What many people know as a “Hit & Run” is actually called Leaving the Scene of an Accident. If you have been involved in an accident, leaving is one of the worst things you can do. If you have been charged, contact MRD Lawyers today. In the meantime, learn about the details of the statute and the penalty for conviction.

LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT – TRAFFIC VIOLATION STATUTE

577.060. Leaving the scene of an accident — penalties.

Citation: MO Rev Stat § 577.060 (2018)

  1. A person commits the offense of leaving the scene of an accident when:

(1) Being the operator of a vehicle or a vessel involved in an accident resulting in injury or death or damage to property of another person; and

(2) Having knowledge of such accident he or she leaves the place of the injury, damage or accident without stopping and giving the following information to the other party or to a law enforcement officer, or if no law enforcement officer is in the vicinity, then to the nearest law enforcement agency:

(a) His or her name;

(b) His or her residence, including city and street number;

(c) The registration or license number for his or her vehicle or vessel; and

(d) His or her operator’s license number, if any.

      1. For the purposes of this section, all law enforcement officers shall have jurisdiction, when invited by an injured person, to enter the premises of any privately owned property for the purpose of investigating an accident and performing all necessary duties regarding such accident.
      2. The offense of leaving the scene of an accident is:

(1) A class A misdemeanor;

(2) A class E felony if:

(a) Physical injury was caused to another party; or

(b) Damage in excess of one thousand dollars was caused to the property of another person; or

(c) The defendant has previously been found guilty of any offense in violation of this section; or committed in another jurisdiction which, if committed in this state, would be a violation of an offense of this section; or

(3) A class D felony if a death has occurred as a result of the accident.

  1. A law enforcement officer who investigates or receives information of an accident involving an all-terrain vehicle and also involving the loss of life or serious physical injury shall make a written report of the investigation or information received and such additional facts relating to the accident as may come to his or her knowledge, mail the information to the department of public safety, and keep a record thereof in his or her office.
  2. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the operation of all-terrain vehicles when property damage is sustained in sanctioned all-terrain vehicle races, derbies, and rallies.

PENALTY OF CONVICTION

If you or someone you know is facing a charge of leaving the scene of an accident, the accused could be facing between a class A misdemeanor and a class D felony. These are very serious charges with jail time, thousands in fines and fees, and a potential license suspension. It is crucial that you have an experienced defense team at your side to ensure your rights are defended. Contact MRD Lawyers today if you or a loved one are facing charges of leaving the scene of an accident.