The Law of Hit & Run

Drivers who are involved in a collision must stop, provide identification and provide any needed assistance. In California you may be charged with a hit and run if you leave the scene without first identifying yourself to the other party involved.

If you hit a car accidentally that is parked and the driver is not around you are obligated by the law to leave your contact information, your car registration and insurance information. If you do not do this you can be charged with vehicle code section hit and run and you will be arrested and go to court.

If you neglect to do this and you do go to court there is a way out of this. The law can be a little bit forgiving in this particular instance. If you damage somebody’s car and you are able to pay for that damage and if the other person is agreeable then you can do what is called a civil compromise. That is if you can show that you paid all of the damage for the other party and the other party will write just a brief letter to the judge saying you know what I been paid in full I do not seek any prosecution and I want the case dismissed. The judge can dismiss the case even if the District attorney objects to the dismissal. So, that is called a civil compromise and it only works for minor hit and run cases.

If there are any injuries involved the chances of you getting a civil compromise are very, very slim.

If you or a loved have been charged with a crime in California, call my office today to set up a free consultation (415) 552-1215. 

For more information as to criminal law and the law of hit and run please visit: www.sfcriminallawspecialist.com.