Los Angeles Hit & Run Lawyer

It is overwhelming to be in a traffic accident. Even when you know that you are supposed to stop and exchange information with the other driver, the fear and anxiety can quickly overtake common sense. However, in California, leaving the scene of a car accident is a serious criminal offense with harsh potential penalties. At HOFFMAN & ASSOCIATES, our criminal defense lawyers aggressively defend clients facing hit-and-run charges in Los Angeles, San Diego and throughout California.

Call us today: Los Angeles (323) 655-3900 or San Diego (760) 942-0069

California hit-and-run laws require that all drivers involved in an auto accident stop immediately to exchange driver's license and insurance information with the other driver - regardless of fault. Failure to do so may result in misdemeanor or felony hit-and-run charges. Hit-and-run accidents often involve single car accidents or multiple vehicle accidents in which a driver left the scene after hitting property, another vehicle or a person:

Examples of Types of Hit and Run Cases We Frequently Handle

• Driver hit telephone pole causing property damage
• Driver hit a parked car leaving property damage
• Driver hit other obstacles causing property damage
• Driver hit a pedestrian or jogger causing serious injury or wrongful death
• Driver hit another vehicle causing property damage with minor or serious injury or death

The level of the offense will depend on the seriousness of the accident. A hit-and- run accident in which no injury is sustained will likely be charged as a misdemeanor. The seriousness of the injury is the deciding factor in injury accidents. Misdemeanor charges will be filed against you if a minor injury (neck, back or soft tissue injury) is sustained by the other driver or passenger. However, if a serious injury (fracture or injury causing lengthy rehabilitation or recovery) is sustained by the other party, you may face felony hit-and-run charges.

Many drivers who leave the scene of the accident do so in fear of being caught for another offense. Therefore, when caught for hit-and-run, these individuals will likely face multiple charges, such as:

• Drunk driving/DUI
• Driving a stolen vehicle
• Driving under the influence of drugs
• Driving under suspension
• Driving without insurance
• Reckless driving

Our Los Angeles Hit & Run Lawyers have over 30 years of daily courtroom experience and have consistently and successfully resolved hundreds of hit-and-run cases. Our effective defense strategies often have caused charges to be dismissed or reduced. Early intervention by our office was the key to these results.

It is never advisable to give statements to the police or any insurance company (regardless of fault) without consulting an attorney experienced in these types of specialized matter. Early intervention by our office frequently makes a significant difference in the decision to not file criminal charges.

If you have been involved in an accident, but left the scene without exchanging your license and insurance information, contact our Hit & Run Attorneys in Los Angeles today for a free consultation!