Hit-and-Runs in Tempe: A Growing Concern for Drivers

Hit-and-run accidents are not just morally reprehensible—they are also criminal offenses under Arizona law. In a growing city like Tempe, where roadways near Downtown, Holdeman, and North Tempe frequently see high volumes of traffic, drivers are increasingly at risk of becoming victims of these sudden and traumatic events.

Whether it's a minor scrape in a parking lot or a serious highway collision, fleeing the scene of an accident has severe legal repercussions. For victims, the frustration goes beyond physical injuries—it’s the feeling of being abandoned without accountability.

If you’ve been impacted by a hit-and-run, or want to protect yourself legally as a Tempe driver, understanding how Arizona penalizes these offenses can prepare you for what comes next. For those seeking guidance or representation, working with a Tempe car accident attorney can be the most important step toward recovering compensation and holding the at-fault party accountable.

How Arizona Defines a Hit-and-Run

Under A.R.S. §28-661, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a felony offense in Arizona. Even property damage-only accidents fall under criminal violation if the driver fails to stop and provide information or assistance.

What many Tempe drivers don’t realize is that Arizona law makes no exceptions for panic or fear—intent is irrelevant in these cases. If you hit someone’s car, bike, or body and leave the scene, the state treats it as a willful abandonment of responsibility.

The same law applies whether you’re near bustling areas like Meyer Park or quieter residential zones such as Escalante.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Hit-and-Run Charges

Hit-and-run penalties depend on the outcome of the accident:

• If there’s property damage only, it’s typically a class 2 misdemeanor. That could mean a fine of up to $750, up to four months in jail, and license points that can trigger a suspension.

• If someone is injured, the charge elevates to a class 5 felony.

• If someone dies or suffers serious injury, it’s a class 3 felony—or even class 2 if the fleeing driver caused the accident.

In severe cases, this could mean up to 12.5 years in prison.

The impact doesn’t end there. A felony conviction can ruin employment opportunities, housing access, and professional licenses. If you’re facing accusations, speaking with a qualified Tempe hit-and-run lawyer should be your first priority.

Why Some Drivers Flee the Scene

There’s no good reason to flee, but there are common motives:

• Driving under the influence

• Driving without insurance

• Having a suspended license

• Fear of arrest or prior offenses

Ironically, fleeing only worsens the situation. A DUI, for example, might carry less serious penalties than a felony hit-and-run when combined with fleeing the scene.

Some drivers simply panic, especially younger drivers or those unfamiliar with their legal obligations. But that doesn’t make them legally exempt.

Insurance and Compensation Challenges for Victims

When the at-fault driver leaves, your ability to file a normal insurance claim is disrupted. If the police cannot identify the driver, your uninsured motorist coverage becomes critical. Unfortunately, not all drivers carry this type of coverage, especially if they were trying to save on premiums.

Victims may need to explore alternative avenues like:

• Filing under their personal injury protection (PIP)

• Suing unknown drivers under “John Doe” complaints

• Pursuing civil damages through legal resources and forensic evidence

Cases that involve serious injuries—like a traumatic brain injury or spinal damage—should be handled with the guidance of an experienced attorney. Visit our dedicated pages for TBI and spinal cord injuries to understand how damages are calculated and what to expect.

Civil vs. Criminal Penalties in Tempe

A hit-and-run can lead to both criminal charges (handled by the state) and civil litigation (handled by the victim). Criminal court punishes the wrongdoer, but only civil court can order compensation for:

• Medical bills

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Long-term disability

That means even if the at-fault driver is caught and prosecuted, you’ll still need to file a separate lawsuit to recover financial damages. In some cases, the driver may be ordered to pay restitution, but this does not replace a personal injury judgment.

Role of Surveillance and Witnesses in Identifying Offenders

Thanks to the increase in traffic cameras and private surveillance, hit-and-run offenders are caught more often than they used to be. Areas like South Tempe and near Tempe Marketplace have multiple intersections monitored by cameras, and businesses often share footage with investigators.

Witness statements, license plate recognition systems, and even social media posts can help identify the fleeing driver. In civil cases, these same tools may be used to prove negligence, location, and speed.

You can also file a public safety report or track case updates using official tools from tempe.gov.

What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run

Victims should act quickly and deliberately:

• Call 911 if there are injuries or significant damage

• Document everything (time, location, vehicle color/type, damage)

• Talk to any witnesses and collect statements

• Report the accident to both the police and your insurance

Even if you feel "okay" in the moment, never delay a medical evaluation. Symptoms from brain injuries or soft tissue trauma may not appear immediately.

Tempe drivers should also be aware that delayed reporting could impact not only your claim, but also potential compensation. Whether you're on the 101 or in a lot near a grocery store, the process is the same.

Arizona Statute of Limitations for Hit-and-Run Accidents

You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a civil personal injury claim in Arizona. However, if the at-fault driver is unidentified, this may affect how and when your claim proceeds.

In such cases, consulting the resources offered at azcourts.gov is a smart move. You can track timelines, case filings, and more.

Navigating Legal Help After a Hit-and-Run in Tempe

Being the victim of a hit-and-run crash can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling pain, uncertainty, and uncooperative insurers. Fortunately, Tempe drivers have options.

If your crash happened in a specific area, it may help to consult with a lawyer familiar with that neighborhood. We provide specific representation for collisions in Downtown Tempe, Holdeman, and even cases involving uninsured drivers.

For cases involving DUI, distracted driving, or pedestrian injuries, check our focused legal service pages to find relevant support. If you suspect the other driver was impaired, the Arizona state portal may provide insight into criminal charges filed.

Conclusion

Hit-and-run accidents are far more than just traffic violations—they’re life-altering events that can leave Tempe victims with devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences.

Understanding the penalties and your legal rights empowers you to take control after a crash. Whether you're seeking justice or navigating your insurance coverage, you don't have to do it alone.

Our team at Tempe Car Accident Attorney is here to guide you through every step.