Under ARS 28-663, you must provide your name, address, and vehicle registration number to anyone involved in an accident. You must show your license if asked, and render reasonable assistance to anyone injured.
Failing to exchange the required information is typically charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor in Arizona. If someone is injured and you do not provide the reasonable assistance required by law, you could instead face a Class 6 felony.
Since 2007, our Phoenix criminal defense lawyers at Suzuki Law Offices have stood up for Arizona residents accused of crimes. Call now to schedule a free consultation if you have been accused of an ARS 28-663 violation, hit-and-run, or other accident-related traffic offense.
Your Legal Duties After a Car Accident Collision
Most drivers know they should exchange insurance information after an accident, but in certain accidents you may need to fulfill additional responsibilities. Under ARS 28-663, that means identifying yourself and showing your vehicle registration number.
Even if you believe the other driver is completely at fault, you still need to follow Arizona law. Leaving the scene too soon or not giving the required information can lead to criminal charges that you could have avoided.
Often, drivers who thought they were following the law later learn that a misunderstanding led to legal problems. If there is uncertainty about whether ARS 28-663 applies to your situation, Suzuki Law Offices can help you make sense of your charges.
When Does ARS 28-663 Apply?
This statute applies after any car crash in Arizona that results in injury, death, or damage to a vehicle. It shows up in fender-benders where one driver panics and drives away. It applies to serious crashes where someone is hurt and needs help getting to a hospital.
Some accidents seem minor, and a driver thinks that they don’t need to stop. This is a mistake, and it can turn a small mishap into a serious legal issue. If you’ve made this error, contact our firm right away so we can review your options.
Every accident is different, and how ARS 28-663 applies depends heavily on what actually occurred at the scene. Our team at Suzuki Law Offices will look closely at those details to better understand what happened and pursue the best available resolution.
Information You Must Share Under ARS 28-663
Arizona law specifies several pieces of identifying information that drivers generally must provide following a qualifying accident. This information helps facilitate insurance claims and gives individuals a way to pursue compensation if necessary. The required information includes:
- Your full name.
- Your residential address.
- The registration number for the vehicle you were driving.
- Your driver’s license upon request if another party or a responding officer needs to examine it.
These requirements focus on identification rather than requiring you to explain how the collision happened. At Suzuki Law Offices, we often remind clients that providing identifying information does not automatically mean admitting fault. You still have rights.
The Duty to Render Reasonable Assistance
ARS 28-663 also requires you to render reasonable assistance to anyone injured in the accident. That can mean arranging transportation to a doctor or hospital if it’s apparent that treatment is necessary, or if the injured person asks for that help.
This doesn’t mean you have to provide medical care yourself. Calling for help or arranging transport satisfies the obligation, and nothing in the statute expects you to act as a paramedic. This duty exists because accidents can leave someone unable to get help on their own.
At Suzuki Law Offices, founding attorney R.J. Suzuki is a former Assistant United States Attorney. If you need help understanding why you are facing an ARS 28-663-related felony, we can explain the law and help you find a path forward.
Penalties for Failing to Provide Information
A driver who fails to exchange the required information may face a Class 1 misdemeanor. The consequences for violating these duties can be serious. Penalties can include:
- Up to 6 months in jail.
- A fine of up to $2,500, plus applicable charges and court fees.
- Up to 3 years of probation.
People sometimes leave an accident scene without exchanging information, often out of fear or confusion rather than any intent to break the law. The charge that follows can still be severe, regardless of the reason behind it. Suzuki Law Offices treats these accusations seriously.
Get Help With Your Legal Issues After a Crash
According to ARS 28-663, you are required to give your name, address, and vehicle registration number to all parties involved in an accident. You must offer reasonable help to anyone who is injured, and you must display your license if requested.
Arizona law also expects drivers to remain at the scene long enough to fulfill those responsibilities. If you don’t comply with this statute, even by mistake, you could face serious legal issues.
Our team at Suzuki Law Offices can evaluate how those circumstances affect your criminal case and work to protect your rights. Call now to schedule your free consultation and tell us what happened.
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