After a Crash
MCA 61-7-105 — stop, give a name and plate, help the injured, and call it in at $1,000 of damage
A driver who knows or reasonably should know of being in a crash with another person stops at once at the scene, or as close as possible, and stays until the duties to give information and aid are met.
Who handles this in Montana: State Bar of Montana, Licensed Lawyer Montana; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Montana directory.
- The driver gives a name, address and the vehicle's registration number, and shows a license on request.
- The driver gives reasonable help to anyone injured, including arranging transport for medical treatment.
- If anyone is injured or killed, the driver stays until an on-duty peace officer gives express permission to leave.
A driver who hits an unattended vehicle stops and either finds the owner or leaves a written note in a conspicuous place with the driver's and owner's names and addresses and what happened.
- A crash with injury, death, or apparent damage of $1,000 or more is reported at once to the police, the sheriff or the highway patrol.
- Unless an officer investigated it, a written report goes to the department within 10 days.
Leaving the scene of an injury crash. Failing to stop or give aid after a crash that injures someone brings 30 days to 1 year, a fine of $100 to $5,000, or both, and after one causing serious bodily injury or death, 1 to 10 years in prison and up to $50,000.
Sources for this section (6)
- MCA 61-7-103 — Accidents involving another person or deceased person
- MCA 61-7-105 — Duty to give information and render aid
- MCA 61-7-106 — Duty upon striking unattended vehicle
- MCA 61-7-108 — Immediate notice of accidents
- MCA 61-7-109 — Written reports of accidents -- additional information -- form of report
- MCA 61-7-118 — Penalty for violation
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Montana attorney.