California Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
Recently, a vehicle struck two pedestrians on Foothill Boulevard in Rialto and kept going. One woman passed away from her injuries at the hospital, while the other is currently in critical condition. Police found what they believe is the subject vehicle at an apartment complex located on Beachwood Street. The car they found had damage to the front of the car. Police are still processing this case, and looking for the suspect that was driving the car at the time of the accident. We hope that the drive of the vehicle is located, so that he or she can be charged criminally for the hit and run, but also held responsible for the wrongful death and other personal injuries that were caused.
Penalties of Hit-and-Run Accidents
A hit-and-run accident can turn an everyday accident into a criminal investigation. Whenever you are involved in a car crash, you have a legal responsibility to stop at the scene.
A hit-and-run occurs when a car strikes another car on the roadway, a parked car, a pedestrian, a bicyclist, or even property. When it comes to fault, even drivers that aren’t at fault for the accident can be charged with a hit-and-run because they left the scene. Fleeing passengers can also be held accountable by the justice system on hit-and-run charges.
The penalties in California can be rather steep for a hit-and-run. A driver convicted of a misdemeanor hit-and-run can face up to six months in jail and a fine of 1,000 dollars or less. A driver convicted of a felony hit-and-run can face up to four years in prison as well as a fine of 10,000 dollars.
What About the Victims?
So you have been the victim of a hit and run accident, now what? Many of our clients do not realize that they have uninsured motorist coverage within their own car insurance policy that can help provide much-needed financial compensation in a situation like this.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a hit-and-run accident? At Walch Law, we are here to help you. Our personal injury lawyers can assist you in determining what your legal recourse is, and the best way to handle your case. Please contact us today for an obligation-free case evaluation to discuss the events surrounding your hit-and-run accident.