Hit and Run in California

Question

My friend recently recieved a letter saying that he was in a hit and run; him causing the damage. He is uninsured, but the car is insured by his parents. The police are asking for him to file a police report of what he recollects during that day. Will there be a penalty for him, and if so, what is the most severe consequence he will face? Thanks.

Answer 1

Your friend huh? LOL

California Vehicle Code 20001 VC makes the crime of hit and run a "felony" if the other party was injured or killed. If the accident caused mere property damage, but no injuries, then the charge can only be a misdemeanor under Vehicle Code 20002.

Under the California Penal Code misdemeanors are crimes that are considered less serious than felonies but can bring jail time of up to one year and fines totaling $2000.

Answer 2

If your friend had permission to drive his parents vehicle and he has a valid drivers license, there is insurance coverage. As you stated  "the car is insured by his parents". Your friend needs to comply with what the police are asking. If in fact he did hit another vehicle or person and did not stop, then yes, there will be a penalty for him. I do not know what kind of penalty will be in store for him. There may be none. It depends on the severity of any damage and what the police decide to do.

Answer 3

The car was insured by his parents but the fact that it was the son who was driving the car, depending on his age the insurance might not cover it.

Depending on the damage and what charges are brought onto him and his background history will determine what will happen. Sorry I can't help much.

Answer 4

If the car is insured by his parents, he has coverage unless he has  been excluded from the policy.

The worst thing that can happen is that his parents get cancelled for not adding him to the policy.  The grounds for the cancellation will be because they signed the application affirming that there are no underage drivers in the household.  Misrepresentation is always grounds for cancellation.

If he is not "in the household", that is, if he lives somewhere else, then they probably won't get cancelled.  Their rates may not even go up.  

The police want a report!  Ha.  What you mean is they want a confession!  Leaving the scene of an accident is big time bad news.

If they can prove he was driving and left the scene, your buddy made a big mistake and will be put through the wringer.