Charged With Hit and Run After Not Noticing I Had Hit Another Car
Hi all, this is my first post and this is related to a hit and run charge. I am very nervous at the moment because I am an extremely law abiding citizen. So one day i received a note from CHP on my front door regarding a collision. I called the officer and he came to inspect my minivan. He mentioned I had gotten in a collision and failed to stop. He took some pictures, wrote down some stuff, told me to wait for a call or letter from DA for a hearing. He said hit and run is a crime.
I was stunned and in complete disbelief. I didn't know such accident exist, but did see the smudge on bumper about the size of one half of a credit card that the officer point out. There is no ding, no dent, no scratch, just a smudge that can be buffed off with some elbow grease. He said the other party had some bumper damage, had me on video tape and followed me for miles. I am confident that in the footage I was probably driving very much normal following the traffic and not trying to flee since i didn't know I was followed.
I contacted my insurance co. and told them about this event. I told them that my car is fine and doesn't require any fixing, but I don't know about the other party. The nice claim administrator told me that they will get to it as soon as they receive the police report.
So now I am in a waiting game. Officer told me to wait, but being a smart alec I googled around and seems like this will be a misdemeanor to my record. I work in educational system and any criminal record is flagged. I am soo afraid and clueless. Can somebody shed me some light whether the DA might prosecute? and normally when will I receive such notice? I feel soo wrongfully accused.
Thank you much for any help,
sc
Re: Ca: Hit and Run - Extremely Minor Damage, Didn't Even Notice So Kept on Driving
Nah uh.
Even the slightest little "bump" can be felt when driving your car. This is actually a hit and run.
Re: Ca: Hit and Run - Extremely Minor Damage, Didn't Even Notice So Kept on Driving
In order to make a successful prosecution, the state would have to show that not only did a collision occur, but that you knew it. A lot might depend on what the other party says.
It has been my experience that prosecution in minor property damage hit-and-run collisions is rare. IF you are charged, you should speak to an attorney ASAP.
If charges are filed in court then the matter will be an easily accessible public record. Even then, I seriously doubt that your employer - school district or not - has someone constantly reviewing court websites for legal actions, and VC 20002 is not a disqualifying offense.
Re: Charged With Hit and Run After Not Noticing I Had Hit Another Car
Quote:
So one day i received a note from CHP on my front door regarding a collision.
Would that be the Chattahoochie Hospitality People?
You were asked your state and while I can presume that means California Highway Patrol, you know what they say about assuming things, right?
Quote:
I am confident that in the footage I was probably driving very much normal following the traffic and not trying to flee since i didn't know I was followed.
Well, for this issue, fleeing simply means leaving.
bottom line:
did you hit somebody or have reason to believe you may have hit somebody?
Re: Charged With Hit and Run After Not Noticing I Had Hit Another Car
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Quoting
jk
You were asked your state and while I can presume that means California Highway Patrol, you know what they say about assuming things, right?
The original title of the thread at least indicated the state: Ca: Hit and Run - Extremely Minor Damage, Didn't Even Notice So Kept on Driving
Depending on the nature of the collision, it could be possible that a driver failed to note the impact. I've seen it before, and it's not entirely unreasonable ... now, if the other vehicle has a caved in bumper, then that theory goes bye-bye.
Re: Charged With Hit and Run After Not Noticing I Had Hit Another Car
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Quoting
cdwjava
The original title of the thread at least indicated the state: Ca: Hit and Run - Extremely Minor Damage, Didn't Even Notice So Kept on Driving
Depending on the nature of the collision, it could be possible that a driver failed to note the impact. I've seen it before, and it's not entirely unreasonable ... now, if the other vehicle has a caved in bumper, then that theory goes bye-bye.
I figure it was since about 90% of all problems seem to be in California so it is usually a good guess that is was California, even without the CHP inclusion.
why is that?
Re: Charged With Hit and Run After Not Noticing I Had Hit Another Car
Quote:
Quoting
jk
I figure it was since about 90% of all problems seem to be in California so it is usually a good guess that is was California, even without the CHP inclusion.
why is that?
We have 12% of the population and a good chunk of the miles traveled. Only TX has more miles of roadways.
Though I suspect we have the most HUA drivers.
Re: Charged With Hit and Run After Not Noticing I Had Hit Another Car
Thank you very much for all your interest in providing insights. I apologize for not being clear, but yes this occured in California, greater Los Angeles area.
I honestly do not know of such accident. I did not bump to any car, but the smudge is on my back side bumper. The not so friendly officer asked me what happened, but I didnt know how to answer him because I don't even know where it happened. He also asked if I changed my lanes, I stuttered and I answered "Yes, time to time I need to change lanes". He also asked if I listen to the radio, and I said I normally listen to a CD. He didn't provide any information about the other vehicle, except damage front bumper. I honestly don't know who is at fault on the collision portion, but I believe my insurance is going to investigate and take care of it, but am I right to assume that my problem is now with the DA for failing to stop? I sincerely hope that the damage is too minor for the other party and the DA decides to dismiss the charge.
Say if they do decide to see me in court, how can I get a plea bargain to ask for a lesser charge and do community service, etc. instead of having misdemeanor in my record? I don't think I have the financial means to go through and proof myself not guilty by hiring an attorney. I think going in alone, as a layman, would be like entering lions den.
please advise,
Re: Charged With Hit and Run After Not Noticing I Had Hit Another Car
If you are charged with a crime and cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one to represent you.
Re: Charged With Hit and Run After Not Noticing I Had Hit Another Car
So the damage is on the read of your vehicle. Is the other driver claiming you cut them off and hit their vehicle in the process? If not, sounds like this is their fault anyway