Los Angeles has seen an alarming increase in pedestrian hit-and-run incidents in recent years. With a growing percentage of drivers fleeing the scene of an accident, it’s important to understand the legal consequences for those involved in a hit-and-run. Being in a hit-and-run scenario, it is always advised to reach out to an experienced Hit & Run lawyer in Los Angeles to guide you through this tricky portion of the legal system. This article will discuss the growing frequency of pedestrian hit-and-run cases, as well as the Penalties for hit-and-run in California and crucial legal advice to victims and defendants.
Los Angeles is synonymous with its infamous traffic and sprawl, which creates opportunities for accidents, especially for pedestrian deaths. Hit-and-run deaths, especially pedestrian fatalities, increased significantly in 2023, according to statistics. Many of these cases involve hit-and-run drivers who leave the victims seriously injured or dead without taking responsibility for their actions.
Data from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) shows that pedestrians have been struck by hit-and-run drivers less than they once were; hit-and-run incidents involving another vehicle have steadily risen over the past 10 years, reflecting a larger picture of increased traffic-related crime across the city. The increase emphasizes the necessity of Pedestrian Hit and Run Cases in the local legal field and requires a thorough knowledge of Los Angeles Hit and Run Laws.
Accidents involving hit-and-run of pedestrians are among the most tragic types of accidents. Victims often deal with life-altering consequences, suffering from severe broken bones, traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. Some hit-and-run cases leave pedestrians dead with their families dealing with emotional and financial hardships.
Since the driver has fled, if you are a victim of a hit-and-run, you have no immediate method of collecting compensation. That's where Los Angeles Criminal Attorneys come in to help victims recover damages and seek justice in this desperate situation. Moreover, there are criminal and civil liabilities that can be imposed against the offender, subject to the circumstances.
The law is very strict with hit-and-run cases in California. It’s California law (California Vehicle Code Section 20001) to immediately stop at the scene of an accident that has injured or killed a person (including a pedestrian), render aid, and exchange information with the other parties involved. If not, then the legal implications can be even more severe.
California’s Hit and hit-and-run penalties can be severe, particularly when the accident also involves a pedestrian. If someone is injured or killed as a result of the accident, the driver faces felony charges that could include:
Aside from the criminal penalties, victims of hit-and-run accidents can file civil suits to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages and emotional distress. And, this is when you need to consult a Hit and Run Defence Lawyer in Los Angeles. An experienced lawyer will aid victims in processing the complexities of the civil court system and receive redress for their harm.
A Criminal Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles can defend the rights of a person accused of hit-and-run and help to reduce the penalties. Even if you did not intend to hurt anyone you could be facing serious charges following a hit-and-run accident. A Criminal Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles will be able to provide you with strategic and legal advice and help you see what the possible options would be for your defence like:
Also keep in mind that, even if a driver had heaven in mind, the legal repercussions for leaving the scene of an accident are severe. A skilled Los Angeles Defense Attorney is crucial in helping prevent the worst possible outcome of the case, such as reducing the charges or getting a good settlement.
Pointing out that hit-and-run charges carry serious penalties, there are multiple defenses in these cases. These can be used in a way to lessen the punishments or even get rid of the charges altogether.
(In some instances, the driver has no idea they just got into an accident.) If a driver brushes a pedestrian and doesn’t realise it, they may not appreciate the severity of what they have done. A Los Angeles Hit and hit-and-run lawyer could argue that the driver was unaware of the impact.
An alternative contention includes a fleeing driver falling victim to a medical emergency or fearing for his or her safety. For example, if the defendant was being chased by another driver, they may be able to argue necessity—meaning their actions were not criminal but out of necessity.
Should the driver run out of panic or confusion, and not a conscious choice of trying to escape responsibility, it may be possible to try to settle for lesser charges. In these situations, a Criminal Lawyer LA specializing in Criminal Defense for Hit and Run can provide you the legal assistance.
Regardless of whether you are a victim, or you are accused of a pedestrian hit-and-run accident, you must protect your rights. For victims, the first thing to do is to get medical treatment and contact authorities. Gathering evidence, including witness accounts, video footage, and images from the accident scene will greatly strengthen your case.
If you have been accused of a hit and run, you must contact an experienced LA Criminal Defense Lawyer. However, reaching out to an attorney early allows you to learn the law and preserve your interest throughout the case.
It is timely with the rise in pedestrian hit-and-run accidents being reported in Los Angeles for attention to be paid to the legal consequences and the safeguarding of the rights of victims. Whether you are pursuing justice as the victim or require experienced Criminal Defense for Hit and Run, having the best in the business by your side can make all the difference.
We at Alimouri Law, specialize in ensuring that hit-and-run victims and defendants have the guidance and representation they need. As Los Angeles Defense Attorneys, we are experienced with California’s Hit and Run Laws and work diligently for the best possible results for our clients.
If you or your loved one is facing a hit-and-run case, feel free to contact us for a consultation. We can help your with your case and provide you with competent, compassionate advice Contact our office today! We can help you work through this complicated area of the law with the attention it pays to navigate it properly.