You’ve just been involved in an accident. As far as you can tell, it’s not a big deal. You barely bumped the other car’s back bumper. There can’t possibly be any damage to their car so surely it’s perfectly acceptable for you to simply drive around their car and get on with your day.
Wrong.
Leaving the scene of an accident is a very bad move that can land you in serious legal trouble.
As soon as you decide to leave the scene of an accident, you’re considered a hit and run driver. California lawmakers have little patience for hit and run drivers. It doesn’t matter how severe or minor the accident is, if you were involved, you’re legally required to stop your vehicle, survey the damage, and exchange name, contact information, and insurance information with the other driver. In most cases, it’s in your best interest to have the police investigate the accident. If you and the other driver decide that the accident doesn’t justify a police investigation, you’re still required to report the accident. You have 24 hours to notify the police.
If the accident involved someone getting hurt, you’re expected to provide assistance with the injury.
But What if You Weren’t at Fault?
Most people don’t realize that even if you’re not at fault for the accident, you can still be charged for a hit and run if you flee the scene of the accident. California law requires that all drivers involved in the accident remain on the scene.
What Happens if You’re Found Guilty of Hit and Run
Hit and Run accidents are one of California’s many wobbler laws. If the accident only involved property damage, you’ll be charged with a misdemeanor. If someone was killed or sustained an injury that required medical attention, you’ll be charged with felony hit and run driving.
The penalties for misdemeanor hit and run include:
- •Up to 180 days in a county jail
- •Up to $1,000 in fines
- •3-years informal probation
- •Restitution
- •A 1-year suspension of your driver’s license
- •2 points added to your driving record
The penalties for felony hit and run include:
- •Up to 3 years on a state prison
- •Up to $10,000 in fines
- •Restitution
- •A 1-year suspension of your driver’s license
- •2 points added to your driving record
It’s important to understand that in addition to being found guilty of leaving the scene of an accident, you will also be ticketed for whatever driving offense triggered the accident.