Leaving the scene of an accident without exchanging information with the person you hit is a crime in California.

If you’re involved in an accident, you must stop the car, provide your driver information and insurance to the other party, and report it to the police. You must do this before leaving the scene, even if it isn't your fault, or you can be arrested and face criminal charges. If you are unable to identify or contact the property’s owner you are legally required to leave a note with your contact information and file an accident or police report Even if you hit a lamp post or guard rail, you are required to make a police report.

Hit and Run charges include the following:

• Car accidents or other moving motor vehicle collisions • Accidents involving death or serious bodily injury • Hitting a bicycle/rider or pedestrian with your car • Damaging a parked car or unoccupied motor vehicle or property

California Hit and Run Law
California Hit and Run accidents are misdemeanors or felonies depending on the circumstances.

California Law defines a Hit and Run Misdemeanor as, "a failure to immediately stop at the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in property damage." This includes minor accidents with no physical injuries.

The Law defines a Hit and Run Felony as, "a failure to immediately stop at the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving death or permanent injury to any person(s) and render reasonable aid…" This is obviously much more serious.

The best way to handle a hit and run situation is to follow these Do’s and Don’ts:

California Hit and Run Do’s and Don’ts

1. DO stop and exchange driver documentation with the other party, including:     • Name • License Number • Vehicle Identification Number • Insurance Carrier's Name and Address • Insurance Policy Number 2. DO offer assistance and call 911 if someone is injured.   You may also take the injured person to the nearest hospital. 3. DON’T say anything if you believe the car accident is your fault! Remember, anything you say to the police or driver can and will be used against you.       • FIRST, talk to a qualified California Hit and Run attorney,   such as Stephen G. Rodriguez. 4. DO report the accident to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or local police, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and your insurance agent.   5. DO the following if you can’t locate the owner of the other vehicle or property:     • Leave a note with facts surrounding the case and driver     documentation information • Report the accident immediately 6. DON’T leave the scene of the accident without exchanging information even if you did not cause the accident.

Hit and Run Penalties
Penalties for Hit and Run charges range from minor to very serious.

Misdemeanors are the most common Hit and Run charges and are the result of minimal property damage and no physical injuries. Misdemeanors penalties may carry 6 months in county jail, fines, victim restitution, and license suspension.

A Felony is charged when the Hit and Run accident causes serious bodily injury or death. Felonies penalties may include several years in state prison, thousands of dollars in fines, DMV points, and license suspension.

Penalties for Hit and Run may be increased if the Hit and Run driver had a criminal record or even a prior Hit and Run conviction. The other related factors considered in the penalties and outcome of your Hit and Run include:

Also, if you’re convicted, you’ll receive 2 points on your California DMV record and will pay increased auto insurance premiums or lose coverage altogether.

1. Our attorneys can protect your interests and explain your options. As a Hit and Run suspect you may be asked and required to present yourself and your vehicle to the police station in order to make a statement about the accident. Cooperation with law enforcement makes a big difference in the outcome of your case. Any information you give to the police in that interview can and will be used against you. We will assist you with that interview so that you don’t incriminate yourself. We will defend you in court, challenge evidence presented against you, and safeguard your individual rights and interests.
   
   
2. Hit and Run can be complicated and should be handled very carefully. Our lawyers have extensive experience in these cases and will know how to deal with the victim, police, prosecutor, and your insurance company. We will also assist you in recovering your vehicle which may have been impounded and held as evidence by the police department.
   
   
3. We may be able to get your case dismissed. Stephen G. Rodriguez is uniquely skilled avoiding a Hit and Run conviction. This involves an arrangement where the accused compensates the injured party for their damages. If the injured party declares themselves satisfied with the compensation and is no longer willing to prosecute we may be able to have the Hit and Run case dismissed against you if the prosecutor and the judge are in agreement (known as a civil compromise).

We will discuss your case in private, discuss your options and begin planning your defense strategy immediately.
Contact Stephen G. Rodriguez & Associates now for a free consultation.