Hit-and-Run Accident Resulting In Death or Injury
The main purpose behind the “hit-and-run” laws is something which you would expect: to make it illegal for all drivers, whether negligent or not, from leaving scene of an accident where an injured person is in danger for lack of medical treatment. According to California Vehicle Code sections 20001, 20003 and 20004, if you are the driver of a car that was involved in an accident which resulted in death or injury to another person, you must:
1) Immediately stop your car at the scene of the accident,
2) Give reasonable assistance to the person who was injured in the accident,
3) In death cases, if there is no police officer at the scene, you must report the accident to the police without delay,
4) Provide your name, address, car registration and driver’s license.
You must perform these duties regardless of who was injured and regardless of how or why the accident happened. It does not matter if someone else caused the accident or if the accident was unavoidable.
Who Can Be Prosecuted for Hit-And-Run?
Ordinarily the person who is charged with “hit-and-run” is the person who actually drove the car. The prosecution is allowed to prove this fact by circumstantial evidence. However, even a passenger may be guilty of “hit-and-run” by aiding and abetting, if he/she urges the driver not to stop or leave the scene of the accident.
How We Can Help?
If you have been arrested or charged with “hit-and-run” in Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Menifee, Hemet, Perris, Banning, Corona, Winchester or Riverside, the first step is to contact an experienced and effective criminal defense attorney. We are ready to help. Since 1999, our office has successfully represented numerous individuals facing “hit-and-run” charges. We understand that besides the possible loss of your freedom, a felony conviction for “hit-and-run” can also have serious consequences for future employment opportunities. Don’t jeopardize your future by hiring an inexperienced attorney because at the end of your case, you will get what you paid for.
For more information about how we can help you, please call us.