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 Wisconsin, it is a criminal offense for the operator of a motor vehicle to leave the scene of an accident, commonly referred to as hit-and-run. Under Wisconsin Statutes section 346.67, drivers involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, death, or property damage must immediately stop at the scene or as close as possible without obstructing traffic more than necessary. They are required to provide their name, address, vehicle registration, and show their driver's license if requested. If the accident involves an unoccupied vehicle or other property, the driver must make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or leave a note with their contact information and vehicle details. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in varying degrees of penalties, from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the accident and the damages or injuries caused. For accidents involving bodily injury or death, the law mandates that the driver must also render aid to the injured, and failure to do so can lead to felony charges, which may include imprisonment, fines, and revocation of driving privileges.