Hit And Run Ticket: Fines And Penalties (June 2025)

Key Consequences of Getting a Hit and Run Ticket

Because leaving the scene of an accident is generally seen as a step beyond mere negligence, a hit and run ticket often comes with more severe penalties than your average traffic ticket. You may face consequences like these:

• Jail or prison time
• Fines
• License suspension
• Increased insurance rates
• Civil lawsuits
• A criminal record

Some hit and run accidents are felony offenses. If you’re convicted of a felony, you may lose your eligibility for public benefits, your right to vote and your Second Amendment rights. You also may have trouble finding a job, as many companies have a policy of not hiring anyone with a felony conviction.

When Does a Hit and Run Become More Than Just a Ticket?

If you were involved in a hit and run that caused little to no property damage, you might simply receive a traffic ticket. However, if the crash involved injury, death or significant property damage, you’ll likely face criminal charges.

Fines and Penalties You Could Face

Penalties for a hit and run ticket can be serious, but often, they are proportionate to the severity of the offense itself. For instance, if you unknowingly hit a parked car and cause very minor damage, you probably won’t face the same penalties you would for leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

Some of the most likely fines and penalties for a hit and run include the following:

Fines

A ticket for a hit and run often comes with a fine. These fines can be thousands of dollars.

Jail Time

In many states, a conviction for hit and run comes with jail time. Misdemeanor offenses are generally up to a year in jail, but if you’re convicted of a felony, you may spend time in prison.

A Criminal Record

If your jurisdiction treats a hit and run as a criminal offense, you may end up with a criminal record. This can sometimes impact your ability to secure employment or even find housing.

Will a Hit and Run Ticket Suspend Your License?

In many cases, a hit and run ticket will result in a license suspension. An attorney can help you understand whether your state requires a license suspension after a conviction for a hit and run.

Can You Be Sued After Receiving a Ticket?

Whether you caused injury to someone or just property damage, there’s a chance that you’ll face a lawsuit. The other driver may simply file a claim against your car insurance, or they may hire a car accident lawyer to try to secure a better settlement.

If you’re sued, it may be a good idea to consult a litigation lawyer to ensure your best interests are protected, even if your insurance company provides you with an attorney to defend you. Keep in mind that the insurance company’s main goal is typically to protect itself.

What to Do Immediately After Receiving a Ticket

What you do after receiving a hit and run ticket can have a major impact on the rest of your case. If the police arrest you or you receive a citation, you should politely assert your right to remain silent. Perhaps most importantly, make sure that you do not admit guilt.

Next, you should contact a criminal defense attorney before you do anything else. In some instances, it may be wise to notify your insurance company of the accident, but you should ask your lawyer for advice before doing so.

Can a Lawyer Get a Hit and Run Ticket Dismissed?

After receiving a ticket or being arrested after leaving the scene of an accident, it’s wise to consult a hit and run lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney may be able to get the ticket dismissed entirely or lessen the ticket’s impact on your life.

For instance, a hit and run often results in a license suspension. Your lawyer might be able to convince the court to shorten the length of the suspension or even help you secure a limited driving privilege or hardship license.

How a Hit and Run Ticket Affects Your Insurance

After getting a hit and run ticket, it’s likely that your average car insurance cost per month will increase. Depending on the severity of the offense, this increase can be very substantial. Some experts estimate that after being charged with a hit and run, your insurance rates can increase by an average of 95%.

In many cases, a hit and run conviction comes with a license suspension. Some states require you to obtain SR-22 insurance after the suspension period has ended. With SR-22 insurance, your insurer is obligated to contact your state DMV if your policy lapses.

Have You Gotten a Hit and Run Ticket?

Getting a ticket for a hit and run can be extremely stressful. You can’t go back in time, but the next best thing you can do is consult a lawyer.

If you’re not sure how to find the right lawyer, ConsumerShield can help. We match consumers like you with skilled local attorneys. Get started with a free case review by filling out our convenient form today.