Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Alabama: What You Need to Know

Accidents happen, and when they do, the law in Alabama is clear: You can’t just drive away. Leaving the scene of an accident, also known as a hit-and-run, carries serious consequences under state law. Whether you’re involved in a minor fender bender or a more severe crash, knowing your legal obligations can help you avoid penalties and protect your rights. An experienced car accident lawyer can help.

Vehicle accidents in Alabama: What the numbers say

Alabama has one of the highest rates of auto accidents and accident-related injuries and deaths in the nation. In fact, the state comes in second only to Mississippi. According to Drive Safe Alabama, here’s how the numbers stack up for 2023 (the most recent year of statistics published):

• Drivers in Alabama have a 90% chance of being involved in an auto accident during their lifetimes.
• They have a two in five chance of being involved in an accident that causes injuries or death.
• One traffic accident was reported every three minutes in the state.
• Every 13 minutes, someone is injured in a traffic accident in Alabama.
• There were 40 injuries for every fatality from an auto accident.
• One person was killed in an auto accident every 9 hours.
• In 2023, Alabama saw 60 fatalities due to distracted driving, 120 pedestrian fatalities, 11 bicycle fatalities, and nine fatalities involving vehicles and trains.

Given the significant likelihood that you will be involved in an auto accident of any severity, it’s important to know what the law says about what you can and cannot do.

What Alabama law says about leaving the scene

Under Section 32-10-1 of the Alabama Code, any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage must stop immediately and remain at the scene. That covers almost all potential outcomes. The only accidents that this rule doesn’t apply to are those where there’s not even any property damage (and that includes damage to vehicles).

The state has additional rules that everyone involved must follow. You’re required to provide your information and, if necessary, assist anyone who’s been hurt. Failing to do so isn’t just irresponsible; it’s a criminal offense.

The Move It Law also says that if there are no serious injuries and your vehicle is drivable, you need to move it out of the travel lane to the shoulder or another safe area.

While your initial thought might be to contact insurers after a crash, you should remember that you shouldn’t trust them to handle things. Your words might be used against you if you say anything suggesting you might be at fault. And if the other driver is responsible, their insurer could try to shift blame or pressure you to accept a lowball offer. An experienced car accident lawyer can help make sure that your rights are protected.

So, what do your responsibilities look like if you’re involved in a car accident?

Your responsibilities after an accident in Alabama

If you’re in a crash, Alabama law requires you to:

• Stop immediately and remain at the scene. You cannot leave until law enforcement has cleared you to do so.
• Provide your name, address, and vehicle registration to the other driver or a responding law enforcement officer. You should also share your insurance information with the other driver (if you were the at-fault driver).
• Show your driver’s license if requested. Chances are good that the officer will ask for it, so have it ready.
• Assist any injured parties by calling for medical help or providing reasonable aid. Checking for injuries should be one of the first things you do so that you can call for medical help immediately.
• Report the accident to authorities if there’s an injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. Given the cost of even small vehicle repairs today, that means more auto accidents should be reported.

Leaving the scene without fulfilling these requirements can mean serious legal trouble, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. Yes, that’s right: all parties involved need to remain at the scene, not just the at-fault driver.

Penalties for leaving the scene of an accident

As you can see, leaving the scene of an accident is a bad idea. But what can the authorities do if someone leaves who was involved in an accident? The penalties for a hit-and-run in Alabama depend on the severity of the accident:

• Property damage only:A driver who leaves the scene of a crash that only involves property damage can be charged with a misdemeanor, and that could mean fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.
• Injury or death: If the accident caused injury or death, fleeing the scene is considered a Class C felony, which is much more serious. This can lead to significant fines, loss of your driver’s license, and even a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

The courts take hit-and-run cases seriously, and penalties can be harsher if a driver has prior offenses or was driving under the influence. The best course of action is always to stay at the scene until law enforcement clears you to leave.

What to do if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run

If another driver flees the scene of your accident, here’s what you should do:

1. Stay calm and call 911. Reporting the accident immediately increases the chances of catching the other driver.
2. Gather information. If possible, take note of the fleeing vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number. Also, look for witnesses who can provide statements.
3. Take photos. Document the scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and any injuries.
4. Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, some injuries don’t appear right away.
5. Contact a car accident lawyer. A skilled attorney can help track down the at-fault driver, deal with insurance companies, and fight for compensation.

Why you need a car accident lawyer

Hit-and-run accidents can leave victims feeling helpless, especially when the other driver is nowhere to be found. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you explore your legal options, whether that means filing a claim through uninsured motorist coverage or working with law enforcement to hold the responsible party accountable.

If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Alabama, don’t wait. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of getting the justice and compensation you deserve. Call Martin & Helms or fill out our contact form today.