By law, both parties at an accident are required to remain at the scene up to a certain point. If there were injuries, death, or excessive damage, they cannot leave until the police arrive; if not, they must still meet with the opposing driver(s) to exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance policies. This is the requirement in all states regardless of fault, unless of course medical attention is needed. If a driver involved in an accident flees the scene without following this procedure, they are guilty of hit and run. Across the United States, hit and run accidents are considered a serious criminal and civil offense; again, this is regardless of fault. There can also be addition charges, for example, if the offender was driving while intoxicated. However, it is often problematic to prosecute the offender since he fled the scene and cannot be located.