HIT AND RUN

When does an Accident Becomes Hit and Run?

Hit and Run accidents are the result of one party causing damage to another party's property or person and leaving the scene before producing the proper driver documentation. Hit and Run charges can be both misdemeanors and felonies, depending on the seriousness of the accident.
In California, the driver of any motor vehicle that has been involved in an accident or collision, regardless of the level of seriousness or extent of injury, must stop, find the owner of the damaged property and produce his or her driver documentation. Failing to do so could result in criminal charges for California Hit and Run.

California Vehicle Codes  Section 20002 states:
When an accident results only in property damage (including motor vehicles), driver must stop and locate owner or person in charge and exchange driver documentation. If owner of damaged property cannot be located, the driver is not permitted to leave the scene of the accident until the following actions have been completed:

a) Leave a note with facts surrounding the case and driver documentation information;
b) Report the accident to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or local police

Any accident that involves injury or death mandates the driver to perform all actions included in Section 20002 plus render reasonable assistance to the injured party or parties. 

The California Law regarding Hit and Run has no exceptions. The types of accidents that are eligible for Hit and Run charges range from simple fender benders on parked, unoccupied vehicles to accidents involving death or serious injury.

PENALTIES FOR A HIT AND RUN CONVICTION
Depending on whether a hit & run misdemeanor or hit & run felony is charged, penalties for hit 'n run range from no jail time (plus fines and restitution) to one year in jail and, with more serious cases, time in California state prison.