Los Angeles Hit and Run Lawyer Blog
California Vehicle Code § 20001 makes it unlawful for any driver that is involved in an accident, resulting in injury to another person, other than him or herself, or in the death of the person must immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident. The driver causing injury must also provide the following:
• His or her name
• Current residence address
• The names and current residence addresses of any occupant of the driver’s vehicle injured in the accident
• The registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving, and
• The name and current residence address of the owner
This information must be provided to the person who was injured as well as the driver and occupants of another vehicle if it was a collision as well as provide the necessary information to any traffic or police officers present at the scene of the accident.sIf there are no officers present at the time, the driver must report it at the nearest police station.
The driver is also required to provide reasonable assistance to the person injured. This includes making arrangements for transportation to the hospital, providing transportation, and/or getting the assistance of a physical or surgeon if it seems necessary, or if requested by the injured person.
If the driver who has injured another person, either by hitting them directly or their vehicle, they must follow the requirements outlined by the California Vehicle Code §§§20001, 20003 and 20004. Failure to do so will lead to an arrest for a felony hit and run.
For example, David is driving home and leans over to get something from his backseat. While doing so, he manages to strike Victoria who is out in front of her house raking the lawn. Victoria is struck in her legs and falls down unconscious. David, scared that he will get into trouble and go to jail, immediately drives away and leaves Victoria fallen on her lawn. David will likely be charged with felony hit and run.
In comparison, let’s consider a different version of the facts. David is driving home and leans over to get something from his backseat. In so doing, he loses focus on the road and strikes Victoria who is raking leaves in her front lawn. In this scenario, David stops the car, gets out and checks to see if Victoria is ok. She seems to be bleeding from her head and has slipped into unconsciousness. Worried that David will get in trouble, he leaves a note for Victoria that gives her his full name. He also leaves a note on her front door that asks for someone to take Victoria to the hospital right away, rings the door bell and drives off.
In the second situation, David will likely be charged with a felony hit and run as well, even though he left a note with his name and a note asking for help.sDavid did not leave his name and contact information, and he left a note on a woman who was unconscious. It is unclear whether she would receive the note at all. Furthermore, he did not reasonably try to get Victoria help. He left a note and drove off.sHe did not know if anyone was home, if she lived alone, and if and when someone would be able to provide her help. He should have immediately taken her to the hospital and had her seen by a doctor.
An experienced Los Angeles Hit and Run lawyer has handled many cases that are similar to yours. A felony hit and run is a very serious offense and carries with it jail time. Consult with an expert so that they can prepare a powerful argument on your behalf to ensure you see the best possible outcome of your case.