Los Angeles Hit & Run Accident Attorneys

Los Angeles has a hit and run accident epidemic, with a large number of hit-and-run accidents. A hit and run accident takes place when the driver leaves the scene of the accident without identifying himself to the other parties involved in the crash. If nobody is injured in the crash, the driver is usually charged with misdemeanor hit and run. However, if a person (other than the driver) is injured or killed, the driver is usually charged with felony hit and run. The following is the law in the California Vehicle Code (VC) regarding hit and run car accidents:

CA Vehicle Code § 20001. Hit and Run involving Death or Injury
(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to any person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident and shall fulfill the requirements of Sections 20003 and 20004.
(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any person who violates subdivision (a) shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison, or in a county jail for not more than one year, or by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.
(2) If the accident described in subdivision (a) results in death or permanent, serious injury, any person who violates subdivision (a) shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years, or in a county jail for not less than 90 days nor more than one year, or by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine. However, the court, in the interests of justice and for reasons stated in the record, may reduce or eliminate the minimum imprisonment required by this paragraph.
(3) In imposing the minimum fine required by this subdivision, the court shall take into consideration the defendant's ability to pay the fine and, in the interests of justice and for reasons stated in the record, may reduce the amount of that minimum fine to less than the amount otherwise required by this subdivision.
(c) A person who flees the scene of the crime after committing a violation of Section 191.5 of, paragraph (1) or (3) of subdivision (c) of Section 192 of, or subdivision (a) or (c) of Section 192.5 of, the Penal Code, upon conviction of any of those sections, in addition and consecutive to the punishment prescribed, shall be punished by an additional term of imprisonment of five years in the state prison. This additional term shall not be imposed unless the allegation is charged in the accusatory pleading and admitted by the defendant or found to be true by the trier of fact. The court shall not strike a finding that brings a person within the provisions of this subdivision or an allegation made pursuant to this subdivision.
(d) As used in this section, "permanent, serious injury" means the loss or permanent impairment of function of any bodily member or organ.

Los Angeles Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

If you or a member of your family is the victim of a hit and run accident in Los Angeles, contact an experienced attorney to determine your legal rights for compensation.  You may be entitled to compensation from the driver (if later identified) or your own uninsured motorist insurance policy. Contact Estey & Bomberger for a free consultation with one of our award-winning trial lawyers. If we represent you, we will not charge any fees unless we win your case.