Paul CaputoWith busy city streets, frequented highways and freeways, and a fast pace of living, car accidents are all too common in California. Unfortunately, many of these collisions are detrimental and, in the worst cases, fatal.
When a person or their property is harmed by negligent, careless, or reckless drivers, victims and their families have a right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. Sadly, in some cases, a liable driver will flee the scene of the accident to avoid responsibility, leaving victims unable to pursue maximum compensation. At Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys, we work diligently to defend the rights of accident victims.
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a serious accident, get in contact with our Campbell hit-and-run accident lawyers today. We can fight for your rights!
Understanding California Hit and Run Laws
Although drivers are expected to accept liability for their actions in the event of an accident, numerous hit and run accidents occur every year. Hit and run accidents are against the law according to California Penal Code, which states, “The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to any person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.”
Individuals who do not obey this law can face the following consequences:
- A person who does not immediately stop their vehicle after involvement in an accident that injures another person can be punished by imprisonment in county jail or state prison for up to a year or a fine between $1,000.00 and $10,000.00 or by both imprisonment and fine.
- A person who does not immediately stop their vehicle after a person has suffered fatal or permanent injuries can be punished by imprisonment in state prison between two to four years or in county jail for up to one year or by a fine up to $10,000.00.
Drivers involved in accidents are also required to stop even if the accident does not result in an injury or wrongful death.
Common Types of Drivers Who Flee the Accident Scene
Over the years, our legal team has noticed that drivers who typically flee accident scenes are one of the following:
- Driver without a valid license
- Driver operating a vehicle while under the influence
Our Campbell Hit & Run Accident Lawyers Can Protect Your Future
If you were involved in an accident and the driver fled the scene, get in touch with our Campbell hit and run accident attorneys at Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys right away. We are ready to put our experienced and aggressive representation on your side of the courtroom.
When you choose to work with our team, you can rest easier knowing we are backed by ample experience handling cases similar to yours.