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A hit-and-run accident can be a traumatic experience, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens. In cities like Phoenix, navigating the aftermath of a hit-and-run can be overwhelming.
Let’s cover the steps you need to take following a hit-and-run and how to take legal action with the help of Shapiro Law Team.
Understanding the legalities of hit-and-run accidents in Arizona is important for victims seeking justice. Arizona has stringent laws in place to address hit-and-run incidents, holding those who flee the scene accountable for their actions. One noteworthy law in this regard is ‘Joey’s Law,’ a law created to protect hit-and-run victims.
Named after a young hit-and-run victim named Joey Romero, ‘Joey’s Law’ was passed to address the rising concerns about hit-and-run incidents in Arizona. This law increased penalties for hit-and-run offenses, sending a strong message to potential offenders about the consequences of their actions.
A lot of factors can influence the reasoning behind fleeing the scene of an accident. Fear, panic, intoxication, lack of insurance, or outstanding legal issues are common factors that push drivers to leave the scene.
If you leave the scene of a hit-and-run without providing your information to the other party, you can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony in the state of Arizona. Hit-and-runs that resulted in property damage only could lead to 30 days of jail time or one year’s probation and a $500 fine.
A hit-and-run becomes a felony if the other party has suffered a severe injury or a fatality.
| Type of Collision | Penalties in Arizona | Arizona Statutes |
|---|---|---|
| Damage to Non-Vehicle | 30 Days Jail, One Year Probation, $500 Fine | A.R.S. § 28-665 |
| Damage to Parked Vehicle | 30 Days Jail, One Year Probation, $500 Fine | A.R.S. § 28-664 |
| Property Damage Only | Four Months Jail, Two Years Probation, $750 Fine | A.R.S. § 28-662 |
| Non-serious Injury | 2.5 Years in Prison, Loss of License for Three Years | A.R.S. § 28-661 |
| Serious Injury or Death (if you did not cause the accident) | 8.75 Years or More in Prison, Loss of License for Five Years | A.R.S. § 28-661 |
| Serious Injury or Death (if you caused the accident) | 12.5 Years or More in Prison, Loss of License for 10 Years | A.R.S. § 28-661 |
The moments following a car crash can be emotional and downright scary. However, it’s important to remain as calm as you can. Make sure to take the right steps after a car accident by following our do’s and don’ts list.
The Do’s
The Don’ts
The best way to recover damages following a hit-and-run accident is to contact an experienced attorney. But before you call us, we need evidence. Recovering damages after a hit-and-run car accident relies heavily on evidence in the form of a police report, witness statements, pictures, and any information you can obtain from the other driver. This includes descriptions, locations, and license plate numbers.
What To Do if You Are Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident in Phoenix
Unfortunately, most hit-and-run drivers are hard to locate. This is because hit-and-run accidents happen fast, and the at-fault driver usually flees the scene as fast as they can. If the driver is unable to be located, filing a claim becomes much more difficult. However, your policy may still provide coverage regardless if the driver can be found.
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, a personal injury attorney in Arizona may be able to recover damages even if the other driver can’t be located. Contact Shapiro Law Team to understand your recovery options in full following a hit-and-run.
A hit-and-run is a harrowing experience and can lead to lifelong frustrations and struggles. Let Shapiro Law Team take over your hit-and-run case to secure maximum compensation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay us a dime unless we win. Get started with a free consultation from the car accident attorneys Phoenix trusts.