How Long Do You Have to Report a Hit-and-Run in Minnesota?

If you've been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Minnesota, it's important to know the legal requirements for reporting the incident. Failing to report a hit-and-run can result in severe penalties, so it's crucial to understand your obligations as a driver. In this blog post, we'll explore the relevant Minnesota statutes and answer the question: How long do you have to report a hit-and-run in Minnesota?

Minnesota Statutes on Hit-and-Run

According to Chapter 169, Section 169.09 of the Minnesota Statutes, drivers involved in a collision are required to stop and provide certain information. Let's take a closer look at the relevant subdivisions:

Subdivision 1: Driver to stop for collision; injury or death

This subdivision states that if a driver is involved in a collision resulting in injury or death, they must immediately stop at the scene and provide their name, address, and vehicle registration number to the other party involved. Failure to do so is a serious offense and can result in criminal charges.

Subdivision 2: Driver to stop for collision; attended vehicle

If the collision involves an attended vehicle (a vehicle with someone inside), the driver must stop and provide the same information mentioned in Subdivision 1. This applies even if the collision did not result in injury or death.

Subdivision 3: Driver to give information

This subdivision requires the driver to also provide their driver's license number to the other party involved in the collision.

Subdivision 4: Driver to stop for collision; unattended vehicle

If the collision involves an unattended vehicle (a parked vehicle with no one inside), the driver must make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or operator of the vehicle and provide their name, address, and vehicle registration number.

Subdivision 5: Notify owner of damaged property

If the collision causes damage to property other than a vehicle, the driver must make a reasonable effort to locate the owner of the property and provide their name, address, and vehicle registration number.

Subdivision 5a: Driver deemed agent of owner

In some cases, the driver may be deemed the agent of the owner of the vehicle. This means that their actions or omissions are considered the actions or omissions of the owner.

Subdivision 6: Notice of personal injury

If the collision results in personal injury, the driver must promptly notify the police or the nearest law enforcement agency.

Subdivision 7-20: Additional provisions

Subdivisions 7 to 20 of Section 169.09 cover various additional provisions related to accident reporting, including reporting requirements for law enforcement officers, accident report formats, penalties for failure to report, defenses, and more.

How Long Do You Have to Report a Hit-and-Run?

Now that we've covered the relevant Minnesota statutes, let's address the main question: How long do you have to report a hit-and-run in Minnesota?

According to Section 169.09, Subdivision 9 of the Minnesota Statutes, drivers involved in a collision resulting in injury or death must immediately report the accident to the nearest law enforcement agency. There is no specific time limit mentioned in the statute, but it is crucial to report the hit-and-run as soon as possible.

Reporting the hit-and-run promptly not only fulfills your legal obligation but also helps law enforcement agencies in their investigation. The sooner they receive the report, the better chances they have of identifying the responsible party and taking appropriate actions.

Penalties for Failure to Report a Hit-and-Run

Failing to report a hit-and-run in Minnesota can have serious consequences. Section 169.09, Subdivision 14a of the Minnesota Statutes states that a person's driver's license may be suspended if they fail to report an accident as required by law.

Additionally, a hit-and-run accident can also have civil consequences. If you're the victim of a hit-and-run and you sustain injuries or property damage, you may be entitled to compensation. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options for pursuing a claim.

Conclusion

When it comes to reporting a hit-and-run in Minnesota, it's crucial to act promptly and fulfill your legal obligations. Section 169.09 of the Minnesota Statutes outlines the requirements for reporting a hit-and-run, and drivers must stop, provide information, and notify law enforcement in a timely manner. Failing to do so can result in severe penalties, including the suspension of your driver's license. If you've been the victim of a hit-and-run, it's important to consult with a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and explore your options for seeking compensation.