Consequences of a Hit-and-Run Accident in Bakersfield

In Bakersfield, hit-and-run collisions occur often. Also, many hit-and-run accidents result in catastrophic or even fatal injuries. Apart from violating hit-and-run laws, a driver who leaves an accident scene worsens the victim's injuries. 

Hit-and-Run Crash Facts

Accidents involving hit-and-run drivers are not uncommon. Credible statistics show alarming increases in carelessness and disregard for others in recent years. The Foundation for Traffic Safety of AAA states:

• Nearly 15% of all collisions and more than 7% of fatal collisions in 2016 involved hit-and-run incidents.
• Hit-and-run crashes involving pedestrians are much more frequent and are responsible for 25% of fatalities. Bicyclists or pedestrians make up more than two-thirds of hit-and-run fatality victims.
• In 2016, more than 1800 people lost their lives in hit-and-run accidents, a 60 percent increase from 2010.

Sentencing and Punishment for a Hit-and-Run Accident

A hit-and-run offense could be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the case circumstances. California law defines hit-and-run as leaving an accident scene that causes harm to someone else, whether the victim is a driver, car passenger, or pedestrian. 

Under California law, the consequences for hit-and-run crimes are harsh. The average fine ranges from $5,000 to $20,000. A hit-and-run offense attracts a possible sentencing of imprisonment.

If found guilty of a felony hit-and-run,  a prison sentence is at most 15 years, depending on the accident's circumstances and the injuries it caused. If found guilty of a hit-and-run misdemeanor, the possible penalty is a fine of at most $5,000 or a one-year jail term, despite the name "misdemeanor" may sound rather trivial to some people.

Civil Punishment and Sentencing for Hit and Run

Another party involved in the collision could sue you for their damages with the help of car accident lawyers in Bakersfield if you were the one who caused it. A claim for financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage might be made in such a lawsuit.

If you are found to be responsible for the car accident, this kind of litigation is likely to occur even if you did not leave the accident scene. But the damages that a court requires you to pay will almost certainly increase if you are also responsible for a hit-and-run accident in addition to having caused the accident. 

In a civil action, a hit-and-run driver could be subject to punitive penalties, often known as “treble damages.”. For instance, a statute providing for hit-and-run civil penalties may permit the court to automatically increase a jury's $10,000 verdict up to $30,000. This is because hit-and-run offenses involve careless actions without regard for human life.

Car insurance cannot cover punitive and treble damages. That means you pay these damages out of pocket.

Criminal Sentencing for Hit and Run Accident

You could face criminal charges if you leave the accident scene without giving the other driver your information. Depending on how serious the accident was, you can face misdemeanor or felony charges.

If found guilty, you risk fines and jail time. In some states, leaving the scene of an accident that results in death or serious injury is a crime. If found guilty, you could spend up to five years in jail and pay a fine of $5000.

If you leave the scene of an accident, you may be subject to civil and criminal fines. The hit-and-run accident victim may file a lawsuit against you for damages. The victim's family might sue you for wrongful death if you killed the person. 

The repercussions of leaving the scene of an accident can be severe, even if you are not sued or charged with a crime. Your insurance premiums will probably increase, and getting insurance can prove challenging.

Administrative Penalties for Leaving the Scene of a Car Accident

California law could impose administrative penalties linked to your driver's license and criminal sanctions for hit-and-runs. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) orders these sanctions.

The automatic suspension or revocation of your driver's license follows any conviction for hit and run, regardless of whether it was for a felony or misdemeanor crime. The revocation may last up to three years in California. The punishment for hit and run may include a lifetime license revocation, depending on your state of residence, the specifics of the car accident you were engaged in, and other factors.

These administrative sanctions are in addition to any possible criminal consequences for hit-and-run.

Leaving the accident scene could have major legal and criminal repercussions. You may be penalized and jailed if you cause a hit-and-run accident. The accident's victim may also file a lawsuit against you for damages. So, get legal counsel if you've been in a hit-and-run accident or know someone who has. You can safeguard your rights and better comprehend the charges and punishments you are up against with the assistance of an experienced lawyer.