How Hit & Run Law Works in Real Life

If you've been involved in a vehicle accident (regardless of fault) in Los Angeles you are obligated by law to stop and exchange driver's license, insurance and contact information with the other party. You are also obligated to offer reasonable assistance if there is an injury by any other party involved in the accident. If this happened to you, you're not alone. It happens frequently and causes a great amount of stress and panic in all those involved, which sometimes is the reason people leave. If you made the mistake of leaving the scene of an accident a Los Angeles hit and run attorney can help you take steps to minimize the consequences of not complying with legal requirements.

State law covering hit and run accidents includes California Vehicle Code Sections 20001 and 20002, which can either be a misdemeanor or a felony.

The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to any property…shall immediately stop the vehicle…The driver shall also immediately do either of the following… present his or her driver's license, and vehicle registration, to the other driver, property owner, or person in charge of that property….(or) Leave in a conspicuous place on the vehicle or other property damaged a written notice giving the name and address of the driver and…a statement of the circumstances thereof and shall without unnecessary delay notify the police…

California law is similar when the accident causes an injury. Information needs to be given to the other driver as well as to any police officer at the scene. You would also need to give "reasonable assistance" to any person injured in the accident if it's apparent that treatment is necessary or help with transportation if it's requested by someone who's injured.

Though this is the law, none of our clients complied with it and perhaps you didn't either. You may have felt leaving the scene was reasonable and the right thing to do under the circumstances. To help you deal with the consequences you should retain a hit and run attorney in Los Angeles.

The most important thing we can do to help is to prevent our clients from making further mistakes like making incorrect statements to the police which can do further damage to your pending hit and run investigation. After contacting our office we'll get your side of the story and contact the police to learn more about the accident. We let the police know you're coming forward to do the right thing and take responsibility. This puts you in a position where the legal issues can be addressed while reducing the chances of charges being filed against you or minimizing potential consequences should the case be filed in court.

You may not think coming forward will help you, but in cases where property damage occurred or minor injuries were suffered, the over-worked and under-resourced police will appreciate the fact you're cooperative. You're one less driver they need to track down.

As a hit and run attorney in Los Angeles I assure the police investigator that our client is willing to be 100% cooperative and willing to take responsibility for compensating them (usually through insurance) for any damages or medical bills they may have incurred. This normally resolves what can be a stressful situation. The other party typically just wants their car fixed and an apology and generally doesn't want to take time out of their busy schedule for a court case. The most important tool is cooperation.

There are too many hit and run accidents for the resources for the police department to deal with. Being cooperative is a major step towards avoiding charges being filed against you. By acting in a kindly manner as soon as possible after the accident can help to resolve these issues in the most favorable light to our client.

The most important step you can take after being involved in a hit and run accident is to consult with an experienced Los Angeles hit and run lawyer to protect your rights and explain your situation, putting you in the most favorable light possible. Our offices are conveniently located in both Los Angeles and San Diego, however, we represent clients in courts throughout California. Call us today and take advantage of our free phone or office consultation. At this consultation you will learn all of your options to make the best decision for you.