What the law actually requires at a scene
- Stop immediately at the scene, or as close to it as safely possible.
- Provide your name, current address, and vehicle registration to the other driver or owner.
- Show your driver's license on request.
- If someone is injured, render reasonable assistance, including arranging transport to medical care when it is apparent it is needed or requested.
- If no one is present — a parked car — leave a note in a conspicuous place with your name and address, and notify police or CHP without unnecessary delay.
A prosecutor does not have to prove you caused the collision. Failing these duties is the offense.
Misdemeanor vs. felony
- VC §20002 — property damage only. Misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in county jail and a fine.
- VC §20001 — injury or death. A wobbler. As a felony it carries state prison exposure that increases substantially where the collision resulted in death or permanent, serious injury.
- Related charges frequently ride along: DUI, driving on a suspended license, reckless driving, or driving without a license.
Bail and release
A misdemeanor hit and run is often citable or carries a modest schedule amount, while a felony injury case in Los Angeles or San Diego County can be set well into five figures — higher where there is a death, a DUI allegation, or prior convictions. The exact number comes from the county schedule; see does California have a uniform bail rate. Estimate the premium with the bail bond calculator.
Common defenses counsel will look at
- You did not know a collision occurred, or did not know property was damaged or a person injured — knowledge is an element.
- The only property damaged was your own.
- You did stop and exchange information, and the dispute is about completeness.
- Identity — the vehicle was identified, the driver was not.