How to Pursue Legal Action After Fleeing the Scene of an Accident in California

Posted on: June 10th, 2023 by Dod Law

Automotive accidents are unfortunate and sometimes inevitable. Therefore, getting involved in an accident could spur mixed emotions, and you may react negatively due to fear, guilt, or confusion. When you feel you’ve done something wrong, your first impulse could be to leave the scene. However, fleeing the scene of an accident is a criminal offense in California and could lead to hit-and-run charges.

In California, a driver is required to immediately stop, exchange information and offer reasonable assistance after an accident. Leaving the scene is a serious crime that can lead to severe consequences. Therefore, your best option is to secure the aid of an experienced criminal defense attorney from Dod Law, APC for help navigating this unknown legal landscape.

What To Do If Involved In A Hit And Run

What Are Your Duties After a California Accident?

According to California’s laws, drivers are expected to stop at the accident scene even if they didn’t cause the collision. You’re also required to take several other actions, including:

• Exchanging personal information with the other driver
• Providing your license and vehicle registration information to the other party
• Checking whether the other drivers or passengers are injured
• Calling emergency services if anyone requires medical treatment
• Leaving a note containing your information if there is no driver

California law also mandates motorists to report the accident and file a police report after a serious accident. It’s also in your best interest to consult a skilled attorney. A lawyer can protect your rights and guide you through the best course of action.

What Happens After a Defendant Leaves an Accident Scene

Understanding how you should pursue legal action after fleeing the scene of an accident starts with knowing the California legal process. When a person leaves the site, a hit-and-run offense is reported. Law enforcement agents will visit the scene and conduct an investigation. This can include speaking to witnesses or checking surveillance footage to see if they captured the vehicle’s plate number.

If not, they conduct a more extensive investigation to unravel the driver’s identity. After identifying the fleeing motorist, the police may contact or show up at the home to investigate and ask questions. Unfortunately, anything you say may be used to prosecute you. Therefore, you should get a defense attorney during these early stages.

This helps prevent things from spiraling out of control and gives the police and prosecutors an upper hand. A lawyer can ensure you make the right moves and not give away anything that could convict you.

What to Do After Fleeing the Scene of a California Accident

If you would like to pursue legal action after fleeing the scene of an accident, your best strategy is to schedule an appointment with a skilled California defense attorney. 

A lawyer will review your case and guide you through dealing with the claims. For the prosecution to charge you with a hit and run, they must prove the following:

• You were involved in the accident
• You were aware that the accident occurred
• You knew that the accident caused injuries, property damage, or death
• You failed to remain at the scene 

Therefore, you should explain everything to your lawyer and why you chose to flee the scene. Your defense lawyer will investigate your case and explore several defense strategies toward a successful resolution. An experienced criminal defense attorney can aggressively fight the charges and have them reduced or dismissed.

Contact an Experienced California Hit and Run Defense Lawyer at Dod Law, APC

Unfortunately, fleeing the scene of a California accident can result in steep penalties. Therefore, you should immediately consult a dedicated criminal defense attorney if you are under investigation for or have been accused of a hit and run. Criminal defense attorneys at Dod Law, APC can help you avoid possible criminal charges or convictions.

Our attorneys will listen to your side of the story, collect evidence, and help build an effective defense for your charges. Our team has over 18 years of experience and will look for every opportunity to minimize the impact of leaving an accident scene. Don’t let a simple mistake ruin your life. Contact us online today or call us at (619) 814-5110 to speak with a knowledgeable hit-and-run attorney.