As of August 1, 2025, the penalties for hit and run just got a little steeper.

As a former prosecutor and now criminal defense attorney, I can tell you never to leave the scene of an accident. If you leave the scene and the accident results in death or serious bodily injury, the penalty is a fine of up to $5,000 and up to 10 years in jail. While you might not believe there are injuries and the accident looked minimal, you are not allowed to leave. If personal reasons prevent you from stopping, chances are the penalties for those are less than for leaving. And serious bodily injury is not defined in the statute, so don’t risk leaving.

My name is Larrion Hillman, and I’m a criminal defense attorney in Northwest Louisiana. Remember, keep calm, and don’t leave.