Accident Attorney Discusses California Hit-and-Run Laws
What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident in California?
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury, or property damage is required to immediately stop the vehicle at the scene. If the accident results in death or serious injury and the driver fails to stop the vehicle, he or she will face imprisonment, or a fine of $1,000-$10,000, or both.
The punishment is enhanced severely if alcohol is a factor in the hit-and-run. A driver who flees the scene of the crime and is later found to have been intoxicated at the time the crime was committed may face an additional term of imprisonment of five years in state prison. Such a driver can also be subject to an action for punitive damages.
Unfortunately, pedestrian injuries and deaths occur far too often in San Francisco. Travelers on foot are hurt far more often in the City than elsewhere in the country. Due to the frequency of these pedestrian accidents, it is imperative that pedestrians and drivers abide by the traffic and right-of-way laws in order to ensure their safety.
San Francisco Pedestrian Severely Injured in Hit-and-Run
A 62-year-old man was severely injured in a hit-and-run in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood last Saturday night. According to an article by CBS San Francisco, the hit-and-run occurred at 11:18 p.m. at the intersection of Columbus Avenue and Stockton and Green streets. As our San Francisco car accident attorney knows, California is very stringent in its application of laws regarding the duty of care owed to others on the road, including pedestrians.
The vehicle involved in this particular incident is described by police spokesman Sgt. Mike Andraychak as a late-90’s model Chevrolet SUV with tinted windows. It is likely that the vehicle has front-end damage from the collision. According to reports, the victim was taken to San Francisco General Hospital and remained in critical condition on Monday.
The cause of the accident is unknown, but our San Francisco injury lawyer recognizes that in the great majority of these cases—particularly where a driver flees—his negligence is likely the cause of the accident. Under the circumstances one can surmise that the driver of the vehicle probably exercised poor judgment and failed to drive safely, and may even have been guilty of reckless driving, or driving under the influence.
Negligent drivers create a hazard for others around them. These situations can cause death, serious injuries, and significant property damage. In hit-and-run situations such as the one illustrated in this particular case, the driver, if found, can face serious criminal consequences in addition to a civil lawsuit.
Questions about California Hit-and-Run Laws for Pedestrians?
Even if you act appropriately at all times, there is still a chance you might be hurt because of the improper conduct of another. If you have suffered an injury as a result of a negligent driver while walking, it is vital that you seek the help of an accident attorney quickly.
Click here to request a free consultation or call the law offices of Callaway & Wolf now at 415-541-0300 to speak with an attorney experienced in hit-and-run cases.
Boone Callaway is a personal injury & medical malpractice lawyer in San Francisco who has been working with clients in the Bay Area for over 25 years. Mr. Callaway is one of only a few personal injury litigators in San Francisco who is a Super Lawyer, AV Rated and is also a member of ABOTA – American Board of Trial Advocates.
