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What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in California 

What if you got hit by another car, and it wasn’t even the worst part of your day? 

You have good car insurance so you and other California drivers can exchange vehicle registration after a fender-bender. But what if you’re in a hit-and-run accident? In that case, you may have trouble identifying the owner of the vehicle that caused the accident and be left with a huge bill and no idea of what to do next. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to be left holding the bag after someone else’s hit-and-run offense. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including how to report those who flee the scene and maximize your chance of the other driver paying for your damaged property. Buckle up and keep reading to learn what to do after a hit-and-run accident. 

Introduction to California’s Hit-and-Run Landscape 

Most California drivers are bewildered when they become the victim of a hit-and-run accident. It seems like the kind of thing you only see in movies, but the threat is all too real in the Golden State. In fact, California has more hit-and-run accidents than any other state in the country. 

Unfortunately, there’s a chance you’ll be involved in an accident where the other driver speeds away instead of taking responsibility. However, when you’re driving in Los Angeles or anywhere else, you can take heart from one thing: Offenders who get caught and face hit-and-run charges will soon discover just how much the state frowns on those who leave the scene of an accident. 

What Happens if I Leave the Scene of an Accident in California

The stakes of fleeing an accident scene in California vary based on how the person is charged (e.g., whether it’s considered a misdemeanor hit-and-run offense or a felony), which is impacted by the specific elements of the crime. For example, charges are likely to be more serious if someone is injured as a result of the accident. Typical consequences include fines, jail time, probation, and points on their driver’s license. 

Understanding Hit-and-Run Offenses in California 

There are different potential consequences for those convicted of a hit-and-run accident. The exact consequences are chiefly determined by whether they are charged with a misdemeanor or felony after they leave the scene of an accident. 

Is Hit-and-Run a Felony or a Misdemeanor? 

A misdemeanor hit-and-run may result in a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. Offenders may also have their driver’s license revoked temporarily, have two points added to it, and face up to three years of probation. 

Those convicted of a felony hit-and-run may face more serious consequences, including a fine of up to $10,000 and up to three years in prison. Offenders may be put in jail for up to four years if their felony hit-and-run resulted in major property damage or death. 

How a Hit-and-Run Can Impact Your Driving Record 

If you are convicted of hit-and-run charges, you will likely be put on probation and have points added to your license. Beyond that (and other potential legal consequences), you will likely pay more for your car insurance because your carrier will consider you a much bigger risk when you step behind the wheel. 

Man grimaces in frustration after finding someone has hit his car and left the scene - cheap car insurance in California.

Immediate Steps After a Hit-and-Run Incident 

If you are involved in an accident and the other driver decides to flee the scene, stay right where you are and call the police. Gather any evidence (writing down notes, taking photos, etc.) that might help you identify the owner of the vehicle. Exchange info with any witnesses who saw what happened, and then contact your carrier to report what happened. This is especially important because any delay could make it harder to resolve the damages that result in a hit-and-run accident. 

What Happens with Your Insurance Following a Hit-and-Run 

Anything accident has the potential to increase your premiums. Even if you don’t file a claim, getting into a wreck may cause your policy to increase because the carrier will think you are more prone to accidents. Speaking of filing, it’s a good idea to make sure your policy covers these scenarios before you become the victim of a hit-and-run accident. 

Does Your Policy Cover Hit-and-Run Scenarios? 

Unless police catch the other driver and they are convicted of a hit-and-run accident, you will have trouble getting anyone else’s insurance to pay for the damage. So long as you have collision coverage or full coverage car insurance, though, it will pay to repair or replace your damaged property. For added protection, you can add an uninsured motorist rider to your policy. These riders pay out when someone flees an accident or when the other party has insufficient or even nonexistent insurance. To be fully prepared, you should always know what to do when your car gets hit by an uninsured driver in Los Angeles

Defending Against Hit-and-Run Accusations 

What if you are the one accused of a hit-and-run? In that case, you need to know how to defend yourself. 

If you are accused, you need to hire a lawyer who specializes in defenses against hit-and-run charges. They can provide expert analysis of each element of the crime and hopefully prove your innocence. Considering the jail time and expenses possibly involved with these charges, it’s important to hire a lawyer right away. 

Circumstances When Leaving the Scene Might Be Justifiable 

Whether you’re the owner of the vehicle that causes a hit-and-run accident or the victim, there are only a handful of circumstances where fleeing the scene is justifiable. For example, if you have an emergency situation (like you’re taking a loved one to the hospital), it may be acceptable. But that will be up to the police to determine, as fleeing the scene for any reason is likely to cause at least a cursory investigation. 

Protect Yourself with the Right Auto Insurance Coverage. Get a Free Quote Today and Stay Prepared for any Situation on the Road! 

Now you know what to do after a hit-and-run accident. This includes gathering evidence, speaking to witnesses, and contacting both the police and your insurance company … assuming you’re covered, that is. But ask yourself this: Do you know where you can find a carrier who can properly protect you against a sudden accident? 

Here at Cost-U-Less, we specialize in protecting responsible drivers like yourself from hit-and-run offenders. From great collision coverage to uninsured motorist policies, we have the protection you need. To get started, call us at (800) 390-4071 or get a fast car insurance quote online. Remember, you can always find a Cost-U-Less office near you

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