Los Angeles Hit and Run Lawyer Blog
In order to successfully represent a person in a Hit and Run, it is important to understand the code from which the offense arises. There are several defenses available to a person who finds themselves in such a situation, and with the help of a Los Angeles Hit and Run lawyer the case may be reduced or dismissed. California Vehicle Code §20002 makes it unlawful for a person to cause damage to property or another vehicle, and to leave the scene.
Let’s consider the relevant law as it is stated. The first provision of the statute identifies the type of action that with trigger a hit and run, and what steps must be taken to prevent it from being unlawful. It reads as follows:
“(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to any property, including vehicles, shall immediately stop the vehicle at the nearest location”
The statute further clarifies that the location in which the car is stopped shall not impede traffic or consist of a traffic violation. Reading on, the code section clarifies, that a person who has been involved in the situation specified in (a) shall do the following:
1. Locate and notify the owner or person in charge of the property that has been damaged, and do the following:
a. Inform them of the name of the driver who caused the damage,
b. Inform them of the name of the owner of the vehicle that caused the damage,
c. Provide driver’s license information if requested
d. Provide vehicle registration to the property owner if requested
It is important to remember that the information that is provided to the property owner must contain current information, such as name and address. Further, the code sections specifies that the person must:
2. Leave information regarding the incident, including their current name and address for the owner of the property to contact them. Further, they must contact the local police department, or California Highway Patrol.
This statute also specifies that a Hit and Run can also be charged against a person who parks a vehicle and the vehicle becomes a runaway vehicle causing damage to the property of another. California Vehicle Code §20002 only pertains to damage to property of another. It is also classified as a hit and run if there is injury to another person, but it is specified in a different section. If you have facing Los Angeles Hit and Run charges then you are facing some serious potential consequences. The best thing to do is contact a professional as soon as possible so that you are able to mitigate any possible consequences.