What to do if you’re in a hit and run accident

UTAH (ABC4) — Any vehicle incident can be a difficult situation to navigate, but it can become even more complicated when one person flees the scene. Here’s a guide on what you can do if you’re involved in a hit and run accident.

A vehicle accident is often sudden and shocking, and many people may not know or remember the correct procedure in the moment. ABC4.com spoke with Lieutenant Cameron Roden with the Utah Highway Patrol in order to determine how individuals should respond during a hit-and-run.

When any accident first occurs, drivers should first ensure that they are safe and do what they can to get out of the flow of traffic. Lt. Roden said, “If you are in the middle of the road and you can get to a shoulder safely, please get to that safe spot and notify law enforcement.”

Any involved vehicle operators must also remain on scene of an accident, no matter the extent of damage.

Utah Code 41-61-401 states that all involved vehicle operators must remain at the scene of an accident or at a location nearby the scene, but outside of the flow of traffic, until it is resolved. Additionally, they must provide their name, address, vehicle registration, and insurance to other involved individuals, and show their license upon request.

The same code also dictates that if damage clearly meets or exceeds a monetary value of $2,500, they must contact the nearest law enforcement agency.

If an individual involved in the accident leaves the scene or refuses to provide required identification, others should notify law enforcement immediately. They should also do what they can to gather relevant information.

Information on the driver fleeing the scene, the vehicle they’re driving and any damage to the vehicle can be essential to law enforcement’s investigation. Lt. Roden said, “Any information you can help us obtain to further investigate this accident, and ultimately find the other party, [that] helps us in our investigation.”

What to do if you witness an accident

Though they’re not required by law to stop, witnesses of an accident can help in the case of a hit and run. Witnesses’ statements, dashcam footage, or any description they can provide may be essential to locating the other driver.

However, Lt. Roden emphasized that witnesses and involved parties should not break any laws or commit any traffic infractions in an attempt to stop a fleeing driver, “If they’re breaking the law, speeding… We don’t want a witness to do the same things in order to just try to follow that vehicle.”

Additionally, because car accidents happen daily, Lt. Roden encourages all drivers to be aware on the road and to provide responding agencies with room as they work on clearing up a situation.

Hit and Run Penalties

Leaving the scene of an accident that you are involved in, without providing insurance and contact information is illegal in any situation. However, the severity of penalties varies depending on the incident.

Lt. Roden said, “Even just with a damage-only crash, you could be cited for leaving the scene. But if injuries or death are involved, those penalties can be pretty serious.”

According to Utah Code 41-61-401.3 and 401.5, a vehicle operator who leaves an accident that resulted in injury to any person is guilty of a class A misdemeanor. In the case of serious bodily injury or death, it is a third-degree felony.