Hit and run charges are serious offenses in Los Angeles, often leading to severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. But what happens if you didn’t realize you left the scene of an accident? This unique scenario can be frightening and confusing, especially if you’re facing charges for a hit and run in Los Angeles.
This blog will explore what you should do if you’re accused of a hit and run without knowing you were involved and how a hit and run defense lawyer can help protect your rights.
Understanding Hit and Run Laws in Los Angeles
Before diving into the specifics of your situation, it’s important to understand what constitutes a hit and run in Los Angeles. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20002, a hit and run occurs when a driver involved in an accident fails to stop and provide their contact information to the other party or parties involved. This applies to any accident that results in property damage, injury, or death.
The law does not differentiate between minor and major accidents—failing to stop and exchange information can lead to criminal charges regardless of the severity of the incident.
What Does It Mean to "Not Realize" You Left the Scene?
It might seem unusual, but there are circumstances where a driver might not realize they've been involved in an accident. This can occur for several reasons:
- Low-Speed Impacts: In cases of very low-speed impacts, such as a minor bump in a parking lot, the driver might not feel the collision or believe any damage occurred.
- Environmental Distractions: Noise or other distractions inside or outside the vehicle can mask the sound or sensation of an impact.
- Driver’s Condition: Fatigue, stress, or other distractions can impair a driver’s awareness, making it possible to overlook a minor collision.
- Vehicle Condition: In larger vehicles, such as trucks or SUVs, the driver might not notice a collision due to the size and height of the vehicle, especially if the impact was minor.
These scenarios, while uncommon, are legitimate reasons why a person might not stop after an accident, leading to unintentional hit and run charges.
Legal Consequences of a Hit and Run in Los Angeles
Even if you didn’t realize you left the scene, the legal consequences of a hit and run in Los Angeles can be severe. The penalties vary depending on whether the accident involved only property damage or if there were injuries or fatalities.
Misdemeanor Hit and Run
If the accident involved only property damage, you could face misdemeanor charges. Penalties may include:
- Fines up to $1,000
- Up to six months in county jail
- Probation
- Points on your driving record
- Possible license suspension
Felony Hit and Run
If the accident resulted in injury or death, you could be charged with a felony. Penalties for a felony hit and run may include:
- Fines up to $10,000
- Up to four years in state prison
- Restitution to the victims
- Permanent revocation of your driver’s license
Given these serious consequences, it’s crucial to act quickly if you’re accused of a hit and run, even if you didn’t realize you were involved.
Steps to Take If You’re Accused of a Hit and Run Without Knowing
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being accused of a hit and run without realizing it, here are the steps you should take immediately:
- Do Not Admit Fault: The first and most important thing to remember is not to admit fault or make any statements without consulting a hit and run defense lawyer. Anything you say could be used against you in court.
- Contact a Hit and Run Defense Lawyer: As soon as you become aware of the accusation, contact an experienced hit and run defense lawyer in Los Angeles. They can provide you with the legal guidance you need to navigate the complex legal system and protect your rights.
- Gather Evidence: Work with your lawyer to gather any evidence that supports your claim that you were unaware of the accident. This might include dashcam footage, witness statements, or vehicle inspection reports showing minor or no damage.
- Cooperate with Authorities: While you should avoid making statements without your lawyer present, it’s important to cooperate with the investigation. Failing to do so can lead to additional charges or penalties.
- Prepare for Possible Civil Litigation: In addition to criminal charges, you may also face civil litigation from the other party involved in the accident. Your lawyer can help you prepare for this and advise you on how to handle any civil claims.
How a Hit and Run Defense Lawyer Can Help
Navigating hit and run charges, especially in a situation where you didn’t realize you left the scene, requires a skilled and knowledgeable defense. Here’s how a hit and run defense lawyer in Los Angeles can assist you:
- Case Evaluation: Your lawyer will thoroughly evaluate the details of your case. This includes reviewing any evidence against you and identifying any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Developing a Defense Strategy: Based on the specifics of your situation, your lawyer will develop a defense strategy that might include demonstrating a lack of intent, proving that you were unaware of the accident, or challenging the validity of the charges.
- Negotiating with Prosecutors: In some cases, your lawyer may be able to negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges or secure a plea deal that minimizes the impact on your life.
- Court Representation: If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will represent you in court, advocating on your behalf and working to achieve the best possible outcome.
Potential Defenses for Hit and Run Charges
When facing hit and run charges in Los Angeles, especially under the unique circumstance of not realizing you left the scene, several potential defenses can be employed:
- Lack of Knowledge: If you genuinely didn’t realize that you were involved in an accident, your lawyer can argue that you lacked the necessary intent to commit a hit and run. This defense focuses on the fact that you were unaware of any damage or injury caused by the incident.
- Mistaken Identity: In some cases, it’s possible that you were not the driver involved in the accident, or your vehicle was mistakenly identified. A defense lawyer can help prove that you were not the individual responsible.
- No Damage or Minimal Impact: If the accident was so minor that it caused no visible damage, your lawyer could argue that you had no reason to believe you were required to stop and exchange information.
These defenses, among others, can be critical in reducing or dismissing hit and run charges, particularly when the incident was unintentional.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
If you’re accused of a hit and run in Los Angeles, time is of the essence. The sooner you engage a hit and run defense lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong defense. Delaying action can result in missed opportunities to gather evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, or prevent the escalation of charges.
Contact the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney for Skilled Hit and Run Defense in Los Angeles
If you’ve been accused of a hit and run in Los Angeles and didn’t realize you left the scene, the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney are here to help. As experienced hit and run defense lawyers, we understand the complexities of these cases and are dedicated to protecting your rights.
Call us today at 818-330-5198 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. Don’t leave your future to chance—let us fight for you and work towards the best possible outcome in your case.
