WICHITA, Kan., Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Motor vehicle accidents are stressful under any circumstance, but making the wrong decision in the moments that follow can carry serious legal consequences. In Kansas, fleeing the scene of an accident without fulfilling the required legal obligations is considered a criminal offense, commonly referred to as a hit-and-run, and can lead to serious consequences. Our team of experienced traffic attorneys in Wichita, Kansas, at the McConnell Law Firm is detailing the step-by-step process for reporting an accident so you can avoid being charged. Keep reading to learn more!

What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to provide their name, contact details, and insurance information to the other party. In Kansas, this isn't just irresponsible behavior; it's a criminal offense that can carry serious legal consequences. While some drivers may panic and flee out of fear, the penalties for leaving the scene are often far more severe than those for the accident itself. Depending on the circumstances, including potential injuries or fatalities, a hit-and-run can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, and victims may have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.

• Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run: Generally, if the accident only results in property damage, this criminal offense will be charged as a misdemeanor.
• Felony Hit-and-Run: Most likely, if the accident results in injury or fatality, it will be classified as a felony.

Did You Know? 

Hit-and-run accidents don't just involve other vehicles; they can also include pedestrians, cyclists, or even parked cars and other stationary property. If the responsible party fails to follow required reporting procedures, they can still be charged.

Understanding the Reporting Requirements

Before leaving the scene of an accident, it's essential to ensure you've met all legal obligations. Failing to follow the proper procedures (even unintentionally) can lead to hit-and-run charges under Kansas law. According to Kansas Statutes, drivers involved in a collision are required to take the following steps:

1. Stop at the scene (or near) the scene of the accident.
2. Provide personal information to the other parties involved, including the driver's name, address, and registration number. If requested, they should be able to provide a valid driver's license or permit and insurance information.
3. If possible, determine if any parties are injured and render reasonable assistance to any person injured (helping them access emergency medical care if necessary).
4. If no officer is present, the driver should immediately report the accident to local law enforcement if:

• • There is property damage of $1,000 or more.
  • Any person involved in the accident is injured or killed.

"Simply stopping after an accident isn't enough. In Kansas, you have a legal obligation to report the accident," said Jonathan W. McConnell, one of our traffic attorneys at the McConnell Law Firm. "You're required to provide your contact and insurance information to the other party, and in some situations, you may also need to notify law enforcement, especially if there are injuries, significant property damage, or if drugs or alcohol were involved."

Potential Penalties in Kansas

It's important to understand that penalties for hit-and-run accidents in Kansas vary depending on the circumstances of the incident. Factors such as injuries and fatalities, the involvement of drugs or alcohol, whether it's a misdemeanor or felony offense, and the defendant's prior criminal history can all influence the severity of the charges and resulting consequences. However, potential penalties could include:

• Fines (up to $2,500 for a misdemeanor, or up to $300,000 for a felony)
• Jail time (up to 1 year for a misdemeanor or up to 136 months for a felony)
• Driver's license revocation

"In most cases, involved parties have two years to file a civil lawsuit after a crash," said McConnell. "If you've been involved in a hit-and-run or recently accused, it's crucial to speak with an attorney right away. Depending on the circumstances, they can help clarify your involvement or explain why it may not have been possible to comply with the law at that given time."

Have You Been Accused?

If you're facing hit-and-run charges, we encourage you to contact the McConnell Law Firm as soon as possible. While every case is different, and no conclusions should be drawn without first consulting a traffic attorney in Wichita about the specifics of your case, it is always in your best interest to have a skilled attorney by your side from the beginning.

Request a Free Consultation

Do you or a loved one need the assistance of one of our traffic attorneys in Wichita? We encourage you to contact the McConnell Law Firm at (316) 243-5903 for a free consultation.

jonathanwmcconnell.com

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SOURCE McConnell Law Firm