Hit And Run Driver Accident Punished Stopping Person Hurt Stop

Hit-and-run laws "vary" (are different) by state, but "in general" (normally), drivers who commit a hit-and-run are punished more "harshly" (more severely or strongly) than drivers who are simply involved in a "collision" (when two or more things hit each other). In either type of accident, a driver makes a mistake and may have shown "poor judgment" (bad decision-making), but in a hit-and-run accident, the driver is also guilty of "callousness" (not caring about other people's suffering) and not stopping to help the "victim" (the person who is hurt by someone's else's actions).

In California and most other states, drivers are required to stop their "vehicle" (car or truck) at the "scene" (location) of the accident whenever another person has been hurt or killed. Not stopping after a hit-and-run can be punished with up to one year in jail and/or a "fine" (money that must be paid as a punishment) of between $1,000 and $10,000. If someone is killed or "gravely" (seriously) injured in the hit-and-run, a driver who "fails to" (doesn't) stop can be put in jail for a longer period of time. Hit-and-run drivers may also have their license revoked.

If the hit-and-run involves another car or piece of "property" (something that can be owned), but no one is injured or killed, the driver still needs to stop. He or she should try to find the owner of the damaged property. If the owner cannot be found, the driver should leave a "note" (writing on a piece of paper) with his or her name and contact information, as well as information about his or her "insurance policy" (an agreement for a company to provide financial protection if one is in an accident).