Los Angeles Hit and Run Lawyer Blog
California hit-and-run law states that any person involved in a traffic accident, regardless of fault, resulting in any property damage or personal injury must immediately stop and exchange license, registration and insurance information with the other party. Failure to do so will result in the commission of a misdemeanor or felony hit and run offense.
Accidents can happen to anyone… but leaving the scene of an accident without exchanging information can result in a criminal prosecution.. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor or felony DUI, you can face possible penalties, if convicted, which include jail time, probation, fines and community service. Judges and prosecutors do not like people leaving the scene of an accident, especially if somebody is injured .sThe law requires drivers to stop and offer aid, as well as exchange necessary license and insurance information.
There are many reasons that people involved in traffic accidents choose not to stop and exchange information. Very often fear is the motivating factor. Common reasons clients have told me that they have not stopped is that they have no insurance, or that they aresunder the influence ofsalcohol and drugssandsare afraid of being arrested andsafraid of confrontation from the other driver.
Hiring an experienced hit-and-run attorney can mean the difference between being prosecuted or not. For over 30 years, the attorneys at Hoffman and Associates haveshelped hundreds of clients who have made the mistake of leaving the scene of an accident without exchanging information.
One very effective method our office has used for many years is that of a Civil Compromise. Essentially this is a legal technique where the alleged victim after being fully compensated for any medical bills, property damage or rental car expense agrees to a dismissal of any pending charges.sA document is prepared called a Civil Compromise, which is submitted to the court for approval.
Although, not universally accepted and very often over the objection of the prosecutor, we have been very successful at convincing judges to accept a Civil Compromise and effectively terminate any pendingscriminal prosecution, resulting in a dismissal of all charges
Early intervention by an attorney, interfacing with the victim and showing a client’s good faith to make amends,svery often reduces the other driver’s anger and frustration. The soonersthe contact is made providing yoursinsurance information, or willingless to compensate the other party for any of their damages, the happier they will be.sThe result will be a greater willingness to sign a Civil Compromise agreement which is the foundation for a complete dismissal of allspending or potential criminal charges.