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 Washington State, hit-and-run is a serious criminal offense, with the severity of the charge depending on the circumstances of the accident. Under RCW 46.52.020, if a driver is involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to another person and leaves the scene without providing information and assistance, it is classified as a felony. This can lead to imprisonment, fines, and revocation of driving privileges. If the accident involves damage to an occupied vehicle, the driver must stop and exchange information such as names, addresses, and insurance details as per RCW 46.52.010. Failure to do so can result in a gross misdemeanor or felony charge, depending on the damage. For accidents involving unoccupied vehicles or other property, the driver must attempt to locate the owner or leave the required contact and insurance information securely attached to the vehicle or property. Not fulfilling these obligations can also lead to misdemeanor charges. Washington State takes hit-and-run offenses seriously, and consequences can be severe, including potential jail time, fines, and loss of driving privileges.