The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person or damage to any property shall immediately stop his or her vehicle at the nearest location that will not impede traffic or otherwise jeopardize the safety of other motorists and shall exchange (personal and insurance) information with the party involved in the collision. CVC 20001, CVC 20002.

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Hit and run offenses are usually filed as misdemeanors unless the accident resulted in injury or there was considerable property damage. The maximum exposure for a misdemeanor hit and run is one year in jail. Most misdemeanor hit and run cases may be resolved pursuant to a civil compromise. If the injured party is reimbursed for his/her expenses, and accords to no longer hold the other party criminally liable, the case will be dismissed. Felony hit and run matters however carry a sentencing range of 16 months, two years, or three years.

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The Department of Motor Vehicles may also suspend your driver’s license if you were involved in an accident that resulted in injury to another party.