Chris Brown Charged with Hit and Run in Los Angeles

Singer Chris Brown was charged by the Los Angeles City Attorney with misdemeanor criminal hit-and-run. According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the 24-year-old singer was also charged with driving without a valid license in connection with car accident in May where he rear-ended a Mercedes.

Officials say Brown refused to give his driver’s license to the other driver and gave fake insurance information before leaving the scene. He is scheduled to be arraigned July 15 in a Van Nuys court. If convicted, Brown could face six months in jail for each offense. It is not clear if this case would violate Brown’s probation stemming from a domestic abuse conviction involving ex-girlfriend and singer, Rihanna.

 Crash Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2010 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 147 fatalities and 19,009 injuries reported as a result of hit-and-run collisions statewide.  In Los Angeles County, traffic accidents claimed 530 lives and caused 50,513 injuries in 2010. Los Angeles was named hit and run capital recently

 Hit-and-Run Laws in California

Based on this news report, officials say Chris Brown not only refused to give his driver’s license to the other driver involved in the collision, but also gave fake insurance information before leaving the scene. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: “The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.”

In addition, the law also requires drivers to share pertinent information with other parties such as address, driver’s license, vehicle registration and insurance information. Motorists involved in collisions are also required to stop immediately and wait for authorities to arrive.

 Compensation for Victims

Injured victims of LA hit-and-run collisions would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their car insurance policy might apply to an incident where the at-fault driver is not apprehended or in a case where the driver is uninsured or underinsured. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.