Are Autopsies Public Records? Vital Records Explained

In the US, it depends on state law. For instance, in Alabama, under state statutes, autopsies are public records, in Arkansas, however, autopsy reports are not medical records, meaning they are public records.  See autopsy laws by state in the table below.  Quick take: Are autopsies public records? State law determines who has the authority … Read more

Vital Records Explained: Is ‘Cause of Death’ public record?

Vital records explained? Are death certificates public record? It depends on state law (See the table below). For example, in Alaska, death certificates become public records 50 years after the date of death. Also, death certificates are exempt from FOIA (Freedom of Information Act).  The question is; how do you find out the cause of … Read more

Hit and Run Laws in the United States

United States Hit and Run Laws by State United States Hit and Run Laws vary by state. Find out about your local Hit and Run Laws by selecting a state below. Penalities can vary from state to state however depending on circumstances prosecutors may charge the person committing a hit and run with either a … Read more

Vital Records Explained: Are birth certificates public records?

According to the United States Census Bureau, birth certificates are public records. But the federal government does not keep files or indexes of birth certificates. Instead, it is up to the states to issue and index birth certificates. Therefore, State law determines who has the authority to access birth certificates. Tip: You may view birth … Read more

South Carolina Hit and Run Laws

What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident in South Carolina? Under South Carolina hit and run laws, leaving the scene of an accident without fulfilling the requirements under section 56-5-1230 is a felony if anyone suffers death or injury and a misdemeanor if the collision results in property damage. Quick take: … Read more

South Dakota Hit and Run Laws

What happens if you leave the scene of an accident in South Dakota Under chapters 32 to 34 sections 32-32-3 through to 32-34-23, South Dakota hit and run laws; you are guilty of a misdemeanor if you leave the scene of an accident without fulfilling the requirements in section 32-34-3. If anyone suffers injury or … Read more

Rhode Island Hit and Run Laws

Is leaving the scene of an accident a felony in Rhode Island? For a first violation, under section 31-26-1 (death/injury), leaving the scene of an accident in Rhode Island without fulfilling the requirements of section 31-26-3 is a felony punishable by a maximum of ten years in prison and a $5000 fine. If the collision … Read more

Pennsylvania Hit and Run Laws

What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident in Pennsylvania? A hit and run involving property damage is a misdemeanor of the third degree in Pennsylvania. In addition, if anyone dies or suffers serious injuries, leaving the scene of the accident is a felony. Quick take: leaving the scene of an accident … Read more

Oregon Hit and Run Laws

What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident in Oregon? Under Oregon’s hit and run laws sections 811.700 through to 811.717, leaving the scene of a traffic collision that results in property damage is a misdemeanor. If anyone dies or suffers an injury, the charges escalate into a felony. In addition, prosecutors … Read more

Oklahoma Hit and Run Laws

What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident in Oklahoma? Section 47 OS 10-102.1. “Oklahoma hit and run laws” states that if you are involved in a traffic collision resulting in death or injury, leaving the scene without fulfilling the conditions below is a felony punishable by not less than 10 days … Read more