If you're the operator of a vehicle involved in an accident, you're obliged to give your name, address, vehicle identification number, and driver's license number to the police or to the injured party before you leave the scene of the accident. If no police officer is present, and you're prevented from giving your information to the other party involved, you should immediately go to the nearest police station to report the accident. Failure to do so means you could be guilty of the crime of leaving the scene of an accident. In most states, leaving the scene of an accident is a Class A misdemeanor, or a felony in cases in which there was physical injury to the other party or any significant property damage, or in the case of a repeat offense. The obligation to remain at the scene of an accident until the required information has been given to the police or other party involved doesn't depend on who was at fault in the accident. If you're involved in an accident, be sure not to leave the scene before you've provided the required information. If you're accused of the crime of leaving the scene of an accident, you should consider contacting an attorney.
