The Penalties for Leaving a Hit-and-Run Crash Scene in Kentucky

Leaving the scene of a car accident in Kentucky is a serious offense.  Kentucky traffic laws require that any person involved in any crash must remain at the scene to offer aid to people who are injured and to share their vehicle registration number and contact information.  Depending on the severity of the accident, the penalties for leaving a hit-and-run crash scene in Kentucky range from paying a potentially hefty fine to spending time behind bars.

Hit-and-run accidents occur when a driver is involved in an accident with a pedestrian, another car, or a fixed object, and leaves the scene without identifying themselves or rendering aid to anyone who may need help.  The violation is committed when the driver leaves the scene, regardless of whether or not they caused the accident.

Fault is not usually a factor in determining hit-and-run accident penalties.  If the accident was not your fault, yet you leave the scene without exchanging personal information or offering aid to persons injured, you can expect to be charged at minimum with a misdemeanor offense.  You may also have your license suspended and lose your future driving privileges.

What is a Driver’s Duty in the Case of an Accident in Kentucky?

The specific duties of persons involved in a crash in the state of Kentucky are covered under the traffic law KRS 189.580, which states that vehicle operators “shall immediately stop and ascertain the extent of the injury or damage and render reasonable assistance”.  It also states that the vehicle operator “shall give the occupant of the vehicle, or person struck, if requested, the registration number of the vehicle, if any, and also the names and addresses of the owner, the occupants, and operator”.

KRS 189.580 also states that accidents involving some type of unattended vehicle or property require that the vehicle operator must notify the owner by leaving some type of notification containing their name, address, and vehicle registration number.  It is also the vehicle operator’s responsibility to report the accident to local police.

Hit-and-run accidents are particularly dangerous, especially if the victim’s injuries are severe.  When a driver leaves an accident scene, the time that an injured person suffers without receiving emergency medical attention greatly increases.  Life saving medical treatment is more likely to be successful when administered as close to the time of the accident as possible.  Victims left at the scene are at the mercy of other passing drivers to stop and initiate emergency medical care.

If you or someone you love has been the victim of a hit-and-run accident in the state of Kentucky, a Louisville hit-and-run accident lawyer can help.  Thomas Law Offices is dedicated to fighting for victims of hit-and-run accidents and will seek punishment for these irresponsible and careless drivers.  Contact our legal team today for a free, zero-obligation consultation of your case.