The Scene No One Wants: What Happens When Drivers Flee
You’re driving home from work, lost in thought, when—bam—a car slams into you. The next thing you know, the driver speeds off, leaving you with a damaged car and mounting questions. That’s a hit-and-run. And under California Vehicle Code §20002, it’s a crime with serious consequences. In California, the law doesn’t just expect drivers to stick around; it demands it.
Leaving the scene isn’t just poor form; it’s illegal. CVC §20002 mandates that drivers involved in accidents causing property damage must stop, exchange information, and provide assistance if necessary. Fail to do that? You’re looking at a misdemeanor charge, fines up to $1,000, and possibly six months behind bars. And if someone’s hurt, the stakes go higher—much higher. Injuries push this offense into felony territory, leading to years in prison.
The Double Whammy: Criminal Charges and Civil Liability
Here’s where it gets real. Hit-and-run cases aren’t just about criminal penalties. They spill over into civil court, where victims fight for compensation. That’s right—even after you serve time or pay a fine, you’re still on the hook for damages.
For victims, this means more than filing a police report. It’s about recovering everything they’ve lost. Damaged car? That’s just the beginning. Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering—they all come into play. And when the driver’s missing, it’s like playing detective in a race against time. Evidence can disappear. Witnesses forget. The clock is ticking.
Evidence Disappears Fast—Why Early Action Matters
Think witnesses are going to remember the details of a hit-and-run weeks later? Think again. They’re busy, life moves on, and memories fade. Surveillance footage? Most places only store recordings for a limited time before it’s wiped. That’s why having an attorney who knows how to move fast is everything. Under California Business and Professions Code §6068, attorneys have a duty to act diligently and protect their clients' rights. In hit-and-run cases, this means mobilizing immediately—subpoenaing traffic camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and tracking down every possible lead to identify the fleeing driver.
Don’t wait for the police report to go cold. The moment you call an auto injury lawyer near you, they jump into action, securing evidence before it’s too late. Think of it as putting all the puzzle pieces together—before they disappear.
CVC §20002: The Breakdown
So what does California Vehicle Code §20002 really say? In simple terms, it’s a zero-tolerance policy for fleeing drivers. If your vehicle is involved in an accident that results in property damage, you must stop and exchange information. No exceptions. No excuses.
And here’s the kicker: This applies even if you didn’t cause the crash. California law doesn’t care who’s at fault—if you’re involved, you must stay. Fail to follow this law, and you’re not just facing fines. You could lose your license. The California DMV takes hit-and-run offenses seriously, and they’re quick to suspend driving privileges for anyone convicted.
But let’s talk about the bigger picture. A misdemeanor charge might sound manageable, but it’s not just about the short-term penalties. A conviction sticks with you—employers see it, insurance companies know it, and suddenly, your life looks very different.
Finding the Driver: The Power of Legal Action
So what happens if the driver isn’t found? Do you just accept it and move on? Not a chance. California law provides options for victims, and that’s where a California car accident attorney steps in. The police might file a report, but your attorney will dig deeper, using tools like interrogatories under the California Code of Civil Procedure §2030.010 to uncover critical information.
Imagine this: Your lawyer subpoenas local businesses for surveillance footage, interviews witnesses who were on the scene, and scours social media for any sign of the fleeing driver. It’s a full-court press to identify the person responsible. And even if they can’t find the driver, they have a backup plan: your insurance policy.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Your Safety Net
What if the driver can’t be found? California mandates that insurers offer Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, a crucial lifeline in hit-and-run cases. UM coverage steps in when the responsible driver vanishes. It covers medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. The problem? Insurance companies don’t exactly roll out the red carpet when it’s time to pay.
That’s why having an attorney makes all the difference. A skilled auto car accident lawyer knows how to navigate the insurance maze. They’ll fight to make sure your policy works for you, not the other way around. They understand the fine print and know how to push back when insurers try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether.
The Civil Fallout: What Happens When They’re Found
Let’s say your attorney finds the driver—great news, but the work isn’t over. Now it’s time for the civil side of the case. If the driver is identified, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit, claiming damages for everything you’ve endured. The repair bills? Covered. Your medical expenses? Covered. The time you lost at work? That’s covered too.
But here’s the real power play: Punitive damages. California courts might award these in cases where the driver’s actions—like fleeing the scene—were especially reckless or malicious. These aren’t just for compensation; they’re designed to punish wrongdoers and set an example. It’s the law’s way of saying: This won’t fly.
Early Representation Changes Everything
Don’t think you can tackle this alone. Insurance companies love when you do. They know the statute of limitations, they know the legal loopholes, and they’re betting you won’t act fast enough. But when you have a California car accident attorney on your side, the game changes.
An experienced lawyer moves quickly, gathering evidence and building a case that insurance companies can’t ignore. They use every tool in the legal toolkit, from interrogatories to subpoenas, to lock in the facts and prove liability. It’s about staying one step ahead—using the law’s full power to make sure you don’t get shortchanged.
Don’t Let Them Get Away
California Vehicle Code §20002 doesn’t just slap a fine on fleeing drivers; it’s a serious offense with consequences that ripple through both criminal and civil courts. But the law works for you, too—if you know how to use it. Whether the driver is found or not, there are options. Your insurance policy, the power of an attorney, and the court system are all tools to secure what’s rightfully yours.
If you’ve been a victim of a hit-and-run, don’t wait. Call California Attorney Group at (310) 278-6666 today. We know the law, we know the stakes, and we’re ready to fight for your rights. Let’s build your case, secure your compensation, and make sure no one gets away with leaving you behind.
