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 Kentucky, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident is a criminal offense known as hit-and-run. Kentucky law requires drivers involved in accidents to stop and fulfill certain obligations. If the accident results in damage to an occupied vehicle, the drivers must exchange information including names, addresses, vehicle details, license plate numbers, and insurance information. In incidents involving an unoccupied parked vehicle or unattended property, the driver must attempt to locate the owner or leave a note with their contact and insurance details. Most critically, if the accident involves bodily injury or death, the driver must stop and provide reasonable assistance to the injured parties. Failure to do so can result in felony charges, which carry severe penalties such as imprisonment, fines, and the loss of driving privileges. The specific statutes detailing these requirements and penalties can be found in Kentucky's vehicle or criminal codes.