Hit-and-run collisions, particularly involving pedestrians, have emerged as a troubling crisis in California, where they’ve compounded a historic spike in injuries and deaths on the road. Fleeing the scene is a crime, to be sure, but the legal landscape regarding pedestrian hit-and-run cases is not simple; many aspects of the event play a factor in how charges are made, what penalties would apply, and what happens in the courts when they do. If you ever find yourself in this situation, the first thing you need to do is consult a Hit and Run Lawyer in Los Angeles or an Experienced Criminal Defence Lawyer Los Angeles. In this article, we’ll cover the increase in pedestrian hit-and-run cases, the relevant penalties in California, and expert legal advice for those who find themselves in this area of law.
A pedestrian hit-and-run case is when a driver hits a pedestrian without providing needed assistance, details, or identification. This is a serious crime under California law, punishable by degrees based on the circumstances. People who flee the scene of an accident are widely viewed as shirking their legal responsibilities, and prosecutors typically take a hard line in those cases. However, not all hit-and-run accidents lead to charges, as it often depends on the gravity of the incident and whether authorities can identify the driver.
Los Angeles Hit and Run Laws have come under fire recently as the number of pedestrians involved in these accidents has consistently climbed. A perfect storm has enabled this alarming epidemic:
California Vehicle Code Section 20001 requires that any motorist who gets into an accident that results in an injury or death must stop, exchange their information, and render aid to the injured. If you don’t, it results in dire legal ramifications. A Criminal Defense for Hit and Run can be subject to severe criminal charges depending upon whether the pedestrian suffered serious injuries or death.
Penalties for a hit-and-run in California vary widely based on the type of incident, the extent of injuries, and whether the involved driver is a repeat offender. The possible Penalties for Hit and Run in California are as follows:
In less severe cases in which property damage resulted in the hit-and-run, drivers may face:
Felony charges are likely if a pedestrian was injured or killed in the crash. The penalties can include:
Apart from legal penalties, individuals involved in a hit-and-run incident may endure reputational damage, higher insurance rates, and monetary instability caused by squandering compensation claims paid by the victim. Depending on the person’s job and the employment policy of the company, the person can even lose his job if driving is part of his job or if the company requires its employees to have a clean driving record.
If you are charged with a pedestrian hit-and-run, the advice of an LA Criminal Defense lawyer is essential. A Los Angeles Criminal Attorney can build a defence according to several strategies, such as:
There are even circumstances where the vehicle operator is unaware that they have struck a pedestrian, such as when the involved individual enters the roadway with limited exposure (think a pedestrian within the roadway compared to an object on the shoulder). If the driver did not know what happened, it could result in lesser or dismissed charges.
Another defence could be challenging whether the actual driver was the driver accused. Without any physical evidence or eyewitnesses to back it up, the case probably wouldn't stick.
In certain circumstances, a driver can leave the scene because there is an emergency or because they are afraid for their life or safety (such as being threatened). A good Criminal Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles may demonstrate that in certain circumstances.
Police procedure mistakes, like illegal searches or failing to read Miranda rights, might be leveraged to challenge the evidence law enforcement gathered. A Criminal Lawyer in LA can find such loopholes and may use them as evidence for charge reduction.
In the event of Pedestrian Hit and Run Cases, worried parties must prepare intelligently by educating themselves on as well as conforming to traffic laws. Here are some measures that can help avoid these types of accidents:
If you ever become involved in a hit-and-run situation, it is always best to get Hit and Run Legal Advice to help you make your next best move. Hence, an attorney will make sure that your rights will be protected and you will be given a fair trial.
Alimouri Law understands the legal nuances in Hit and Run in California cases. Whether you are dealing with leaving the scene of an accident charge or you find yourself involved in a pedestrian hit-and-run case, our skilled Los Angeles Defense Attorneys are equipped to handle navigating you through the convoluted legal world.
Please contact us if you require professional legal help. Our criminal lawyers in Los Angeles know how to create the best defence, ensuring the protection of your rights, and fighting for the best outcome. We are here to take care of your legalities, all you have to do is think about your future. We’ll do everything possible to protect your rights and make sure you get the proper legal representation you need and deserve.