Any person involved in an accident is required by California law to stop, exchange information and get help, if necessary. Failure to stop is known as ‘hit and run’ and that is a very serious charge.
What to do afterwards
People who cause accidents and flee do so for any number of reasons, such as being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, no driver license, no insurance or panic. Leaving the scene, no matter what the reason is, is never a good idea and if caught, you will face criminal charges.
Palm Desert Hit and Run Lawyers of Coachella Valley
You are required by law to stop at the scene. You are responsible to exchange information with the other driver: name, driver license information, insurance information and the VIN number of your vehicle. If the driver is not present and you hit a vacant car, you must make a reasonable effort to locate the owner. In the event of a death, contact the California Highway Patrol or local sheriff’s department or police department immediately. Always file a police report.
Your rights
If you leave the scene, chances are the police department will track you down. When they do, never volunteer any additional information to them; however, you must be cooperative with the questions they do ask. Never admit to blame.
Consequences
There are severe legal consequences involved in a hit-and-run accident. Examples of consequences include:
- Lifetime revocation of driver license
- Suspension or cancellation of driver license
- Fines
- Jail or prison
A first-time offender who causes damage to another vehicle will be convicted and required to pay damages to the victim through his or her insurance or in fines.
When there are injuries to another person, the consequences are more severe. The at-fault driver may face fines, DMV points and revocation of his or her driver’s license. In addition, the insurance company may cancel the policy.
When a person dies in a hit-and-run accident, the charge is a felony. The at-fault driver will have to relinquish his or her car to the police for further investigation.
Leaving the scene of an accident can result in severe penalties and a prison sentence. A serious crime, such as a hit-and-run, needs a serious experienced Palm Springs Hit and Run Criminal Law Attorney such as Dale S. Gribow. The attorneys here will help you get reduced penalties if you are found guilty of this crime.