When Is Fleeing The Scene Of A Crash A Felony Crime?

 Posted on January 14, 2026 in Criminal Defense

It is easy to panic if you are in a car crash that might have seriously injured or killed the other driver. You do not know how to handle the situation, and your first instinct may be to get away as fast as you can.

Leaving the scene of an accident, also known as a hit-and-run, is a criminal offense. If you leave the scene involving serious bodily injury or a fatality, you may have committed a felony crime. If you are facing charges in 2026, you need the help of an Annapolis, MD criminal defense attorney who takes serious traffic violation cases. Call Henley & Henley, Attorneys at Law today at 410-280-0530.

What Does Maryland Law Say About Leaving The Scene Of A Crash?

Maryland Transportation Code Section 20-102 requires drivers involved in crashes to remain at the scene until they complete certain legal obligations. These include:

• Providing reasonable assistance to injured people

• Exchanging information with other drivers

• Speaking with responding police officers

If you leave the scene of a crash without doing these things, you can face serious criminal charges. The severity of those charges depends on what happened in the crash.

When Is Fleeing The Scene A Felony For Serious Injuries?

Maryland law states that if a driver is involved in a crash that they know or should have known might have caused serious bodily injury to another, the driver must remain at the scene.

An injury is serious if there is:

• A substantial risk of death

• Serious disfigurement

• Serious loss of function

• Serious impairment of function

Violating this statute could result in a prison sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to $3,000. However, if serious bodily injury actually occurred, the violation becomes a felony with a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $5,000.

When Is Fleeing The Scene A Felony For Fatal Crashes?

Maryland Transportation Code Section 20-102 also addresses fatal crashes. If a driver is involved in a crash that they know or should have known might have resulted in a fatality, the driver must remain at the scene.

Violating this statute could result in up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. But if a fatality actually occurred, the violation becomes a felony crime with up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. These are the most serious hit and run penalties in Maryland.

What Should You Do If You Are In A Serious Crash?

If you are involved in a car accident, fear and confusion make it seem like a good choice to flee. However, doing so can subject you to serious penalties, especially if the crash caused injuries or a fatality.

Maryland law requires you to stop your vehicle as close as possible to the scene without getting in the way of traffic. You must provide your name, address, vehicle registration, and driver's license information to anyone injured or to any police officer.

You must also give reasonable assistance to anyone injured, including calling an ambulance. Even if you think you might face other charges, remaining at the scene is the better choice. Fleeing turns one potential crime into two crimes.

Call an Annapolis, MD Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Fear and confusion after a car crash are understandable, but fleeing can result in felony charges with up to 10 years in prison.

If you are facing hit and run charges, you need experienced legal representation. Our Anne Arundel County criminal defense lawyer understands Maryland's traffic laws and can build a strong defense. Contact Henley & Henley, Attorneys at Law today at 410-280-0530 to schedule a consultation.