Dear <<Goes By Name>>,
In Missouri, drivers involved in a motor vehicle accident may not leave the scene without providing their name, residence, registration number, and driver’s license number to the other party or a law enforcement officer.
But motor vehicle accidents can be stressful and disorienting, and in the heat of the moment, some drivers make the decision to leave the scene. Often motorists who leave the scene of an accident have nothing to hide. Sometimes they’re scared, sometimes they don’t know what to do, and sometimes they just panic.
In Missouri, this can result in severe legal consequences, but there are steps you can take to address the situation if it happens to you.
Missouri Law on Leaving the Scene:
Under Missouri Law, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense that can result in fines, probation, and even jail time.
If a person is convicted of leaving the scene of an accident under state law in Missouri, it is an automatic revocation of their driver’s license for at least one year.
The severity of the penalties depends on factors like whether the accident caused injury, death, or property damage.
What to Do If You’ve Left the Scene:
Consult an Attorney Immediately: A lawyer can advise you on how to address the situation and potentially mitigate the consequences.
Report the Incident: By law, a motorist can report the accident to law enforcement, rather than remain at the scene. So, if you’re involved in an accident in an unsafe area or someone at the scene (like the other driver) is making you feel unsafe, just call 911 or drive to the nearest police station and report what happened.
Document What Happened: Write down all the details you can recall about the incident, including the time, location, and any contributing factors.
