What you’re legally required to do after a car accident to avoid criminal charges
So you were distracted, tired, and overwhelmed, backing out of a parking spot. And then things got even worse. You clipped another car. A fender-bender can ruin your day, but skipping the legal steps after an accident could ruin your record, finances, and freedom. Attorney Chris Rike explains what steps the law expects—and how failing to follow it could lead to a criminal charge.
Hit a car? Stay put—or face charges
If you hit an occupied car, you can’t leave. “You have to stop. You have to remain at the scene of the accident,” Rike says. Leaving could lead to a class 2 misdemeanor, carrying “a $750 fine plus surcharges… up to four months in jail and up to two years probation.”
Even if nobody’s hurt, you have a duty. “You have to exchange contact information,” Rike explains. That includes your driver’s license, insurance info, and registration.
Skipping these steps after an accident could bring additional charges. Rike warns, “That’s also a class 3 misdemeanor for failing to provide that information.”
What to do after an accident with an empty car
Hitting an unattended vehicle isn’t a free pass. “You need to stop and… make a reasonable effort to locate the owner,” Rike says.
Can’t find them? “Then you need to leave a conspicuous note on the car with your contact information,” he advises. “You might also want to take a picture where you left that note, just in case it comes up down the road.” Failing to do this after an accident with an unattended car could result in yet another class 3 misdemeanor.
What about hitting a street sign or pole?
What if you hit a highway fixture—like a sign, gate, or guardrail? Rike says, “You also have to make an effort to locate the owner and… provide the owner your information.”
If you can’t track them down, “leave a note, leave it conspicuous, and take a picture” as proof you followed the law.
Helping injured people after an accident
Rike emphasizes that drivers must assist injured parties. “You may not be a nurse or a medical doctor,” he says, “but you can at least call for assistance—call 911.”
Accidents happen, but leaving the scene can turn a bad day into a criminal case. Whether you hit a car, a mailbox, or even a street sign, follow Chris Rike’s advice: stop, share info, and document the damage. It could save you fines, jail time, and a whole lot of legal trouble.
Watch Rike’s full video for more advice on handling accidents the right way:
