Hit and Run in California
Car accidents happen frequently on California roads, and sometimes they result in hit and run incidents. Hit and run accidents occur when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without providing information or assistance to the other party involved. In this article, we will discuss the legal implications of hit and run accidents in California, your rights as a victim, and steps you can take if you are involved in such an incident.
What is a Hit and Run Accident?
A hit and run accident is a type of car accident in which a driver involved in the accident leaves the scene without providing any information or assistance to the other driver or drivers. In California, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident, and those who do so can face serious legal consequences.
Types of Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and run accidents can take many forms. Some examples of hit and run accidents include:
- A driver hitting a parked car and leaving the scene without leaving a note or contacting the car's owner
- A driver hitting another car and leaving the scene without providing their contact information or insurance information
- A driver hitting a pedestrian or bicyclist and leaving the scene without providing assistance or contacting emergency services
Legal Consequences of a Hit and Run Accident
In California, hit and run accidents are taken very seriously. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, hit and run drivers can face criminal charges, including fines, jail time, and the suspension or revocation of their driver's license.
If you are involved in a hit and run accident as a victim, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. You can file a claim with your insurance company or file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Steps to Take if You are Involved in a Hit and Run Accident
If you are involved in a hit and run accident in California, there are several steps you should take to protect your rights and ensure that you are able to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. These steps include:
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Stay at the scene of the accident: If you are involved in a car accident, it is important to stay at the scene until the police arrive. Leaving the scene can be seen as an admission of guilt, and you could face legal consequences.
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Call the police: Call the police to report the accident, even if the other driver has already left the scene. The police can investigate the accident and gather evidence that may help you in your claim for compensation.
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Gather information: If you can, gather as much information as possible about the other driver and their vehicle, including their license plate number, make and model of the car, and any distinguishing features.
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Take pictures: Take pictures of the damage to your car and any injuries you have sustained. This can be useful evidence in your claim for compensation.
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Contact a personal injury attorney: A personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. John Campanella is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please call today at 916-498-8460 for a free consultation to go over the details of your case.
Penalties under California Vehicle Code § 20002
- If you leave the scene of an accident involving property damage without providing your name, address, and vehicle registration number to the owner of the damaged property, you can be charged with a misdemeanor.
- If convicted of a misdemeanor under § 20002, you may face a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment in county jail for up to six months.
- If the property damage exceeds $1,000, you may be charged with a felony hit and run.
- If convicted of a felony hit and run, you may face a fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment in state prison for up to three years.
- If the hit and run resulted in injury or death to another person, the penalties will be more severe and can include fines, imprisonment, and suspension or revocation of your driver's license.
It's important to note that the specific penalties you may face for a hit and run under § 20002 can vary depending on the circumstances of your case, such as the extent of the property damage, whether anyone was injured, and whether you have any prior convictions for similar offenses.
How to Prevent Hit and Run Accidents
While you cannot control the actions of other drivers, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of being involved in a hit and run accident. These include:
- Always obey traffic laws and drive defensively
- Avoid distracted driving, including texting while driving
- Stay alert for other drivers who may be driving erratically or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Park in well-lit areas, if possible, and consider using a dashcam or other recording device in your car
Hit and Run Notice in the Mail: What to Do and What to Expect
As a driver, receiving a hit and run notice in the mail can be quite alarming. It can leave you feeling confused, worried, and uncertain about what to do next. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about hit and run notices, including what they are, what to do when you receive one, and how to avoid them in the future.
What is a Hit and Run Notice?
A hit and run notice is a letter you receive from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or local law enforcement agency, informing you that your vehicle was involved in a hit and run accident. This means that your vehicle was either the one that caused the accident and left the scene, or was the victim of a hit and run accident where the other driver left the scene without providing their information.
What Should You Do When You Receive a Hit and Run Notice?
Receiving a hit and run notice can be stressful, but it's important to take action as soon as possible. Here are the steps you should take:
Step 1: Read the Notice Carefully
The first thing you should do when you receive a hit and run notice is to read it carefully. Make sure you understand what it says and what actions are required of you.
Step 2: Gather Information
If your vehicle was the one involved in the hit and run accident, you will need to gather as much information as possible about the incident. This may include:
- The date and time of the accident
- The location of the accident
- Any witness statements or contact information
- Any photos or video footage of the incident
- Your own account of what happened
If your vehicle was the victim of a hit and run accident, the notice should provide you with information about the other driver, such as their license plate number, vehicle description, and contact information.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company
If your vehicle was involved in the hit and run accident, it's important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They will be able to provide you with guidance on what to do next and how to file a claim.
Step 4: Respond to the Notice
Once you have gathered all the necessary information and spoken with your insurance company, you will need to respond to the hit and run notice. This may involve providing additional information about the incident or taking other actions as required by your state's DMV or local law enforcement agency.
How to Avoid Hit and Run Accidents
The best way to avoid hit and run accidents is to practice safe driving habits. Here are some tips to help you avoid getting into a hit and run accident:
Tip 1: Always Carry Insurance Information
Make sure you have your insurance information with you at all times. This will make it easier for you to provide the necessary information in the event of an accident.
Tip 2: Be Alert and Pay Attention
Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to other drivers on the road. If you see someone driving erratically or recklessly, try to stay away from them.
Tip 3: Don't Drive While Distracted
Avoid using your phone or other devices while driving. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents.
Tip 4: Follow Traffic Laws
Obey traffic laws and signals. This includes stopping at stop signs and red lights, yielding to pedestrians, and using turn signals when changing lanes.
Contact Our Office Today
John Campanella is an attorney who handles DUI/DWI, DMV, Felony DUI with injury, and vehicular homicide cases in various Northern California Counties, including Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, and San Francisco. If you're a driver in California, it's important to know about hit and run accidents. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation and take the first step towards resolving your legal matter.
