HIT & RUN

Hit and Run Charges in Oregon 

If you are facing Hit and Run charges in Oregon it’s important to understand the severity of penalties you are facing. The attorneys at GR Johnson Law Firm can help aggressively fight to dismiss or lower the penalties and charges against you.

If you’re facing hit and run charges, let us help you!

What is Hit and Run?

Under Oregon law, hit and run is defined in ORS § 811.700 as the failure to perform the duties of a driver when property is damaged. In Oregon, this offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. 

Here’s a breakdown of the required actions for drivers involved in property damage collisions:

1. General Duty to Stop and Investigate

• Immediate Stop: The driver must immediately stop their vehicle at the scene of the collision or as close as possible, without obstructing traffic unnecessarily.
• Investigation: The driver must investigate what their vehicle struck.

2. Collision with Another Vehicle (Occupied)

If the driver’s vehicle is involved in a collision with another vehicle that is attended by someone (driven or occupied), the driver must:

• Remain at the Scene until all required duties are fulfilled.
• Provide Information to the other driver or passenger, including:
  • Name and address of the driver, owner, and occupants of the vehicle.
  • Registration number of the vehicle, insurance carrier name, policy number, and phone number for the insurance carrier.
• Exhibit Proof of Driving Privileges: Upon request, show any document that verifies driving privileges.

3. Collision with Unattended Vehicle

If the collision involves an unattended vehicle, the driver must:

• Locate the Owner: Attempt to find the operator or owner and notify them of the incident, providing:
  • Name and address of the driver and vehicle owner.
  • Vehicle registration number, insurance details.
• Leave a Written Notice: If the owner cannot be located, the driver must leave a written notice on the damaged vehicle with:
  • Driver’s and owner’s names and addresses.
  • Vehicle registration number, insurance details.

4. Damage to Property or Fixtures

If the collision results in damage to fixtures or property legally on or adjacent to the highway, the driver must:

• Notify the Owner or Person in Charge: Inform them of the collision, providing:
  • Driver’s and vehicle owner’s names and addresses.
  • Vehicle registration number, insurance carrier information.
• Exhibit Proof of Driving Privileges: Upon request, show any driving privilege document if available.

5. Discovering Damage After Leaving the Scene

If the driver realizes after leaving the scene that their vehicle may have been involved in a collision, they must:

• Make a Good Faith Effort: As soon as reasonably possible, the driver must take steps to comply with the above duties.

Penalties for Hit and Run in Oregon 

Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver When Property is Damaged, as outlined under ORS 811.700, is classified as a misdemeanor in Oregon. The offense carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $6,250.

Defenses to Hit and Run 

• Drive had no knowledge or reasonable belief their vehicle was involved in a collision. This means that the driver must have driver known, or should have known, that there was a good chance their vehicle had been in a crash.

How a Hit and Run Lawyer Can Help 

At GR Johnson Law Firm, we can try to negotiate for a civil compromise or deferred sentencing or work to lower the charge from a criminal offense. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable assistance if you’re facing hit and run charges. We will review the details of your case, assess the evidence, and build a strong defense strategy tailored to your situation. 

Hire an Experienced Oregon Hit and Run Attorney 

Having an experienced Oregon criminal defense lawyer on your side can drastically change the outcome of your case and the penalties associated with it. Call us now for a free consultation: 541-508-4716.