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 Alabama, leaving the scene of an accident, also known as hit-and-run, is a criminal offense. Under Alabama Code Section 32-10-1, the operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or damage to a vehicle occupied by a person must immediately stop at the scene, provide their information, and render aid if necessary. Failure to stop for an accident involving injury or death can result in felony charges, with penalties including imprisonment, fines, and revocation of driving privileges. For accidents involving only vehicle damage, the driver must still stop and exchange information; failure to do so is typically a misdemeanor. If the accident involves an unoccupied vehicle or other property, the driver must attempt to locate the owner or leave their contact and insurance information securely attached to the property. The severity of the charges and penalties can vary based on the circumstances of the accident, such as the extent of damage or injury and whether the driver has prior offenses.