WHAT HAPPENS IF I LEAVE THE SCENE OF A MINOR ACCIDENT IN MISSOURI?

You bump into another car in a parking lot. You scrape a mirror while pulling out. Nobody’s hurt, and the damage seems small.

You panic, drive away, and later realize: I might have just committed a crime.

In Missouri, leaving the scene of any accident — even a minor one — can lead to criminal charges. If you’ve been ticketed for leaving the scene of an accident in Missouri, call Speeding Ticket KC before your situation gets worse.

Our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers can help you dig your way through the often confusing Missouri justice system and get you back on the road.

MISSOURI LAWS ON LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT

Under Missouri Revised Statute 577.060, drivers involved in any accident must:

• Stop as close to the scene as possible.
• Provide their name, address, and insurance information.
• Notify the property owner or leave contact details if the other driver isn’t present.

Failing to do this is considered leaving the scene of an accident, sometimes called a “hit-and-run.”

Penalties for Leaving a Minor Accident: If no one was injured and the damage was only to property, leaving the scene is usually charged as a Class A misdemeanor:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• A fine of up to $2,000
• 12 points on your license (enough to trigger revocation)

Even if you never go to jail, the license consequences and insurance hikes can be severe.

WHY MISSOURI PROSECUTORS TAKE THE CHARGE SERIOUSLY

Courts see leaving the scene as a sign of irresponsibility — even if the damage was minor. By leaving, you deny the other driver the chance to exchange insurance, and you make it appear as if you’re avoiding responsibility.

What to Do If You Already Left the Scene

• Don’t make statements without a lawyer — anything you say can be used against you.
• Contact an experienced traffic defense attorney immediately — hit-and-run cases move quickly.
• Gather any evidence — photos, witness names, or notes about what happened.
• Let your attorney handle communication with police and prosecutors — this helps avoid self-incrimination.

POSSIBLE DEFENSES IN MINOR MISSOURI HIT-AND-RUN CASES

When you hire a skilled Missouri hit-and-run attorney at Speeding Ticket KC, you’re stacking the deck in your favor. Experience counts. The right attorney may argue:

• You didn’t realize an accident occurred (common in very minor scrapes).
• You attempted to stop but couldn’t safely do so.
• You were not the driver.
• The prosecution doesn’t have enough evidence to prove you knowingly left the scene.

HOW THE RIGHT KANSAS CITY TRAFFIC DEFENSE LAWYER CAN HELP YOU

At Speeding Ticket KC, we’ve defended many clients accused of leaving the scene of minor accidents.

We work to:

• Get charges reduced to lesser offenses.
• Negotiate for non-criminal outcomes when possible.
• Protect your license from being revoked.
• Keep your record clean and avoid costly insurance spikes.

Yes — even if it was a minor fender bender, leaving the scene of an accident in Missouri can result in criminal charges, points, fines, and license revocation.

Every traffic ticket is an opportunity to protect your license and your driving record — if you take action. At Speeding Ticket KC, we make fighting tickets fast, easy, and affordable for Missouri drivers. We’ve built a reputation for results, and we’re ready to put our experience to work for you.

If you’ve been accused of leaving the scene, don’t wait. Contact Speeding Ticket KC today — we’ll fight to protect your record, your license, and your future.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland,  Drexel, Fairview,  Ferrelview,  Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview,  Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill,  Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy,  Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers near me in Missouri and let us help begin building your defense. Let us help.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult qualified counsel regarding your unique situation.