Hit-and-run accidents occur when the at-fault driver flees the scene of an accident following a collision. Hit-and-run penalties can include jail time and significant fines if the fleeing drivers are caught. These drivers are also liable for any injuries and other damages they caused. Accident victims can discover how to file Orange County hit-and-run injury claims to get compensated for their damages.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Hit-and-run accidents occur when drivers hit other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects and then flee the scene of the collision without stopping to identify themselves and provide assistance to any injured parties.
Drivers are required to stop after they are involved in any accident to provide contact information and render aid to anyone injured in the crash. Drivers must provide information not just to the others involved in the crash but to the local police department or California Highway Patrol officer who responds to the incident. A failure to take these steps can leave drivers who flee facing hit-and-run charges.
What You Can Do After a Hit-and-Run
The steps you should take immediately after a hit-and-run accident can ultimately impact your efforts to receive compensation for your injuries, even if the driver who fled the scene is never found. Follow the steps below to safeguard the potential for recovery of damages:
- Call the police. Call 911 to report the accident if you or another party was injured. Filing a police report increases the chances that the liable driver might be caught and held responsible for their actions. It’s also vital evidence in the event that you have to file a claim against your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) insurance. When the officer arrives to investigate, provide as many details as possible.
- Document the scene. If you’re able to do so, you should try to document the scene of the crash by taking photos of your vehicle, any debris on the road, the surrounding area, and nearby road signs. You can also write out the details of the events as you remember them and exchange contact information with witnesses. Witnesses to the accident can provide testimony that helps you build a strong case against the at-fault driver.
- Seek medical attention. You should undergo a full medical exam as soon as possible after the accident occurs. Once you’ve been given permission to leave by the police, head to a local hospital like UCI Medical Center or Orange County Global Medical Center right away, even if you do not think you’ve sustained any injuries.Some serious injuries don’t show immediate symptoms, and it must be proven that they occurred during the car accident in question and not a previous or subsequent incident.
- Notify your insurance. Get in touch with your own insurance company to submit a claim if you have UM coverage. The company could help you recover medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other damages.
- Contact a lawyer. Contact an attorney who understands Orange County hit-and-run laws to assist you with building a case. Because California has a two-year statute of limitations on car accident claims, it may not make sense to file a claim against the driver. Your attorney may recommend filing a claim through your UM insurance instead.
In 2023, 15% of all police-reported crashes involved hit-and-run drivers. A recent study by AAA indicates that 10.5% of the 28,489 fatal accidents that occurred in California from 2017 to 2023 involved a driver who fled the scene. Accident victims can take control of the situation by contacting a car accident attorney who can provide guidance on how to get compensated for injuries when a driver does not stay to provide their contact and insurance information.
Why Choose Us?
No matter how you choose to proceed with your hit-and-run case, you can trust the team at Easton & Easton to handle it with care. We are known as strategic settlement architects capable of protecting our clients’ rights and assisting with claim filings. We’re frequently referred by doctors and other attorneys and routinely handle complex cases with large settlements. Our hit-and-run lawyers are the top choice in Orange County.
FAQs
Q: Is It Worth Filing a Claim for a Hit-and-Run?
A: Yes, it is worth filing a claim for a hit-and-run in California, particularly if the liable driver who fled the scene has been identified. If the person responsible for your injuries has not been identified, you may be able to file a claim under your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, if you have it. This claim could cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages up to your policy limit.
Q: What Is the Compensation for a Hit-and-Run?
A: The compensation for a hit-and-run varies depending on factors. Factors that impact a settlement amount include the severity of the injuries, whether the injuries caused the victim to miss work, how severe the damage to the vehicle was, and whether the court awards punitive damages to punish the hit-and-run driver. If the driver was not identified, the amount of compensation could depend on the policy limit for your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
Q: How Many Hit-and-Run Cases Get Solved?
A: Very few hit-and-run cases get solved. Fatal accidents have a much higher resolution rate than minor accidents that caused only property damage or injuries not requiring extensive medical intervention. Incidents that are caught on security cameras or have multiple witnesses may also be more likely to lead to a resolution. Otherwise, a lack of evidence and difficulty in proving who was driving the car can leave police unable to move forward with these cases.
Q: Do the Police Care About Minor Hit-and-Runs?
A: The police care about minor hit-and-runs, in that leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. However, they rarely investigate minor accidents that did not involve fatalities, injuries, or strong leads. The department can still generate a report that you can use to file an insurance claim, even if they do not actively pursue your case.
Hire a Hit and Run Lawyer
If you or your car has been struck by a vehicle and its owner fled the scene, you can hire a hit and run lawyer to explore legal options for getting compensated for your injuries. Your personal injury attorney can help you determine whether it makes sense to wait for the police to apprehend a suspect or if you should file a UM claim. Contact Easton & Easton to schedule a consultation with our law firm.
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