A hit and run statute is a state law that requires any person involved in a motor vehicle accident to stay at the scene of the accident until the police arrive to establish the facts. All drivers must be prepared to share their name, address, driver's license number, and in most cases, their insurance details. This statute is in effect to provide victims of car accidents with help from the other party in the first crucial moments. It also allows for the establishment of fault which is relevant for both legal and insurance reasons.
When a person is involved in a car accident and flees the scene, the establishment of guilt and fault is presumed in all instances. It is assumed that the person felt that the circumstances surrounding the situation would find them liable for the actions that caused the accident. If the person who leaves the scene of an accident is caught later, they will be charged for the offense which may carry jail time. Depending on the aftermath of the accident and the injuries sustained to the victim, the charges brought against any hit-and-run driver can be extremely severe.