A hit-and-run in California happens when a driver is involved in an accident and leaves the scene without stopping to fulfill their legal duties. This can include anything from a minor parking lot collision to a serious crash that causes injuries or worse. No matter the circumstances, California treats leaving the scene as a serious offense.
Across the state, concerns about hit-and-run accidents continue to grow, especially in busy urban areas like Los Angeles. Many people do not realize that California hit-and-run laws apply regardless of who caused the accident. Even if you were not at fault, leaving without stopping, identifying yourself, or reporting the incident can lead to criminal charges.
At Compass Law Group, LLP, we understand how overwhelming being involved in a hit-and-run in California can feel. This article is meant to help you understand California hit-and-run laws, what is legally required after an accident, and what steps you can take to protect your rights.
What Is a Hit and Run in California?
Under California law, a hit-and-run occurs when the driver of a motor vehicle fails to stop, provide the required information, or offer assistance. In other words, the driver flees the scene. California law identifies two main categories of hit-and-run incidents: those involving only property damage and those involving injury or death.
If an accident causes property damage—such as hitting a parked car, fence, or building—you are legally required to stop. You must locate the owner or leave a written notice in a visible place. That note must include your name, address, and vehicle registration number. Simply driving away, even from a minor scrape, can qualify as a hit-and-run.
When an accident involves injury or death, the responsibilities are more extensive. Drivers must stop immediately, provide identifying information, and offer reasonable assistance to anyone who is hurt. This may include calling emergency services or arranging medical help.
One of the most misunderstood aspects of California’s hit-and-run laws is that fault does not matter. You can still face hit-and-run charges even if another driver caused the collision. The law focuses on what happens after the accident, not who caused it.
These rules come directly from California Vehicle Code §20001 and §20002, which outline a driver’s duties at the scene of an accident.
California Hit and Run Statistics
Hit and run accidents are not rare events in California. In fact, the state consistently ranks among the highest in reported hit-and-run crashes in the country. These incidents affect drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.
Some troubling statistics include:
- California reports hundreds of thousands of hit-and-run crashes each year.
- A significant percentage of pedestrian fatalities in the state involve hit-and-run drivers.
- Urban areas see higher rates of hit-and-run incidents than rural regions.
- Many hit-and-run cases involve uninsured or unlicensed drivers.
- Alcohol or drug impairment is frequently cited as a contributing factor.
California Laws That Govern a Hit and Run
California classifies hit-and-run offenses by the severity of the accident. The legal consequences depend largely on whether the incident involved property damage only or resulted in injury or death.
In the sections that follow, we’ll describe how misdemeanor and felony hit-and-run charges work under California law and what each classification means in real-world terms.
Misdemeanor Hit and Run — Vehicle Code §20002
A misdemeanor hit and run in California is when an accident results in only property damage, not injuries. This can include damage to another vehicle, a mailbox, a fence, a storefront, or any other property. Even minor damage can trigger legal responsibilities.
Vehicle Code §20002 requires drivers to stop immediately at the scene. If the property owner is present, the driver must provide their name, address, and vehicle registration information. If no one is present, the law requires leaving a written notice in a visible location. The note must include identifying information and a brief explanation of what happened. Drivers are also expected to notify local law enforcement without unnecessary delay.
Many people mistakenly believe that a low-speed collision or minimal damage does not require reporting. In reality, leaving the scene without following these steps can still lead to misdemeanor charges.
Felony Hit and Run — Vehicle Code §20001
A hit and run becomes far more serious under California law when an accident causes injury or death. In these cases, Vehicle Code §20001 applies, and the offense may be charged as a felony.
Drivers involved in injury-related accidents are legally required to stop immediately at the scene. They must provide identifying information to the injured person or responding authorities and offer reasonable assistance. This may include calling 9-1-1, arranging transportation to a medical facility, and taking other steps to ensure the injured person receives help.
What separates felony hit-and-run cases from misdemeanor offenses is not the level of fault, but the outcome of the crash. Even if another driver caused the collision, leaving without fulfilling these duties can still result in felony charges. We understand how frightening this situation can feel, especially for drivers who panic or do not realize someone was hurt.
Under California law, a hit-and-run involving injury or death is considered a “wobbler” offense. That means prosecutors may file the charge as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the facts of the case.
Penalties for Hit and Run in California
The penalties for a hit-and-run conviction in California vary widely based on whether the offense is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Courts consider factors such as the extent of damage or injury, prior convictions, and whether the driver eventually reported the incident.
Understanding these penalties can help clarify what is at stake and why it is so important to address hit-and-run allegations carefully.
Misdemeanor Penalties
A misdemeanor hit and run conviction may result in several legal and financial consequences. While these penalties are less severe than felony charges, they can still have lasting effects on your record and driving privileges.
Common misdemeanor penalties include:
- Fines that can reach $1,000
- Up to six months in county jail
- Informal probation
- Restitution to cover property damage
- Points added to your driving record
Beyond court-imposed penalties, a misdemeanor conviction may lead to increased insurance premiums or difficulty securing coverage in the future. A criminal record can also affect employment opportunities, especially for positions that involve driving.
Felony Penalties
Felony hit and run penalties in California are significantly more severe because these cases involve injury or death. When prosecutors file a felony charge under Vehicle Code §20001, the potential consequences can affect nearly every part of a person’s life.
Felony penalties may include:
- Substantial fines, often reaching $10,000
- State prison sentences that may range from several months to multiple years
- Formal probation with strict conditions
- Mandatory restitution to injured victims or surviving family members
- In cases involving serious injury or loss of life, courts typically impose harsher sentences.
Because a felony hit-and-run is a wobbler offense, prosecutors may consider factors such as the severity of injuries, whether the driver later reported the accident, and any prior criminal history when deciding how to charge the case.
DMV & Insurance Impacts
Beyond criminal penalties, a hit-and-run conviction can also lead to consequences through the California Department of Motor Vehicles and insurance.
The DMV may assign points to your driving record, which can result in license suspension if too many points accumulate within a set period. In some cases, especially those involving felony convictions, license revocation may be possible.
Insurance companies typically respond to hit-and-run convictions by increasing premiums or canceling coverage altogether. A conviction can label a driver as high-risk, making it harder and more expensive to obtain insurance in the future.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in California
Knowing what to do after an accident can make a difference—legally and emotionally. California law expects drivers to take specific steps, even in stressful situations.
If you are involved in an accident, be sure to remember the following steps:
- Stop immediately and stay calm. Pull over safely and remain at the scene.
- Check for injuries. Call 9-1-1 if anyone is hurt or appears to need medical attention.
- Document the scene. Take photos of the vehicle damage, the surroundings, and any visible injuries if it is safe to do so.
- Exchange information. Provide your name, address, and vehicle details to the other party.
- Leave a written note if necessary. If the property owner is not present, leave your contact information in a visible location.
- Report the accident. Notify local law enforcement or the California Highway Patrol.
The Lawyer’s Role in a Hit and Run Accident
Legal guidance is essential after a hit and run accident, regardless of your involvement in the incident. The needs of someone injured by a driver who flees the scene are different from those of someone accused of a hit-and-run, but both situations have significant legal consequences.
Not at Fault
If you were not at fault and were injured in a hit-and-run accident, an attorney can assist you by investigating the incident, working with law enforcement, and pursuing compensation through insurance claims or civil action. This may involve using uninsured motorist coverage if the other driver cannot be identified.
At Fault
If you are accused of leaving the scene, legal counsel can help protect your rights, explain your options, and communicate with authorities on your behalf. In many cases, early legal involvement can influence how charges are filed or resolved.
At Compass Law Group, LLP, our attorneys take a supportive and informed approach to hit-and-run cases. You can learn more about our experience and legal team or contact us for a free consultation.
Next Steps
California has strict laws regarding hit-and-run incidents, and leaving the scene of an accident can lead to severe consequences. Such cases can impact your freedom, finances, driving privileges, and future opportunities. Those injured by hit-and-run drivers often deal with lost income, medical expenses, and a sense of uncertainty about their circumstances.
No one should have to navigate these challenges alone. That’s why the California car accident lawyers at Compass Law Group, LLP take the time to explain your rights and fight for your deserved compensation.
If you have questions about a hit and run accident or need guidance on next steps, we invite you to reach out for a free, confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hit-and-run a felony in California?
A hit-and-run can be either a misdemeanor or a felony in California. Accidents involving only property damage are typically misdemeanors, while accidents that cause injury or death may be charged as felonies.
What happens to my license if I am convicted?
A hit-and-run conviction can result in points being added to your driving record. Accumulating too many points may lead to license suspension or other restrictions. Serious cases can carry longer-term consequences.
What are the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident in California?
Penalties depend on whether the accident involved property damage or resulted in an injury. Misdemeanor penalties may include fines, jail time, probation, and restitution. Felony penalties can include prison time, higher fines, and long-term consequences for your criminal record.
What evidence is needed to convict of a hit-and-run?
Prosecutors often rely on evidence such as witness statements, surveillance footage, vehicle damage, license plate information, and accident reconstruction. In some cases, admissions or statements made by the driver may also be used.
Can hit-and-run charges be dropped in California?
Hit-and-run charges may be reduced or dismissed depending on the circumstances. Factors can include lack of evidence, proof that legal duties were met, or procedural issues. A hit-and-run attorney can review the details and determine legal options.
What do police do after a hit-and-run?
Law enforcement typically investigates by gathering eyewitness statements, reviewing surveillance footage, and examining physical evidence from the scene. Officers may work with insurance companies and use vehicle registration databases to identify the driver involved.
