Hit and Run Charges in Kentucky

Kentucky Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Kentucky law requires drivers involved in accidents to stop, identify themselves, and in many cases render aid. Failure to do so — commonly known as “hit and run” — is a criminal offense that can range from a misdemeanor to a serious felony depending on the circumstances. Whether your case is in Louisville, Lexington, or anywhere in Kentucky, Clark + Harris defends hit and run charges.

Kentucky Hit and Run Statutes

Kentucky’s leaving-the-scene laws are found at KRS 189.580. The specific offense and penalty depend on what was damaged or injured:

Accidents resulting only in property damage — misdemeanor, with penalties depending on damage amount
Accidents resulting in injury — Class A misdemeanor or higher
Accidents resulting in serious physical injury — Class D felony, carrying 1 to 5 years
Accidents resulting in death — Class C felony, carrying 5 to 10 years

What Drivers Must Do After an Accident

Kentucky law requires drivers involved in an accident to stop immediately at the scene or as close as possible, provide their name, address, and vehicle information to any injured person or any other driver, render reasonable assistance to any injured person, and — when no person is present to receive the information — report the accident to police.

Defending Kentucky Hit and Run Cases

Defense strategies include challenging whether the defendant was actually the driver (identification), challenging whether the defendant knew an accident had occurred (some collisions are not immediately apparent, particularly at low speeds), challenging whether the defendant had an adequate opportunity to stop, constitutional challenges to evidence, and establishing that the defendant complied with applicable requirements even if they didn’t remain at the scene indefinitely.

Knowledge as a Key Element

To convict for hit and run, the Commonwealth must prove the defendant knew about the accident. In cases where a driver genuinely didn’t know a collision occurred — minor bumps, low-visibility conditions, distracted driving without obvious impact — the knowledge element can be successfully challenged.

Contact Clark + Harris for Hit and Run Defense

Hit and run charges can carry felony exposure when injuries are involved. Clark + Harris defends these cases throughout Lexington, Louisville, and across Kentucky.

Call 859-474-0001 today for a confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I contact Clark + Harris after being charged in Kentucky?

As soon as possible. Early representation protects your rights during questioning, preserves evidence, and often leads to better outcomes. Call 859-474-0001 — we respond promptly to new inquiries.

Does Clark + Harris represent clients throughout Kentucky?

Yes. We represent clients in all 120 Kentucky counties, both state District and Circuit courts, and federal courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky.

What happens during a free consultation with Clark + Harris?

We review the specific charges and evidence, discuss available defenses, explain the likely process in the relevant court, and give you a clear roadmap of next steps — at no cost to you.

Related Resources

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