What Is a Hit and Run? - Hit and Run Meaning in Alberta
In Alberta, the hit and run legal definition actually calls it “Fail to Remain at the Scene of an Accident”. At fault or not, a hit and run is the most serious offence in Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act. The lesser version of a hit and run is Failing to Report an Accident. There are a few ways to commit a hit and run but the bottom line is that you did not leave a note, or otherwise notify the owner of the vehicle or property that you damaged.
What Does a Hit and Run Mean for My Alberta Driving Record and Insurance?
A hit and run means a mandatory court appearance and includes 7 demerits, guaranteeing you the same insurance premiums as an impaired driving charge. Failing to Report an Accident carries just 3 demerit points but your insurance company may still elevate your premiums if this version of the hit and run offense shows on your record. Horror stories of radical insurance premium increases are certainly out there.
What is a Hit and Run in Alberta?
You know those little bumper nudges in parking lots…? They seem harmless enough, but an accident is defined as ‘contact’ between two vehicles… damage doesn't need to occur. If you don’t leave a note with your particulars on the other vehicle, it qualifies as a hit and run.
Hitting a parked car on the street, and not contacting the owner immediately results in the same hit and run charge. It seems far more serious than a parking lot bruise, but the hit and run legal definition applies, even just clipping mirrors. This often happens in the wee hours of the night, and police are always suspicious the driver was impaired at the time.
If you cannot find the owner, you must always leave a note showing at least your name and phone number. The note must make it easy for the vehicle owner or police to contact you. If either of these essential pieces of information are missing from your note you can be charged.
What Happens if You Leave Because You are in Danger?
You can flee the scene of an accident if you feel threatened by the other party but it’s your responsibility to contact the police as soon as you are safe… typically as soon as you get home. Failure to do so will result in you being charged with a hit and run.
Is it Possible to Hit a Car and Not Know it?
Absolutely… and we hear this story all the time. You most certainly can still be charged with a hit and run even when you truly didn’t know you caused damage. Why? Hit and run meaning says having knowledge of the offence isn’t necessary to be charged with a hit and run.
There are many defenses to amend all of the above hit and run charges to help protect your insurance premiums. PLEASE make sure you contact us before you even THINK about just pleading guilty. Find out a little more about what a hit and run means for your driving record and insurance, and how we can help you.
