Even at low speeds, cars can cause major property damage and injuries. California law has separate statutes for accidents involving property damage and those that result in physical injury or death.
California Vehicle Code § 20002 requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in property damage to stop their vehicle at the nearest location away from traffic. In addition, a driver must locate the property owner and notify them of the damage. If the owner isn’t present, a driver can leave a written notice with their contact information.
The potential consequences of a hit-and-run case can become even more serious if the accident involved physical injury or death. California Vehicle Code § 20001 states that a driver involved in a collision resulting in another person getting hurt must remain at the accident scene.
They must also provide identifying information to the other parties involved in the crash. If officers don’t respond to the scene, the driver is also required to submit an incident report to law enforcement.
You could be charged with other offenses in addition to a hit and run depending on the circumstances. Some of the most common related offenses are:
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The penalties you could face after a hit-and-run depend on the circumstances of the case and whether any property damage or injuries occurred.
Failing to stop after an accident that caused only property damage is a criminal misdemeanor. Being convicted of a misdemeanor can carry the following punishments:
Leaving the scene of an accident that causes injuries or death is a felony offense. Being convicted of a felony can carry punishments such as:
Being convicted of any hit-and-run charge could change your life forever, but even more so if you’re found guilty of a felony. While the potential consequences might seem overwhelming, a hit-and-run lawyer in Folsom could defend against the allegations to help you avoid a conviction.
Several defense options could be available, such as:
Hit-and-run incidents are no trivial matter under state law. If you were accused of fleeing the scene of a collision, you could be face fines, loss of driving privileges, and the possibility of jail time in serious cases.
A Folsom hit-and-run lawyer at Walsh Law can help you avoid the harshest consequences. As former prosecutors, we now dedicate our careers to defending those facing criminal charges. We’ll hear your story, conduct an investigation of the incident, and tailor a defense strategy to the specifics of your case.
Call 916-237-8270 today or contact us to schedule an initial consultation.