It is a criminal offense (crime) for the operator of a motor vehicle involved in an accident to leave the scene of the accident. Leaving the scene of an accident is commonly known as hit-and-run, and may be charged as one of a few criminal offenses—and as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the state’s statutes.

For example, it is a crime to leave the scene of an accident involving another vehicle when there is damage to an occupied vehicle. The operators of the vehicles in such an accident must stop and exchange relevant information, such as name, address, vehicle make and model, license plate number, and insurance information.

If the operator of a motor vehicle is involved in an accident with an unoccupied parked vehicle, the operator generally must stop and find the owner of the vehicle that was hit, or leave a note with the operator’s name, address, telephone number or e-mail address, and insurance company and policy number.

Similarly, if the operator of a motor vehicle is involved in an accident with unattended property, the operator must stop and make a reasonable effort to find the owner of the property and leave the operator’s name, address, telephone number or e-mail address, and insurance company and policy number.

And if the operator of a motor vehicle is involved in an accident that involves bodily injury or death, the operator must stop and, if able, render aid to any injured persons. The failure to do so is a felony offense in many states, and may be punished by jail or prison time, fines, and the revocation of driving privileges.

Hit-and-run and failure-to-stop-and-render-aid laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—usually in the vehicle code, transportation code, or penal or criminal code.

In Arkansas, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident is a criminal offense known as 'hit-and-run.' Arkansas law requires drivers involved in accidents to stop at the scene, provide assistance if there are injuries, and exchange information with other parties involved. Specifically, Arkansas Code Annotated § 27-53-101 et seq. outlines the duties of a driver when involved in an accident. If the accident results in damage to an occupied vehicle, the driver must stop and exchange information such as name, address, and insurance details. In the case of hitting an unoccupied vehicle or property, the driver must make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or leave a note with their contact and insurance information. Accidents involving injury or death carry more severe consequences, and failing to stop can result in felony charges, which may lead to imprisonment, fines, and revocation of driving privileges. The severity of the charges and penalties can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident, such as the extent of property damage or the severity of injuries involved.