Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Leaving the Scene of an Accident may be charged as a Class 2 Misdemeanor Traffic Offense (in cases where there is property damage only), a Class 1 Misdemeanor Traffic Offense (in cases where there is injury), a Class 5 Felony (in cases where there is serious bodily injury), or a Class 3 Felony (in cases where there is death).

Definition of Injury

According to the statute, “injury” means physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical or mental condition; and “serious bodily injury” means injury that involves, either at the time of the actual injury or at a later time, a substantial risk of death, a substantial risk of serious permanent disfigurement, or a substantial risk of protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part or organ of the body, or breaks, fractures, or burns of the second or third degree.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Property Damage Only

A charge for Leaving the Scene of an Accident involving property damage only is a moderately serious charge. It is a Class 2 Misdemeanor Traffic Offense and a conviction may result in a scheduled fine of $150.00 to $300.00 plus court costs and surcharges, a possible jail sentence of 10 to 90 days (usually only ordered in cases where there are aggravating factors, such as repeated violations or reckless indifference to the safety of others), restitution, community or useful public service, probation for one year or longer, and other possible requirements by the court, with an assessment of 12 points (and a suspension for up to 1 year) to the driver’s license. In some cases, Leaving the Scene may affect your automobile insurance coverage or premium rates for years to come.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Injury

A charge for Leaving the Scene of an Accident involving injury is a serious charge. It is a Class 1 Misdemeanor Traffic Offense and a conviction may result in a scheduled fine of $300.00 to $1,000.00 plus court costs and surcharges, a possible jail sentence of 10 days to 1 year, restitution, community or useful public service, probation for one year or longer, and other possible requirements by the court, with an assessment of 12 points (and a mandatory revocation for 1 year or longer) to the driver’s license. In some cases, Leaving the Scene may affect your automobile insurance coverage or premium rates for years to come.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Serious Bodily Injury or Death

A charge for Leaving the Scene of an Accident involving serious bodily injury or death is a felony charge and is very serious. Read more about Felonies.