Los Angeles hit and run attorney

In Los Angeles, a Los Angeles hit and run attorney steps in from day one to protect the rights of drivers accused of leaving the scene and of victims seeking justice.

• At Lluis Law, our litigators bring over 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense and civil claims for these types of accidents.
• Having an experienced hit and run accident lawyer can be the difference between a ticket and serious criminal charges.
• That’s why, before speaking with the police or an insurance company, it’s crucial to seek professional legal advice.
• Leaving the scene can carry criminal, financial, and even immigration consequences.

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Below you’ll find the penalties set by law, the most common types of hit and run, and potential defenses to avoid an unfair outcome.

A Los Angeles hit and run attorney can represent you from the very first day of your case

Driving away from a crash without providing aid or identifying yourself is a crime under the California Vehicle Code (sections 20001–20002).

The California DMV SR-1 form must be filed within 10 days when there are injuries or property damage over $1,000.

Our criminal lawyers in Los Angeles move quickly from day one, reviewing evidence, statements, and circumstances that can reduce charges or even achieve a full dismissal.

Common hit and run scenarios in Los Angeles

Los Angeles hit and run attorney teams regularly handle a wide variety of situations.

Not every case involves serious injuries, some are only property damage, but the law still penalizes leaving the scene without reporting the accident.

Some of the most common situations we handle include:

• Hitting a parked vehicle and leaving without providing your information.
• Striking a pole or traffic sign and damaging public property.
• Colliding with a moving car and fleeing without rendering aid.
• Hitting a pedestrian or cyclist and leaving the scene.
• Causing a multi-car collision and continuing to drive.

Each of these behaviors can lead to different penalties depending on the severity of the damage and the driver’s level of negligence or intent.

For context, see related vehicular crimes that range from reckless driving to DUI and how each can impact a hit and run charge.

These obligations appear in the California Vehicle Code §20000–20010, which requires you to stop, identify yourself, and render aid.

How hit and run is charged: misdemeanor vs. felony

In California, hit and run can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.

• The difference usually depends on the outcome: only property damage, or injuries/fatalities.
• When there are injuries or death, charges can escalate to felony hit and run or even vehicular manslaughter with much harsher penalties.
• Defense strategy often focuses on showing there was no intent to flee or that the accused did not know a collision occurred.

Our attorneys examine the evidence to determine whether the accusation truly fits a hit and run or an accident without intentional flight.

Traffic cameras, witnesses, or independent experts often reveal inconsistencies that allow us to reduce the charges or even dismiss the case.

Penalties for hit and run in California

Penalties depend on the type of harm and the driver’s conduct.

When there’s only property damage, the law treats it as a misdemeanor hit and run. If there are injuries or fatalities, it becomes a felony hit and run.

A seasoned Los Angeles hit and run attorney may reduce charges by showing the accident wasn’t intentional or the accused didn’t realize a collision occurred. That difference can change the entire outcome.

Possible penalties include:

• Misdemeanor: Up to 6 months in county jail and fines up to $1,000 (Veh. Code §20002).
• With minor injuries: Up to 1 year in county jail.
• Felony: 2–4 years in state prison and fines up to $10,000 (Veh. Code §20001).
• Driver’s license suspension.
• 2–3 DMV points, depending on severity.

Prosecutors often enhance cases involving alcohol, drugs, or reckless driving. Effective defense anticipates this, scrutinizes the police report, and challenges any claimed “intent to flee.”

Our DUI lawyers in Los Angeles can also step in if your case involves both DUI and hit and run charges.

What to do after a hit and run in Los Angeles

If you’re involved in or witness a hit and run, do not leave the scene. Doing so can turn a simple mistake into a serious criminal case.

The law requires you to stop, render aid, and report the incident. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and local agencies explain how and when to file reports.

Basic steps to follow:

• Call 911 and report the crash.
• Provide immediate aid to any injured person.
• Exchange personal, contact, and insurance information.
• Notify your insurer as soon as possible.
• Wait for authorities and cooperate—without admitting fault. Remember you have the right to remain silent and speak with an attorney before answering questions.
• If there are injuries, fatalities, or more than $1,000 in damage, file the SR-1 with the DMV within 10 days.

Then, contact a Los Angeles hit and run attorney as soon as possible. Early intervention helps prevent mistaken statements and secures critical evidence like video, witnesses, or traffic records.

Our litigators also counsel clients who are under investigation or arrested, ensuring their rights are protected under the California Penal Code.

Note: If there was police resistance or excessive force, review our guide on resisting arrest in California.

Victims’ rights and civil claims

In hit and run cases, victims can also pursue compensation for property damage, injuries, and economic losses.

• Our attorneys experienced in hit and run accidents can file civil lawsuits in parallel with the criminal case.
• These claims may be brought against the at-fault driver or, in some cases, against manufacturers and insurers.
• If the at-fault driver is uninsured, see Driving without insurance accident to understand recovery options.
• The California Department of Insurance explains how “uninsured motorist” coverage may help in hit and run cases.
• When the crash is caused by a defective vehicle, claims can expand to third-party liability.

In those cases, we collaborate with our defective product liability lawyers.

Criminal and immigration consequences of hit and run

For immigrants, a hit and run charge can have serious consequences beyond criminal penalties.

Some cases are considered crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMT), which can lead to inadmissibility or deportation.

Main risks:

• Where there are injuries or death (CVC §20001), the offense may be treated as a CIMT.
• Where there is only property damage (CVC §20002), it generally is not.
• A conviction can affect your lawful status or future naturalization.
• If there’s a DUI or other aggravators, immigration exposure increases.

Our attorneys combine criminal and immigration defense to protect your status. We assess your situation using our guide on deportable offenses and pursue the best strategy to avoid immigration consequences.

Clearing your record and rebuilding opportunities

A hit and run conviction can linger for years, impacting jobs, housing, or immigration processes.

• California law provides options to clean or mitigate the impact of a criminal record.
• A Los Angeles hit and run attorney can seek an expungement when sentencing terms have been completed and there’s no disqualifying recidivism.
• While records don’t disappear entirely, expungement removes the conviction from most public background checks, improving employment and immigration eligibility.

At Lluis Law we review your case to confirm eligibility under our guide on how to clean a criminal record.

Conclusion: get immediate counsel from Lluis Law

Whether you’re facing charges or you were a victim, having a Los Angeles hit and run attorney can make all the difference.

• Early, well-planned defense is key to protecting your freedom, your record, and your future opportunities.
• At Lluis Law, our attorneys bring more than 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense and auto-accident litigation.
• We offer comprehensive representation that aligns criminal and immigration strategy, tailored to your case.

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Call us today for a confidential consultation. Let our team guide you and design the best legal strategy to resolve your situation effectively and professionally.