A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without providing necessary information or assistance. In Alabama, hit-and-run accidents are taken seriously, and the penalties can be severe, depending on the circumstances.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about the legal consequences of a hit-and-run accident.
Criminal penalties for a hit-and-run in Alabama
In Alabama, leaving the scene of an accident is considered a criminal offense. If the accident involves property damage, it is classified as a misdemeanor. Penalties can include fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 and up to one year in jail.
However, if the accident results in injury or death, the hit-and-run charge can escalate to a felony, with much harsher penalties, including fines up to $5,000 and prison sentences ranging from one to ten years.
Civil penalties for a hit-and-run in Alabama
Drivers involved in a hit-and-run accident may face criminal charges and civil penalties. Victims can file lawsuits for damages, including medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Alabama is a contributory negligence state, meaning if the victim is found even slightly at fault, they may be barred from receiving compensation.
Loss of driving privileges
Another significant consequence of a hit-and-run conviction in Alabama is the suspension or revocation of driving privileges. The Alabama Department of Public Safety may suspend a driver’s license for a misdemeanor hit-and-run, while a felony conviction can result in permanent revocation.
Alabama’s hit-and-run laws impose steep penalties on drivers who flee the scene, including jail time, fines, civil liabilities and loss of driving privileges. For victims, it may be possible to recover compensation from the at-fault driver once they are found.