the police.
As well, consulting with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in hit and run cases can help protect your rights, navigate insurance claims, and pursue legal action against the responsible party if identified.
Can You Sue a Driver After a Hit and Run?
Absolutely! You can and should sue a driver after a hit and run accident in Arizona. While the driver may have fled the scene, leaving you with limited information about their identity, it is still possible to pursue legal action and seek compensation for your damages and injuries.
The police will initiate an investigation and increase the chances of locating the responsible driver. While they do so, you should seek medical attention. Documenting your injuries and receiving proper medical treatment will be crucial for your personal injury claim.
Then, consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in hit and run cases. They can evaluate the details of your case, guide you through the legal process, and help determine the best course of action. They will assist you in gathering evidence, dealing with insurance companies, and pursuing a lawsuit against the unidentified hit and run driver if necessary.
Soon, law enforcement will be able to identify the hit and run driver through their investigation or with the help of witnesses or surveillance footage. When the driver is located, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them to seek compensation for your damages. Your attorney will handle the legal proceedings and advocate for your rights.
While pursuing a lawsuit after a hit and run accident in Arizona can be challenging, an experienced personal injury attorney can provide the guidance and legal representation you need to seek justice and obtain the compensation you deserve. If you’re unsure where to begin finding this legal advocate, 1-800-Injured can help.
Contact 1-800-Injured After a Hit and Run
We are a legal and medical directory service. As a directory network for personal injury victims and attorneys alike, we connect our clients with experienced professionals who can help them with their unique personal injury needs. Following an initial consultation with our team, we reach out to our network in order to find an attorney who is ready and willing to take your hit and run case as soon as possible. By reducing barriers to finding an experienced and proven attorney, we hope to empower victims such as yourself to fight for the compensation they are rightfully entitled to following an accident someone else caused.