In most states, including California, drivers are required to stop whenever there is an accident, even if:
1. There was no damage
2. There was no injury
3. The driver leaving the scene was not at fault
Leaving the scene of an accident, also known as a hit-and-run, can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony in California. Generally, when a hit-and-run results in property damage, it is charged as a misdemeanor. When a hit-and-run involves injury or death, it is charged as a felony.
Drivers need to also be aware that if you have been involved in an accident and the other driver or other party asks you for your driver’s license and vehicle registration information, you must provide those items to them. If the damaged property is a parked car or another type of property, but no one is around to exchange information with, then the driver must leave a note explaining how the vehicle or property became damaged.