What Is Considered a Hit-and-Run in Arizona?

A hit-and-run happens when a driver leaves the scene of a crash without stopping to provide their contact information or help other drivers. Under Arizona law, drivers involved in an accident must stop, exchange information, and assist anyone who may be injured. Leaving the scene before doing so can lead to serious criminal penalties.

Even if the accident appears minor at first, the law still requires drivers to stop and provide identifying information. Understanding what is considered a hit-and-run accident in Arizona can help drivers avoid legal trouble and help accident victims understand their rights after a crash.

At Zanes Law, we want to make sure you stay informed on your rights as well as your legal responsibilities after a car accident. We’ll briefly go over Arizona’s hit-and-run laws as well as what to do after an accident to protect your rights.

Arizona Hit-and-Run Laws Explained

Arizona law makes it illegal for a driver to leave the scene of an accident without fulfilling certain responsibilities. These responsibilities depend on the type of accident and the extent of the damage.

Two main statutes govern hit-and-run incidents in the state:

ARS §28-661: Applies to accidents involving injury or death. Drivers must immediately stop at the scene and remain there until they provide information and render reasonable aid to anyone injured.
ARS §28-662: Applies to accidents involving vehicle or property damage. Drivers must stop and exchange contact and insurance information with the other party involved.

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Is It Still a Hit-and-Run If the Damage Is Minor?

Yes. In Arizona, leaving the scene after causing any type of damage can still be considered a hit-and-run. The law requires drivers to stop and provide their name, address, and vehicle registration information after an accident, no matter how small the damage is.

For example, hitting a parked car and leaving a note, or leaving without leaving any information, may still violate Arizona hit-and-run laws. Drivers are expected to remain at the scene or make a reasonable effort to locate the owner of the damaged property.

Even if a driver didn’t intend to cause damage, failing to stop and report the incident can still result in legal penalties. Arizona law focuses on whether the driver fulfilled their legal responsibilities after the crash, not on the severity of the damage alone.

What to Do If You’ve Been Involved in a Hit-and-Run in Arizona

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be frightening and confusing. If the other driver leaves the scene, it’s important to focus on your safety and take steps that may help police identify the driver later.

If you’re involved in a hit-and-run car accident in Arizona, here’s what you need to do:

Call 911 Immediately: Report the accident to law enforcement as soon as possible. The police can begin investigating and create an official accident report, which may help with insurance claims later.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor at first, some symptoms may appear hours or even days later. Getting medical care also creates documentation that may be important for a claim.
Document the Scene: Take photos of any vehicle damage, the surrounding area, skid marks, debris, and anything else that may help investigators understand what happened.
Look for Witnesses: Nearby drivers, pedestrians, or business employees may have seen the crash or noticed details about the fleeing vehicle. Get their contact information if you can.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Many hit-and-run claims are handled through uninsured motorist coverage. Promptly reporting the crash can help avoid delays in the claims process.
Speak with a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer: The right legal guidance can be helpful if the at-fault driver isn’t identified or if an insurance company disputes your claim.

Taking these steps can protect your health, preserve important evidence, and strengthen your case if you decide to pursue compensation.

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How a Phoenix Hit-and-Run Lawyer Can Help

A driver fleeing the scene without identifying themselves can make the legal process even more complicated. If the at-fault driver cannot be located right away, victims often have to rely on their personal insurance coverage or other legal options to recover compensation.

Having a car accident attorney on your side can help level the playing field. A lawyer experienced in these types of cases can help by:

Investigating the crash and gathering available evidence
Reviewing insurance policies to identify potential coverage options
Handling negotiations with uninsured motorist insurance providers
Protecting you from low settlement offers from insurance companies
Filing a lawsuit, if necessary, to pursue compensation

Working with a Phoenix car accident lawyer can also reduce stress during the claims process and help make sure that important deadlines aren’t missed.

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Speak With a Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer

Hit-and-run accidents often leave victims dealing with serious injuries, costly vehicle damage, and difficult insurance claims. If you were hurt in a crash and the other driver left the scene, you may still have options for recovering compensation.

Our team at Zanes Law has helped Arizona families navigate complex accident cases for more than 20 years. If you need help figuring out what is considered a hit-and-run, get in touch with our experienced attorneys who can help you determine your next legal steps. With no legal fees unless we win, you can let us handle the legal aspects while you focus on your recovery.

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