In a single year alone there were more than 30,000 hit and run cases in Los Angeles County – and that’s just the ones that were reported. As a result, you should not be surprised to learn that the police take these charges seriously. Keep reading to find out the answers to common questions about hit and run charges, then contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 if you are in need of a free legal consultation.

Is it Still Illegal if You Were Not at Fault for the Accident?

Yes. Who was responsible for the accident has no bearing on whether or not you are guilty of hit and run. Even if it was not your fault, if you left the scene of the accident for any reason other than for your immediate safety or the safety of another person, you have committed a hit and run.

Is it Still a Hit and Run if There Was Minimal Damage?

Yes. Even if there was hardly any damage at all, the point is that you were involved in a collision and left without giving your information or providing insurance information. Even if there is nothing more than a small chip of paint missing from the other vehicle’s fender, it is technically hit and run if you did not stay.

Will My License Be Suspended if I Am Convicted of a Hit and Run Accident?

Maybe. There are two California statutes under which you can be charged with a hit and run. Either one can result in your license being suspended, but one involves collisions with property damage and no injuries and is a misdemeanor. In this case, it is unlikely your license would be suspended. However, a hit and run involving injury can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor, either of which would lead to your license being suspended for some period of time.

Keep in mind that either charge will also come with two points to your license. This means that if your two additional points put you over the amount you are allowed within a year, you could face a suspension from the DMV from a Negligent Operator.

Does Insurance Cover Damages from Hit and Run Accidents?

In most cases. Even if you are convicted of a criminal offense, it is likely that your insurance would be responsible for paying for damages. There are some exceptions, such as DUI hit and run charges, in which your insurance company can deny payment.

Is Hit and Run Charged as a Felony or a Misdemeanor?

It depends on the specifics of the case. In most instances in which there are no injuries and the only vehicles damaged were unoccupied and parked at the time of the collision will be misdemeanors. More serious situations involving injury can be charged as 

If you have been charged with or accused of a hit and run in California, contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for your free legal consultation.