What To Do If You're Involved in a Hit and Run Accident in California: Guidance and Advice for Residents in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, and Across Southern California
Accidents happen, and so—unfortunately—do mistakes made in moments of panic. Fleeing the scene of a collision is a serious offense in California, but that doesn’t mean those who commit this violation had any malicious or criminal intent. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, our defense attorneys recognize that anyone could make the wrong move in a moment of fear or confusion. We’re here to guide the accused, providing trusted tips to avoid mistakes after a hit and run accident and effective defense strategies against criminal charges.
It’s not too late to begin making choices that will help your case, starting with consulting an experienced hit and run defense attorney.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and find out how we can protect your future.
Our Attorneys Know What to Do If You're Involved in a Hit and Run Accident in California—and How to Build a Strong Defense
If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident, you need professional legal guidance right away. Whether you’re already facing charges or you’re worried that you could become the subject of an investigation, any delay in getting legal advice you can count on will only make your situation worse.
With the guidance of an experienced hit and run attorney, you can take proactive steps to confront the issues ahead of you. Your legal team can gather evidence of all mitigating factors and use this evidence to develop the most effective defense strategy possible. We can identify ways in which you can demonstrate a good-faith effort to cooperate and make things right while still ensuring you receive all the protections you’re entitled to under the law.
Tip #1: Cooperate With Law Enforcement Strategically Under the Advice of Your Attorney.
Cooperation can go a long way toward minimizing the impact of hit and run charges on your future, but you need to be strategic about it.
Don’t turn yourself in at the police station or call the police yourself to report the accident. Instead, consult a hit and run defense attorney at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney for help planning your path forward. We understand the implications of every interaction with law enforcement. We can:
- Contact the police on your behalf
- Work to negotiate civil compromises or reduced charges or penalties
- Oversee any interactions you have with law enforcement
Strategic methods of cooperating with law enforcement in hit and run investigations can ensure your rights remain protected and prevent you from making statements that incriminate yourself or weaken your defense.
Tip #2: Decline to Give a Statement or Answer Questions Until You’ve Spoken to an Attorney.
Although it’s in your best interests to retain experienced attorneys from the start, there are situations in which law enforcement personnel surprise a defendant who hasn’t yet had a chance to speak to an attorney. If the police pay you a visit in the course of an investigation or come to arrest you, you need to cooperate politely while remaining firm in your decision to protect your legal rights.
Inform the police that you need to speak to an attorney before you can answer any questions or provide any statements, and don’t waver from this smart decision. You have the right to remain silent, and you should exercise that right until you are able to discuss the details of your case with an attorney. Otherwise, any statements you make to the police could be used in the case against you.
Tip #3: Avoid Making False Statements That Could Add to Your Legal Trouble.
If the truth could be incriminating, you might think a lie might offer you more protection. Unfortunately, making false statements can end up coming back to haunt you and possibly make your situation even worse.
When you are unsure of what to say to avoid either giving law enforcement more evidence against you or telling lies that could be found out, again reiterate to officers that you can’t answer the question without first speaking to your attorney. We can help you consider all legal implications and determine what information to share and how to present it in the way that most benefits your defense.
Tip #4: Avoid Discarding or Destroying Evidence.
Like false statements, discoveries that you intentionally destroyed evidence can add to the case against you. Perhaps fleeing the scene was a genuine mistake you made in the midst of your panic, but subsequently taking steps to hide or destroy evidence can add to the perception of guilt.
That doesn’t mean you should voluntarily turn evidence over to the police. What it means is that you should speak to an attorney about how to handle any video footage, photos, vehicle damage, or other evidence that could link you to any involvement in a hit and run offense.
Tip #5: Find Out the Full Facts of the Case Against You.
It’s hard to defend yourself successfully when you don’t know what evidence law enforcement officers have against you or what specifically the prosecution is accusing you of having done.
Although the police typically will not tell you what evidence they have against you, they often have to provide this information to your attorney. Retaining experienced legal counsel provides you with the opportunity to understand exactly what accusations you’re facing and what evidence the other side has to back up these charges.
This knowledge can help us consider all options for your defense. If the evidence against you is weak, we may be able to pursue getting charges dropped or develop a defense strategy that successfully exposes the shortcomings of the prosecution’s case. When the case against you is strong enough that a not-guilty trial verdict is unlikely, it may instead be in your best interests to negotiate reduced sentences or focus on mitigating circumstances that could justify reduced penalties.
How The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney Can Help
Only an attorney who fully understands California hit and run law and the legal implications of every option available to you can help you determine, based on the specific facts of your situation, how to proceed in a way that best supports your defense and future freedom.
At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we guide our clients in making the right steps as they navigate the legal process. We know that every stage of hit and run investigations and the criminal justice process presents potential pitfalls, and we’re here to help you avoid mistakes that can weaken your defense.
Our attorneys do much more than provide our clients with tips to avoid mistakes after a hit and run accident. We’re advisors, but we’re also hands-on advocates who are prepared to stand beside you throughout this legal battle. You can count on us to:
- Conduct our own investigation to identify evidence in your favor and mitigating factors that could influence the outcome of your case
- Oversee your interactions with law enforcement and prosecutors
- Represent you in all legal proceedings, including trial
- Develop the strongest possible defense strategy based on the specific facts of your situation
- Explore all avenues available to you to secure the most favorable resolution possible
- Inform you of your rights and protections under the legal process and work to preserve your rights
- Advocate for your best interests and fair treatment throughout the case
You’re facing legal trouble that could impact you for a lifetime. Our firm takes hit and run charges seriously, providing every client we represent with the strongest defense possible.
Trust The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney for Smart Tips to Avoid Mistakes After a Hit and Run Accident
For guidance to help you minimize the impact of hit and run charges on your future, count on The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney. Clients turn to us for our reputation at the top of this legal market, our experience handling complex hit and run cases, the proactive approach we take to representation, and our commitment to putting skilled legal guidance within reach for every defendant.
Help From the Top Hit and Run Law Firm in Southern California
You won’t find a law firm in the region that successfully handles more hit and run defense cases than we do or has more in-depth knowledge of the legal processes involved in these matters. The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney has earned a reputation as the top hit and run defense firm in Southern California, with a track record that speaks for itself. We consistently get our clients the most favorable results possible for their unique circumstances, including not-guilty trial verdicts, dismissals of charges, reductions of charges, and lesser penalties.
Our Focus on Developing Solutions to Complex Legal Issues That Could Impact Your Future
Hit and run cases are full of complexities, but each potential challenge also offers opportunities to build your defense. We bring to each case extensive knowledge of California state law and legal procedures. As experienced criminal defense attorneys, we use this knowledge to identify and emphasize mitigating factors like your cooperation with investigators and victims, lack of intent to commit a crime, lack of prior offenses, and any valid reasons you may have had for leaving the scene of the crash.
The Proactive Legal Intervention That Puts You on the Best Path Forward
One of the biggest mistakes you can make in a criminal matter is putting off getting the legal help you deserve. Proactive intervention can drastically impact the direction of your case. A hit and run defense lawyer at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney can begin fighting for you even before charges are filed, making the most of opportunities for early cooperation and negotiation while carrying out diligent investigations on your behalf.
Accessible Legal Guidance That Begins With a Free Consultation
For legal help when and where you need it, consult The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney. Our team puts skilled legal guidance within reach for every defendant charged with a hit and run offense in Southern California. Our 24/7 availability ensures you won’t have to wait when you have time-sensitive legal needs. A free initial consultation means you can afford to have your case reviewed and your questions answered by an experienced attorney. During your complimentary consultation, we will evaluate the full facts of your unique situation and help you explore your options for moving forward with your defense.
Contact a Defense Attorney Who Knows What to Do If You're Involved in a Hit and Run Accident in California Today for a Free Consultation
There’s no question that the outcome of your case can affect your future. Your freedom, financial security, and future personal and professional opportunities are all on the line. The actions you take or fail to take now could determine what happens next. Will you take smart, strategic steps to improve your situation, or are you at risk of making damaging mistakes that can leave you in an even worse position?
It’s time to put your defense first by retaining experienced legal counsel. For help from a hit and run defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA, contact The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney online or call 818-330-5198 today.
