Hit And Run Lawyer In San Fernando, Los Angeles

Under California Vehicle Code 20002, the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in property damage shall immediately stop at the nearest safe location. If the driver does not stop at the scene, they may be charged with the misdemeanor crime of a hit and run. If you are facing charges for a hit and run, do not hesitate to reach out to DCD Law today.

What To Do After An Accident?

After an accident, the driver shall stop the vehicle at the nearest location that will not impede traffic or otherwise jeopardize the safety of other motorists. The driver is supposed to notify the owner of the property or driver of the other vehicle and provide their driver’s license information and vehicle registration. This should include the current residence address of the driver and registered owner.

When the other driver or person in charge of the property cannot be found, the driver is to leave a written note in a conspicuous location on the other vehicle or damaged property, giving their name and address and a statement of what happened. The driver is then supposed to notify the local police department or California Highway Patrol office.

Stopping at the scene of an accident does not affect the question of fault. Even if the driver was not at fault for the accident, the law still requires them to stop at the scene. Damage to public property, such as hitting a street sign or lamp post, may still require the driver to stop at the scene and report the accident.

Witnesses may report a hit and run accident to the police, who will use vehicle and driver identification to track down the individual they believe is responsible for the hit and run accident. Increasingly, surveillance video is used to identify drivers involved in hit and run accidents.