Drivers leave the scene of a crash for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes, they simply panic. Some drivers do it because they fear they’ll be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Others may have something illegal in their vehicle that they don’t want discovered. In some cases, especially if they hit a parked car, they don’t think they’ll get caught. They may not think there’s any serious damage.
Leaving the scene of an accident – even one you didn’t cause – is a crime. That’s true whether you’re in Illinois or Missouri. How serious the offense is depends on the severity of the injuries and property damage. Let’s take a brief look at both states’ laws.
Illinois law
Even if no one has been injured in a crash, leaving the scene in Illinois can still be a Class 4 felony. If anyone is injured, that can go up to a Class 2 felony. If someone dies, it becomes a Class 1 felony.
While Illinois law requires a driver to stop, there is some leeway. The law states that if they don’t remain at the scene, they must return “in no case later than one-half hour after such motor vehicle crash.” They’re also subject to drug and alcohol testing.
Missouri law
The severity of the offense for knowingly leaving the scene of an accident in Missouri also depends in part on whether anyone was injured as well as how much property damage occurred. Leaving the scene of a crash that caused over $1,000 in damage or in which someone was injured is a Class E felony. If someone is killed, it becomes a Class D felony.
Remaining at the scene offers other benefits
While it may be normal to panic and keep going, by doing so, you not only avoid the charges discussed above. If anyone was seriously injured, you can call for help and possibly save lives.
Further, even if no one is injured, you can take photos and get other evidence as well as possibly witness accounts. You can call law enforcement to the scene to take a report. This can be highly beneficial if the other driver was at least in part responsible.
Leaving the scene of an accident is never the right move. However, if you’re facing that charge (and possibly others related to the crash), it’s crucial to take the matter seriously and get experienced legal guidance as early as possible.