Public Figure

Claire Newman, a city councillor in Merritt, B.C., was the victim of a fatal hit-and-run crash in July 2023. She was a respected and active member of the community.

Away on a visit

According to reports, Newman was outside of her vehicle on Highway 16 near Valemount, B.C., when she was struck. The crash occurred while she was on her way to meet her husband, whose car had broken down. Evidence found at the scene suggested the suspect vehicle was a grey 2016-2018 Jeep Cherokee.

The RCMP launched an investigation and her family, including her daughter, made public pleas for information to help identify the driver. The case remains unsolved.

View point from Maple Ridge 2024

Maple Ridge News, photo of Clair Newman,

Legal responsibilities of involving in an accident.

In British Columbia, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious matter governed by both the BC Motor Vehicle Act and the Criminal Code of Canada.To answer your question directly: No, it is not “okay” to leave and report later within 24 hours if you have not first fulfilled your immediate duties at the scene.The requirement to remain and the requirement to report are two separate legal obligations.

1. Immediate Duties at the Scene

If you are involved in an accident, the BC Motor Vehicle Act (Section 68) and the Criminal Code (Section 320.16) require you to do the following immediately: * Remain at or return to the scene: You cannot leave until you have exchanged information. * Offer assistance: You must provide “all reasonable assistance” to anyone injured. Failing to do this can be an aggravating factor and can lead to more severe criminal charges (e.g., if you knew or were reckless about bodily harm or death). * Provide information: You must provide the following in writing to the other driver, any injured person, or a witness: * Your name and address. * The name and address of the vehicle’s registered owner. * The vehicle’s license plate number. * Insurance particulars.

2. The “24-Hour Rule” Myth

Many people confuse the duty to report to the police/ICBC with the duty to remain at the scene. * Reporting: If there are injuries, or if property damage exceeds a certain threshold (usually $1,000 to $10,000 depending on the province and vehicle type), you must report the accident to the police. While some reporting can happen within 24 hours, this does not give you permission to leave the scene of the accident before exchanging info with the other party. * Unattended Vehicles: If you hit a parked car and can’t find the owner, you must leave a note in a conspicuous place with your name, address, and license plate number, and then you must still take “reasonable steps” to notify the owner.

3. Consequences of Leaving

If you leave without providing your information or checking for injuries, you can be charged with:

* Motor Vehicle Act Offence:

Often results in a fine (e.g., $368) and 3 penalty points. * Criminal Code Offence: A “Failure to Stop After Accident” charge is a criminal record. If bodily harm or death is involved, it can lead to 10 years to life in prison.

Summary Table

| Action | Requirement ||—|—|| Stopping | Immediate. Must stay or return immediately. || Assistance | Immediate. Must offer help if someone is injured. || Info Exchange | Immediate. Must give Name, Address, Plate #, and Insurance. || Police Report | Required if there is injury or significant damage. |>

Important Note: If you have already left the scene of an accident without providing information, it is highly recommended that you contact a lawyer before speaking to the police, as your statements can be used against you in a criminal prosecution.>

Specific reporting thresholds for property damage in BC for the current year?

In British Columbia, the laws regarding reporting and remaining at a scene are strict. To clarify the thresholds and specific requirements for 2026:

1. The Reporting Threshold

Under the BC Motor Vehicle Act, if a police officer attends a scene, they are only required to complete a formal written report if the damage meets a certain “prescribed amount.” * Property Damage Only (PDO): The threshold is $10,000. * Injury or Death: If there is any injury or death, the dollar amount does not matter; it must be reported.

2. Can you leave and report within 24 hours? No.

This is a common and dangerous misunderstanding. * The Law: You must remain at (or immediately return to) the scene until you have exchanged information with the other party. * The 24-Hour Timeline: While ICBC and police suggest reporting a “Hit and Run” or a claim within 24 hours, this refers to the administrative filing of the report. It does not grant you legal permission to leave the scene before identifying yourself. * Aggravation: Leaving the scene where someone is injured is a major aggravating factor in criminal sentencing. In Canada, “Failure to stop after accident” (Criminal Code s. 320.16) is a serious crime that carries much heavier penalties if you knew someone was hurt and left anyway.

3. What Information Must You Give? Leave…

Before you leave the scene, you are legally required to provide the following to the other driver, an injured person, or a witness: * Full Name and Address * Vehicle License Plate Number * Insurance Information (and the name/address of the vehicle’s owner if it isn’t yours)

Summary of Obligations

| Scenario | Immediate Action | Reporting Requirement ||—|—|—|| Injury or Death | Stop, help, exchange info. | Must report to Police immediately. || Damage > $10,000 | Stop, exchange info. | Must report to Police and ICBC. || Damage < $10,000 | Stop, exchange info. | Report to ICBC for insurance (Police report optional). || Parked Car | Leave a note with your info. | Report to ICBC and take “reasonable steps” to find owner. |Important: If you have already left a scene without providing your info, you should consult a lawyer immediately.

Turning yourself in after 24 hours can still result in criminal charges for “Failure to Stop,” even if you eventually report it.

ICBC

BC Motor Vehicle Act

Criminal Code of Canada

Note: Dated information