California law requires drivers to stop after any collision to provide their driver’s license, insurance, and other information. They must also render reasonable aid to any victims. When drivers don’t take these basic measures, they can face hit-and-run charges.
What Must California Drivers Do to Avoid Hit-And-Run Charges?
With the level of traffic that races across California each day, accidents are going to happen. There should be a focus on reminding drivers to stay alert to prevent crashes. However, the focus must also be on the safety of injured victims once an impact has occurred. It’s also an important step to help identify who was at fault and to fairly assign financial liability.
California vehicle codes actually make it clear about the driver’s responsibility after being in a collision. They must stop and provide help to victims, they must report what happened, and they must provide all information necessary to those involved.
“(a) The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident and shall fulfill the requirements of Sections 20003 and 20004.”
In the sections that follow, the type of information that must be shared is listed for drivers.
“(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person shall also give his or her name, current residence address, the names and current residence addresses of any occupant of the driver’s vehicle injured in the accident, the registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving, and the name and current residence address of the owner to the person struck or the driver or occupants of any vehicle collided with, and shall give the information to any traffic or police officer at the scene of the accident.”
- Drivers must also arrange for the transportation of victims to get medical help. This would usually be accomplished by contacting 911 and requesting an ambulance response.
CVC 20004. adds a requirement for drivers involved in fatal accidents. They must report it to authorities immediately when a police officer or CHP officer is not present.
Completing all of these steps would usually prevent people in car accidents from facing hit-and-run charges in car accidents.
What Are the Penalties for a Hit-And-Run Conviction?
Drivers who don’t stop for an accident that involves any level of injury or who don’t stick around to provide identifying information can face major punishment.
According to CVC 20001 (linked to above), they might face jail time up to a year or a fine that’s between $1,000 and $10,000. They might face both.
When a permanent serious injury or a tragic death is involved, the length of jail time and the fines can multiply.
Those convicted could face state prison time from two to four years. They may pay a fine of no less than $1,000 or up to $10,000. Hit-and-run violators may face both jail time and a fine.
It’s important to note that any fine also comes along with expensive court fees.
Support for California Accident Victims
If you or a loved one is seriously injured due to the carelessness of a hit-and-run driver, discuss your options with a real California car accident lawyer. We provide a free, no-obligation consultation to all traffic accident victims.
Maison Law can also help victims who were hurt in an accident when the driver to blame hasn’t been identified. We can help injured patients seek help from their own car insurance from their uninsured driver coverage.
If you do feel we can help you earn more, you won’t need to find any money to hire us. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the money a car insurance company is forced to pay you.
