Stockton Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys

with over $750 Million Recovered in Compensation for Injury Clients.

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Our Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys Provide Defending the Injured in Hit-and-Run Accident Cases

Beautiful Stockton, California, is a wonderful place to live. It is the largest city in San Joaquin County, boasting a population of 309,000 people. Between commuting to work and taking trips for pleasure, there are many cars, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians sharing the road each day. As more people are on the streets, the risk of being involved in an accident increases. You may even find yourself involved in a hit-and-run accident.

If you were hit or run over by a driver who fled the scene, experienced Stockton hit-and-run accident attorneys can help you seek compensation for your injuries. At Arash Law, we have a team of personal injury lawyers who can handle hit-and-run cases from filing to resolution. Our team is ready to help and assist you through the process. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.

What Is A Hit-And-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident happens when one driver causes an accident and flees the scene. If it is found that the driver who left the scene caused the accident, they may face civil liability and criminal penalties.

Under California Vehicle Code Section 20002, to be convicted of leaving the scene of an accident, the state must show that the defendant:

Was in an accident while driving.
Damaged another person’s property.
Knew that they had been involved in an accident.
Willfully failed to comply with any provision of California Vehicle Code Section 20002.

Hit and Run Accident

$1,075,000.00

Belanger v. City of Simi Valley (settled on 4/13/2021) – settlement in a case involving a client who was hit by a vehicle while working as a crossing guard resulting in orthopedic injuries as well as a traumatic brain injury.

– Tina Eshghieh

Statistics For California Hit-And-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents are destructive. Over the past several years in California, there has been a large increase in the number of hit-and-run accidents. Here are some facts about California hit-and-run accidents:

Pedestrians and bicyclists are the groups at the greatest risk of dying in a hit-and-run accident.
There are more than 745,000 hit-and-run accidents across California every year.
There are nearly 400,000 injuries caused by hit-and-run accidents across the state.
More than 2,000 people are killed every year in hit-and-run accidents in California.

Types Of Hit-And-Run Accident Cases

Anytime you are on the road, there is a risk of a traffic accident. There are many different types of accidents, and each can end in severe injury or death. Consulting with a hit-and-run accident attorney in Stockton can help accident victims understand their legal options. Here are some common types of hit-and-run accidents:

Rideshare Hit-And-Run Accidents

If you are the passenger involved in a rideshare hit-and-run accident, identifying the person responsible for your injuries can be challenging. There may be multiple responsible parties, and locating the hit-and-run driver can present additional difficulties for a rideshare passenger.

Bicycle Hit-And-Run Accidents

Every driver must remember that they share the road with bicyclists. Most roads have a bicycle lane. Many bicycle accidents happen when drivers travel too closely to the bicycle lane, and the driver sideswipes the bicyclist. Because the accident happens so quickly, the chances of a driver leaving the scene of an accident can increase.

Motorcycle Hit-And-Run Accidents

Motorcyclists often face a high risk of serious injuries when they get into a traffic accident. Since there is no protection like other vehicles, motorcyclists may face road rash, broken bones, and injuries that require long-term treatment. If the responsible driver does not remain at the scene, the motorcyclist may be left to address the consequences and costs resulting from the accident.

Pedestrian Hit-And-Run Accidents

Increasingly, more people are opting to travel on foot. Drivers must learn to share the road with pedestrians. If a vehicle collides with a pedestrian, the results can be severe. Pedestrians can also encounter challenges when hit-and-run drivers are involved. Those injured in these incidents may be able to pursue compensation for their injuries.

Commercial Truck Hit-And-Run Accidents

Finding the responsible party can be challenging if you are involved in an accident with a commercial truck. The challenge of finding the responsible party may be more difficult if the commercial truck driver speeds away from the scene of the accident. If you get into a hit-and-run accident with a commercial truck, consulting an accident attorney can help you explore your legal options.

Hit-And-Run Accidents That Cause Catastrophic Injuries

A catastrophic injury is extreme harm to an accident victim. Injuries classified as catastrophic are those that have a serious impact on the victim’s well-being and affect different parts of the body. Many catastrophic injuries include head injuries, trauma to the spine or spinal cord, or other areas of the body that receive significant impact during a traffic crash. Catastrophic injuries are usually expensive to treat. In hit-and-run accident cases, the responsible party may be held liable for the harm suffered by the victim.

Hit-And-Run Accidents Causing Wrongful Death

Wrongful death accidents are serious traffic incidents that can result in significant emotional and financial burdens for families, especially if the deceased was a primary provider. A hit-and-run accident can be even more complex when it results in a wrongful death because it may require identifying and pursuing claims against a driver who fled the scene and seeking alternative sources of compensation.

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My husband had an accident 2 years ago, a 85 years old man hit him, the Arash law group works very well on my husband case that took 9 month and he won the case and my husband was happy with the results. A year later I got into an accident as well and I’m still waiting in my case is almost resolving and it’s 9 months already. This people knows the law and they do their job right to help you out in getting the most for you to fight on your behalf. I strongly recommend the Arash Law firm they do things right in a efficient and professional manner.

Had a great experience with all the people at Arash law. Long story short was in a bad car accident. It was overwhelming and the whole process was a lot, but they kept me in the loop. They answered all my questions and gave me great advice. Couldn't be any happier. Would definitely recommend anyone looking for a personal injury lawyer. They'll guide you through the whole process!

Having Arash Law handle my auto accident was the best decision I could have made. Everyone I interacted with was kind, professional and detail oriented. I am extremely happy with the outcome and would recommend them highly.

From start to finish, Arash Law firm is there every step of the way with close, constant, personal contact and attention. I never knew a Law firm could actually care so much for me as a person and what I was personally going through as well as the settlement I was going to recieve once my case was finally completed. Thank you to everyone at Arash Law for your ongoing support and communication. You are the ONLY firm I will ever recommend to someone who is need of a great attorny.

I had an excellent experience with Arash Law. I will definitely recommend to my family and friends. I interviewed a few firms before deciding to work with Arash Law. What made my experience excellent was (i.e. head attorney being accessible to talk to and he answered all my questions and concerns, sensitive and thorough personel who completed in home intake & follow up process, being connected immediately to quality Physicians who addressed my injuries and recovery process, clear contract-read throughly to ensure its something you can commit to). Being in a car accident is a traumatic experience and I had a sense of peace knowing Arash Firm was walking with me throughout the whole process. Thank you Arash Firm for all your hard work and help. I am so grateful and appreciative for you all! 🙏 With Gratitude, Monica Parra

Stockton Drivers’ Duty Of Care

Everyone must exercise reasonable care when driving. Driving reasonably means that the driver operates their vehicle in a way that does not put another driver, bicyclist, motorcyclist, or pedestrian in danger. If a driver fails to drive their vehicle safely, they may be held liable for negligence. People found liable for acting negligently are responsible for covering the injured party’s damages, including hospital bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.

If a driver does any of the following, they may be held liable for breaching their duty to exercise reasonable care:

Speeding.
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or being otherwise impaired.
Distracted driving (such as by texting, changing music, or driving while fatigued).
Disobeying traffic laws (such as by making illegal turns).
Any other reckless activity.

Laws Regarding Hit-And-Run Accidents

Each state has its own traffic laws. In California, a person who leaves the scene of an accident may face civil and criminal liability. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20002, if a driver is involved in an accident, they must complete the following steps:

Stop the car immediately and pull over to a safe location that does not impede traffic.
Locate the other driver.
Speak to the other driver and get their name and address. If the driver does not own the vehicle, get the name and address of the vehicle’s owner, too.
Give the other driver your information, including your license number and vehicle registration.
If you hit a parked car and the driver is not inside, leave a note with your name, address, and a description of what happened.
Each driver is responsible for making a police report within a reasonable amount of time after the accident.

Under Section 20002 of the California Vehicle Code, if the state can establish that the driver fled the scene of the accident, failed to identify themselves to the other driver or parties involved, and damaged another party’s property, they will be found guilty of a criminal offense. A driver convicted of leaving the scene of the accident will face punishment.

Every California driver is required to comply with Vehicle Code Section 20002. If the driver fails to comply with the statute, they face a misdemeanor charge that is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. A driver convicted of leaving the scene of an accident may also face three years of probation, two points on their license, and be held responsible for paying restitution for the damages they caused.

Offenses Related To Hit-And-Run Accidents And Traffic Laws

There are some offenses related to the crime of leaving the scene of an accident, some of which may not be commonly recognized as crimes but are punishable under state law. Under California law, drivers are also prohibited from committing the following criminal acts.

Felony Hit-And-Run

Felony hit-and-run charges are brought against the driver if the accident caused death or injury. Under California Penal Code Section 20001, a driver who leaves the scene of an accident and does not provide identifying information to the other person involved in an accident may be guilty of felony hit-and-run if someone other than the driver was killed or injured. Before a defendant is found guilty of felony hit-and-run, the state must show that they were driving at the time of the accident, that the accident caused injury or death to someone other than the driver, and that the driver knew the accident caused serious injury or death but failed to stop to assist the victim.

Penal Code Section 20001 can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. The punishments for violating this section of the penal code are as follows:

Misdemeanor — If a driver is convicted of a misdemeanor under California Penal Code Section 20001, the driver may face a fine of $1,000 up to $10,000, up to one year in county jail, or both.
Felony — If a driver is convicted of a felony under California Penal Code Section 20001, the driver may face a fine between $1,000-$10,000, between 16 months and three years in state prison, or both. If the accident caused the death of someone other than the driver, the driver might be sentenced to two to four years in state prison.

Driving Without A License

Under California Vehicle Code Section 12500, a driver may be found guilty of driving under the influence if they did not renew their license or if the driver moved to California and failed to get a California license. To convict a driver of this offense, the state must establish that the defendant drove on a California highway without a valid California license and that the defendant is not excused from obtaining a state license.

Vehicle Code Section 12500 can be charged as a misdemeanor. If convicted, the driver may face up to six months in county jail, a fine of $1,000, or both.

Exhibition Of Speed

Under California Vehicle Code Section 23109, a driver may be found guilty of an exhibition of speed if the driver races in traffic. To establish that a driver is guilty of an exhibition of speed, the state must demonstrate that the driver was operating their vehicle willfully at a dangerous and unsafe speed to show off.

Driving Under The Influence

Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152, a driver can be convicted of the criminal offense of driving under the influence. A driver can be charged with this offense if there is evidence that the driver’s mental or physical state was altered by the use of drugs or alcohol. To establish that a person is guilty of driving under the influence, the state must show that a person drove while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The punishment for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol depends on the number of times that the driver has been convicted of the crime. For first, second, or third convictions of driving under the influence, the person will face jail time in county jail for up to one year, three to five years of probation, a $390 fine, court costs, DUI school, and suspension of their driver’s license for six months. The driver may also face issues getting car insurance in the future.

Driving Under The Influence With Injury

Under California Vehicle Code Section 23153, an individual who drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol and causes an accident resulting in injury to someone other than themselves can be charged with driving under the influence with injury. The state must establish that the driver was under the influence at the time of the accident and that the driver’s actions led to the injury.

Driving under the influence with injury can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. First and second convictions for driving under the influence with injury can each be charged as a misdemeanor. A third conviction for driving under the influence with injury is an automatic felony under California law.

What Causes Hit-And-Run Accidents In California?

Sometimes, hit-and-run accidents happen because the driver who caused the accident was unaware that the accident occurred. For example, a driver may not know that they dinged another car as they backed into a parking spot. However, many hit-and-run accidents happen because the driver who fled the scene did so intentionally to avoid speaking to the police and facing responsibility for the accident. The following are some of the reasons that drivers leave the scene of the accident:

The driver is operating a company vehicle and wants to avoid consequences from their employer.
The driver simply panics and speeds away from the scene.
The driver is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or both and wants to avoid jail time.
The driver does not have a valid California license.
The driver does not have car insurance.
The vehicle is stolen.
The driver is transporting drugs, guns, other weapons, or evidence of a crime.
The driver does not care that they caused an accident.

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Franchot M.

$610,000

Personal Injury Settlement

Our client was the victim of a rear-end accident who was left injured and severely in pain. Arash Law was able to outshine other injury law firms when he searched online, and thankfully we were able to handle everything for our client from A to Z — All that he had to do was ask and focus on his recovery. Our client’s life has changed forever, and the compensation received for the pain and suffering has opened paths for new lifelong opportunities.

Personal Injury Settlement

What Happens During A Hit-and-Run Investigation? How Are They Settled?

The investigation phase of settling a hit-and-run accident usually involves several separate investigations. The first is the investigation by each insurance company. Depending on your insurance policy, you may be required to report that you were in an accident, even if it is not your fault. Your insurance company will investigate.

Once the other driver is found, if they have insurance, their insurance company will also complete an investigation. Your Stockton hit-and-run accident attorney may also want to investigate the cause of the accident themselves as a part of their representation.

A typical accident investigation may include the following:

With the aid of your attorney, you gather evidence that includes pictures, witness statements, the police report, traffic cameras, the insurance company’s investigation, and your account of the accident.
You may work with expert witnesses who can help demonstrate your damages and injuries and connect the accident as the cause of your losses.
Your personal injury lawyer and their team will review your medical records and summarize your physician’s notes. They will also review your medical bills and itemize your losses and add the total to your overall damages.

Hit-and-run accident victims may seek the assistance of an experienced Stockton hit-and-run accident attorney to conduct a thorough and proper investigation after an accident.

Do The Police Ever Find Hit-And-Run Drivers?

Finding a hit-and-run driver is difficult, and even the police may face challenges as they search for the responsible party. Although it may be difficult to locate the person responsible for your injuries, investigations into the incident can still proceed. The police can use the following strategies to find hit-and-run drivers:

The police can use evidence of property damage that they can gather from your vehicle to get a lead on who the hit-and-run driver is. For example, if the hit-and-run driver left paint on your car after they hit you, the police can use that information to create a profile of the suspect.
The police can utilize video footage and photographs during their investigation. With cameras present in many public areas and on personal devices, there is a greater likelihood that an accident or fleeing vehicle has been recorded. Police may review footage from traffic cameras, local businesses, and bystanders’ cell phones to gather evidence related to a hit-and-run. When interviewing witnesses, officers may also inquire if anyone captured relevant images or video on their devices.
As a part of the investigation, the police will search for witnesses. The police will interview the witnesses and try to get any relevant information they may recall. The police will speak to anyone who may have seen the driver or his car. Potential witnesses can include pedestrians, people eating at area restaurants, patrons in shops, or other drivers.

If you’ve been injured by a driver who fled the scene, experienced Stockton hit-and-run accident attorneys can work to help determine all potential avenues for compensation. Our team of attorneys is ready to guide you through the process.

Motor Vehicle Accident

$3,500,000.00

Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.

– JUDD ROSS ALLEN

What Damages Are Available In A Hit-And-Run Accident?

There are various kinds of damages that you may be able to pursue after getting hurt in a hit-and-run accident. Damages are a measure of your total losses resulting from an accident, whether they are tangible or intangible. There are three major categories that these damages fall into: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. Each category is explained below.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are financial losses that the accident victim suffered because of the accident. These damages are tangible and may be quantified through evidence. What follows are some examples of economic damages:

Medical Bills — Medical bills represent the largest amount of economic damage that hit-and-run accident victims may be able to include as part of their claims. You may also be able to seek compensation for current and future medical treatment. Because the full extent of injuries may not be immediately apparent, settling with an insurance company before reaching maximum medical improvement can affect the outcome of your claim.
Lost Income — If you are unable to work because of injuries you sustained in the accident, you may be able to file a claim for lost wages. This can include current and future lost income related to the accident. Additionally, you may also be able to seek compensation for lost earning capacity or a diminished ability to make money.
Property Damage — This refers to any damage to your property that was caused by the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are the unseen losses that an accident victim may suffer. This accounts for intangible, actual harm, but they lack a set cost like medical bills do. Demonstrating these unseen losses may be challenging without legal representation. Our attorneys can bring in expert witnesses to support your claim and help you build a case that takes into account your non-economic losses.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be awarded in rare cases when the defendant’s behavior goes beyond the bounds of human decency. This type of award is meant to be a punishment for the wrongdoer’s gross negligence and malicious misconduct and a deterrent for those who would behave similarly. Whether you will receive an award for punitive damages solely depends on the facts of your case and the court’s discretion.

How Can Our Stockton Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys Help You?

The aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming. A Stockton hit-and-run accident attorney can guide you through each step of the legal process and help you seek a favorable resolution to your case.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you pursue compensation after a hit-and-run accident by:

Negotiating With the Insurance Company on Your Behalf — Insurance companies may review your circumstances closely and identify issues that could affect the value or outcome of your claim. To do so, they may take a closer look at your circumstances and flag any issues that may undervalue or deny your claim. Our Stockton personal injury lawyer will handle the communications and negotiations with the insurers and help you address the challenges that may arise during the process.
Representing You in Court — Generally, hit-and-run accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations with the insurance company. If an agreement is not reached, the case may proceed to trial. Our lawyers are familiar with the court system in Stockton and prepare cases for presentation to the jury when necessary.
Reviewing Settlement Offers — Deciding whether to accept a settlement offer or wait for a potentially better one can be challenging. Our hit-and-run accident attorney in Stockton can review offers on your behalf and explain the implications of accepting an offer.

Consult With Our Stockton Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers At Arash Law

After a hit-and-run accident, seeking compensation while getting treated for your injuries can be challenging. The Stockton hit-and-run accident attorneys at Arash Law are ready to help. We can advocate for your rights and handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on healing.

At Arash Law, our car accident lawyers have decades of experience helping people across California pursue compensation after a car accident. We provide legal representation to accident victims in Stockton and surrounding cities, including Ceres, Antioch, Oakdale, Modesto, Riverbank, Oakley, Brentwood, Galt, Ripon, Tracy, Lodi, Manteca, Lathrop, Garden Acres, and County Club.