San Jose Hit and Run Accident Lawyers

Hit-and-Run Accident

Any type of California traffic accident can take a significant toll on those involved. Whether it is a simple fender-bender, a multi-car pileup, an accident with minimal injury, or an accident that results in wrongful death, all automobile accidents adversely affect those who are involved. However, not all parties involved always seem willing to accept responsibility for their actions.

Though we are taught to accept responsibility for our actions, there are still a large number of hit-and-run accidents that occur on California roads and highways. According to California Penal Code, "the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to any person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident." Furthermore:

• any person who [fails to do so] shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison, or in a county jail for not more than one year, or by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.


• if the accident results in death or permanent, serious injury, any person who violates [this] shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years, or in a county jail for not less than 90 days nor more than one year, or by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine

Even if the accident does not result in injury of any kind, it is still the responsibility of the reckless driver to stop his or her vehicle and at the very least leave their contact information for the owner of the vehicle that has been damaged. Though simple acceptance of accountability would eliminate nearly all penalties imposed by a court of law, unless the driver of the reckless vehicle is deemed to have been in violation of traffic law, such as by being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drivers who flee the scene typically do so out of panic.

However, this panic is very pricey, and, whereas the driver would have only be held liable for monetary damages dependent on the percentage of responsibility he or she has for causing the accident, the driver now faces criminal charges as well.

If you or a loved one has recently been the victim of hit-and-run, you'll need a knowledgeable auto accident attorney on your side to help sort through the details. Don't hesitate to contact the California hit-and-run accident lawyers at Van Der Walde & Associates. Our skilled attorneys will examine the circumstances surrounding your automobile hit-and-run accident, and will hold all negligible parties accountable for their actions. Call us today for a free consultation at 877-862-6288, and we'll get started on your case.