Hit and Run Penalties in San Diego: What You Need to Know

Posted on: July 7th, 2025 by Dod Law

Hit and Run Penalties in San Diego

Hit and run incidents in San Diego carry severe legal consequences that can devastate your driving record, criminal history, and financial future for years to come. California’s Vehicle Code sections 20001 and 20002 impose harsh penalties for leaving the scene of an accident, whether involving property damage alone or bodily injury, with punishments ranging from hefty fines to potential felony charges and state prison time.  Learn more about the hit and run penalties in San Diego.

The moments immediately following a traffic accident often determine whether you face a simple insurance claim or serious criminal charges that could alter your life permanently. At Dod Law, we have defended clients against hit and run allegations throughout Orange County for over two decades, understanding the complex legal landscape surrounding these charges and the devastating impact they can have on your future.

Understanding California’s Hit and Run Laws

California Vehicle Code Section 20002 addresses hit and run incidents involving only property damage, requiring drivers to immediately stop at the scene and provide contact information to other parties involved. Failure to comply with these requirements constitutes a misdemeanor offense, even when the property damage appears minimal or when you believe the accident was not your fault.

Vehicle Code Section 20001 covers hit and run accidents involving injury or death, imposing much more severe penalties for leaving the scene when someone has been hurt. This statute requires drivers to not only stop and exchange information but also render reasonable assistance to injured parties, including calling for medical help when necessary.

The law applies regardless of who caused the accident, meaning you can face hit and run charges even if the other driver was primarily at fault for the collision. Your legal obligation to remain at the scene exists independently of fault determination, making it crucial to understand these requirements before finding yourself in this situation.

Property Damage Hit and Run Penalties

Misdemeanor hit and run charges under Vehicle Code Section 20002 carry penalties including up to six months in county jail, fines up to $1,000, and possible restitution payments to cover property damage. Courts may also impose probation conditions that restrict your activities and require regular check-ins with probation officers.

Department of Motor Vehicles consequences include two points added to your driving record, which can lead to increased insurance premiums and potential license suspension if you accumulate too many points within a specific timeframe. These points remain on your record for three years from the conviction date.

Insurance companies often view hit and run convictions as indicators of high-risk behavior, resulting in dramatically increased premiums or policy cancellation. Some insurers may refuse to provide coverage entirely, forcing you to seek expensive high-risk insurance options that can cost thousands of dollars annually.

Restitution and Civil Liability

Criminal restitution orders require you to compensate victims for property damage, rental car expenses, and other accident-related costs. These payments are separate from any civil liability you may face in personal injury lawsuits filed by other parties involved in the accident.

Civil lawsuits often follow hit and run convictions, as the criminal case provides evidence of wrongdoing that plaintiffs can use to support their damage claims. The willful nature of leaving the scene may also expose you to punitive damages designed to punish particularly egregious conduct.

Injury Hit and Run Penalties

Felony hit and run charges under Vehicle Code Section 20001 carry severe penalties, including two to four years in state prison, fines up to $10,000, and lengthy probation periods with strict conditions. These felony convictions create permanent criminal records that can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing opportunities.

Enhanced penalties apply when hit and run accidents result in serious bodily injury or death, with potential sentences extending to six years in prison. Courts consider factors such as the severity of injuries, your driving record, and whether alcohol or drugs were involved when determining appropriate sentences.

The “strike” designation under California’s Three Strikes Law applies to hit and run cases involving serious bodily injury, meaning future felony convictions could result in doubled sentences or life imprisonment for third strike offenses.

Professional and Personal Consequences

Professional licenses in fields such as healthcare, education, and finance may be suspended or revoked following felony hit and run convictions. State licensing boards often conduct their own investigations and impose sanctions separate from criminal court proceedings.

Employment opportunities become limited with felony convictions, as many employers conduct background checks and may refuse to hire individuals with serious criminal histories. This impact extends beyond immediate job prospects to affect career advancement and professional relationships.

Protect Your Future with Experienced San Diego Hit and Run Defense

Hit and run charges in San Diego carry serious consequences that can impact every aspect of your life, from your driving privileges to your career prospects and personal relationships. The skilled criminal defense team at Dod Law has successfully defended clients against hit and run allegations throughout San Diego for over two decades. We understand the complex legal requirements surrounding these charges and the devastating impact they can have on your future.

Our comprehensive approach includes a thorough investigation of the accident scene, analysis of physical evidence, and aggressive challenge of witness testimony and police procedures. We work diligently to protect your rights and build the strongest possible defense for your specific situation. 

To schedule a free consultation with a member of our first-class legal team, call us today at our San Diego office (619) 814-5110 | Orange County office 949-681-7020  | Vista office 760-814-6025 | or schedule an appointment by filling out our online contact form