Long Beach Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers

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Table of Contents

How Does the Law Define a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Common Scenarios for Hit-and-Run Accidents
Why Do Hit-And-Run Accidents Happen in Long Beach?
I Am Not Sure If I Was in a Hit-and-Run Accident
How Can a Long Beach Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Help?
What Should I Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident If I Didn't Cause the Accident?
Potential Damages Available in a Hit-and-Run Accident

AWARD-WINNING HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT LAWYERS Protecting the Injured The L.B.C.

Long Beach is a beautiful city in California where more than 450,000 people call home. The coastline city is the home of the country’s second-largest seaport. Long Beach is a transport hotspot for cargo that helps get products to consumers nationwide. Because of its economic impact and popular tourist attractions, Long Beach is an important American city.

Unfortunately, large cities with large populations have more potential for traffic accidents. In 2018, the California Office of Traffic Safety reported nearly 3,000 fatal and injury-causing accidents across the city. Sometimes, drivers try to avoid responsibility and consequences by fleeing the scene of an accident.

There are still options for Long Beach hit-and-run accident victims, even if the police never find the perpetrator. If you or a loved one suffered injuries or property damage in a hit-and-run accident, you may benefit from the services of an experienced Long Beach hit-and-run accident lawyers.

The legal team at Arash Law, founded by renowned attorney Arash Khorsandi, Esq., is dedicated to assisting Long Beach hit-and-run accident victims in getting the compensation they are entitled to after a crash. Contact us today at 888-488-1391 or via chat to schedule a free case evaluation.

Car Accident

$4,100,000.00

A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.

– ARASH KHORSANDI

How Does the Law Define a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Under California law, there are two types of hit-and-run accidents. California Penal Code 20001 and California Penal Code 20002 define these accidents according to these statutes. A hit-and-run accident in California falls into one of two categories- involving bodily injury or death or only property damage.

Build a Solid Case with the Help of Our Long Beach Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers

In California; a hit-and-run is a “wobbler” offense, which is also known as an “alternative felony/ misdemeanor offense,” it is a crime that prosecutors can charge as either a felony or misdemeanor. Other California wobbler offenses include domestic violence, sex crimes, and fraud.

The prosecutor or judge assigned to the case may choose to reduce a wobbler offense from a felony to a misdemeanor. Reducing a violation depends on the facts of the case. A prosecutor may decide to reduce a defendant’s charges from a felony to a misdemeanor if the accident is not severe, the driver does not have a significant criminal record, the driver cooperates with the police, or the driver is eligible for probation. Sometimes, a prosecutor will reduce a charge from a felony to a misdemeanor if they have a weak case and getting a felony conviction is improbable.

The judge assigned to the case may reduce the hit-and-run charge from a felony to a misdemeanor. At their discretion, a judge can reduce the driver’s charges if they show remorse, acknowledge that their actions were wrong, do not have an extensive criminal record, and show good behavior while on probation or parole.

Our Long Beach hit-and-run accident lawyers will use an aggressive approach to find the evidence needed to prove the defendant’s negligence. We have the experience and resources to build a case to get you the compensation you deserve. Our team of experts is here to help you get your life back on track after a hit-and-run accident.

California Penal Code 20001

Under California Penal Code 20001, a driver involved in an accident that caused another person bodily injury, including death, must stop their vehicle and render aid according to applicable law.

The penalties a driver faces for violating this section include the following:

Felony charges
Up to one-year confinement in county jail or state prison, depending on the severity of the injuries
A fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $10,000
A combination of a fine and jail time

California Penal Code 20002

Under California Penal Code 20002, a driver involved in an accident that caused property damage only may be charged with a misdemeanor if they leave the accident scene.

The penalties a driver faces for violation of this section include the following:

Misdemeanor charges
Up to six months imprisonment in county jail

A fine not exceeding $1,000
Both a fine and jail time

The charges a hit-and-run accident defendant may face depend on the facts. Here are detailed lists of criminal penalties a driver may face if they cause a hit-and-run in Long Beach or other cities in California.

Detailed Criminal Penalties for a California Hit-and-Run

	Hit and Run Involving Only Property	Hit and Run Involving Injury or Death	Vehicular Manslaughter Without Gross Negligence	Vehicular Manslaughter with Gross Negligence	First DUI Offense	DUI Causing Bodily Injury
Code Section	California Vehicle Code §20002	California Vehicle Code §20003	California Penal Code §192 (c) (2)	California Penal Code §192 (c) (1)	California Vehicle Code §23512	California Vehicle Code §23513
Violation Type	Misdemeanor	Felony	Felony	Can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony	Misdemeanor	Can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony
Custody Time	Up to 6 months in county jail	Non-serious injury- up to one year; Serious injury or death- 90 days to four years in prison	Up to one year in jail or prison	Misdemeanor- Up to one year in county jail Felony- two to six years in prison	Up to six months in county jail	Five days to four years in prison
Additional Penalties		$10,000 fine			$390-$1,000 fine Three to six months of alcohol classes Five months using Ignition Interlock Device License suspended for up to four months	$390-$1,000 fine Three to six months of alcohol classes Five months using Ignition Interlock Device License suspended for up to four months

Code Section

Hit and Run Involving Only Property – California Vehicle Code §20002
Hit and Run Involving Injury or Death – California Vehicle Code §20003
Vehicular Manslaughter Without Gross Negligence – California Penal Code §192 (c) (2)
Vehicular Manslaughter with Gross Negligence – California Penal Code §192 (c) (1)
First DUI Offense – California Vehicle Code §23512
DUI Causing Bodily Injury – California Vehicle Code §23513

Violation Type

Hit and Run Involving Only Property – Misdemeanor
Hit and Run Involving Injury or Death – Felony
Vehicular Manslaughter Without Gross Negligence – Felony
Vehicular Manslaughter with Gross Negligence – Can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony
First DUI Offense – Misdemeanor
DUI Causing Bodily Injury – Can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony

Custody Time

Hit and Run Involving Only Property – Up to 6 months in county jail
Hit and Run Involving Injury or Death – Non-serious injury- up to one year; Serious injury or death- 90 days to four years in prison
Vehicular Manslaughter Without Gross Negligence – Up to one year in jail or prison
Vehicular Manslaughter with Gross Negligence – Misdemeanor- Up to one year in county jail | Felony- two to six years in prison
First DUI Offense – Up to six months in county jail
DUI Causing Bodily Injury – Five days to four years in prison

Additional Penalties

Hit and Run Involving Only Property –
Hit and Run Involving Injury or Death – $10,000 fine
Vehicular Manslaughter Without Gross Negligence –
Vehicular Manslaughter with Gross Negligence –
First DUI Offense – $390-$1,000 fine | Three to six months of alcohol classes | Five months using Ignition Interlock Device | License suspended for up to four months
DUI Causing Bodily Injury – $390-$1,000 fine | Three to six months of alcohol classes | Five months using Ignition Interlock Device | License suspended for up to four months

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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

Common Scenarios for Hit-and-Run Accidents

A hit-and-run accident happens whenever the above elements occur. However, our team of lawyers has commonly encountered the following scenarios when hit-and-run accidents happen.

A driver operates their vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
A driver loses control of their vehicle and crashes into another person’s property.
A driver is texting and driving or speaking on the phone.
A driver crashes into another person’s fence, shrubs, lawn, plants, pet, or house.

What Does California Law Require of Drivers After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

If you were in an accident in California, you must comply with state law or risk criminal and civil penalties. After a hit-and-run accident, you must do the following:

Stop your vehicle.
Find the owner of the vehicle or damaged property.
Exchange pertinent information, including names, insurance documents, and contact information.

If the accident caused death or bodily injury, a driver must take extra steps to ensure legal compliance. When an injury is involved, a driver must:

Stop the vehicle.
Give aid to the injured parties.
Exchange information required by law.

Leaving an injured person at the scene of an accident is a felony in California that is punishable by 16 months up to three years in state prison.

Why Do Hit-And-Run Accidents Happen in Long Beach?

Traffic accidents happen for many reasons. Even the most careful drivers can get into an accident. Some of the most common reasons Long Beach drivers get into traffic accidents include:

Speeding

Speeding is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents nationwide. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, in 2020, speeding killed 11,258 drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and others sharing the road.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving includes any action that disregards the safety of others. Reckless driving can include unsafe lane changes, failure to obey road signs or traffic signals, improper turning, etc. hit-and-run accidents can happen when drivers drive recklessly.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving includes anything that takes the driver’s mind off the task of driving. Distractions can include texting, eating, conversations with passengers, changing the music, looking at an accident while driving past it, etc.

Fatigued Driving

A driver should not hit the road without adequate rest. A driver in a hit-and-run accident may not realize they caused or were in an accident if they were fatigued.

Vehicle Defects

Vehicle manufacturers must place safe products on the road, ensuring each component works appropriately before selling. If a manufacturer sets a defective vehicle in the marketplace and an accident happens, they may face legal liability.

Impaired Driving

Dri ving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is negligent and leads to severe accidents. In California, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher.

Inclement Weather

Drivers must prepare for safe travel when inclement weather—speeding, improper lane changes, driving while fatigued and other factors can contribute to an accident, especially in inclement weather.

Dangerous Areas in Long Beach

Everyone who shares the road must exercise caution despite their location. However, there are some hazardous areas in Long Beach where drivers should exercise caution, including:

Long Beach Boulevard
Anaheim Street
Willow Street
Cherry Avenue
Pacific Coast Highway
Interstate 710
Interstate 405
The Atlantic stretch between 45th and 46th Street
Traveling from Clark Avenue to Marber Avenue

Long Beach Ranks Third Worst City of Fifteen Cities for Crashes

The Office of Traffic Safety ranked Long Beach as the third-worst out of 15 cities for drivers. Long Beach’s streets are unsafe for travelers, so use caution while on the road. Long Beach is the 17th worst American city for traffic accidents caused by speeding.

Bad road conditions throughout the city contribute to severe accidents, too. Poorly maintained roads are hazardous for motorcyclists. An uneven road can lead to a fatal motorcycle accident.

What Are the Elements of a Hit-and-Run Accident?

To convict the defendant of the misdemeanor criminal offense of hit-and-run, you and your attorney must prove these elements:

The defendant was in a traffic accident while driving.
The accident caused another person’s property damage.
The defendant knew or should have known that the accident caused property damage.
The defendant failed to stop and did not leave any identifying information.

To convict the other party of the felony charge of hit-and-run, you and your attorney a must prove these elements:

They were in a traffic accident while driving.
The accident caused another person’s bodily injury or death.
They knew or should have known that they were in an accident.
They left the accident scene without providing identifying information as required by state law.

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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

How Can an LBC Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Help?

Getting the compensation you need after a Long Beach hit-and-run accident can be an uphill battle. Between getting the required medical care, fighting with insurance companies, and paying your bills while missing work due to your injuries, it can seem impossible that the ordeal with ever end. However, with an experienced advocate working on your side, you can have a chance to increase the odds of a positive outcome.

Long Beach hit-and-run accident lawyers will assist you from start to finish. They will support you during the hectic process of pursuing compensation after a crash. After meeting with you and learning the facts of your case, your attorney will begin crafting a case strategy to help you collect the money you need to get your life back on track.

Part of building a solid case involves a thorough investigation. Your Long Beach hit-and-run accident lawyer will review accident photos, and police reports, speak to eyewitnesses, and employ experts to create an argument in your favor.

An experienced attorney will want to see your medical records and bills. In addition to the property damage they may deduce from accident photos, your attorney will help you identify the losses you incurred since the accident and determine a reasonable settlement.

Your accident lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Negotiating with insurance companies may be slightly more complex in hit-and-run accidents than in an accident where each party remains at the scene. If you cannot find the liable driver, you may file a claim with your uninsured motorist coverage.

Uninsured motorist coverage is a part of many drivers’ insurance coverage. This part of your policy is available only if the other driver does not have coverage or you are in a hit-and-run accident. Your injury lawyer will help you file a claim to access this coverage and get help paying for your damages.

If the police locate the responsible driver, you can file a claim with their insurance provider. Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to work with because they focus on increasing the bottom line. That means an opposing insurance company will do everything possible to avoid paying claims. Working with a Long Beach personal injury lawyer increases your chances of getting the money you deserve from an insurance company. Never speak to or offer information to an insurance company without seeking legal counsel.

How Long Do I Have to Sue for Damages in a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Victims do not have unlimited time to sue for damages after a hit-and-run accident. In the civil context, there are two deadlines that a victim should familiarize themselves with. A hit-and-run accident victim must timely inform their insurance company of the accident and file a civil lawsuit within the time allowed by law.

Review your automobile insurance policy after an accident. Most policies require a policyholder to inform their carrier that they were in an accident within a reasonable time. Typically, a “reasonable” period will not exceed a few weeks. The terms of your policy may require that you inform your carrier despite which driver is at fault. Failure to inform may result in claim denial.

Hit-and-run accident victims must remember the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is the deadline for when an accident victim can file a civil lawsuit against a liable party for damages. Under California Code of Civil Procedure §355.1, a traffic crash victim has two years from the accident date to file a civil lawsuit. Failure to file a lawsuit or settle the claim with an insurance company bars the victim from civil recovery.

Motor Vehicle Accident

$3,500,000.00

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

– JUDD ROSS ALLEN

What Should I Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident If I Didn't Cause the Accident?

Being in a hit-and-run accident is scary, and you may not know what to do after the crash to protect your physical well-being and legal rights. First, never attempt to chase or follow the hit-and-run driver. Doing so will put you in danger, especially if you encounter an aggressive or impaired driver. Find a safe place to pull over and call emergency assistance.

While it is not advisable to chase the car, gather as much information as possible. If you snap a picture of the driver’s car or license plate, that can be helpful to the police as they try to find the liable driver. Even a partial plate number can help. Try to mentally note the car’s color, make, model, and year.

Seek immediate medical treatment, even if you do not think it is necessary. Your injuries may not be apparent. It is wise to get a complete medical examination to determine if you have suffered injuries like a concussion, internal bleeding, or organ damage. Seeking contemporaneous medical care can help your legal claim, too. The longer you wait for treatment, the stronger the insurance company argues for denying or blaming your injuries on something else.

Does My Insurance Policy Cover Hit-and-Run Accidents?

Getting life back to normal is a priority for hit-and-run accident victims, and part of returning to normal is getting your car fixed and completing medical treatment. You may not know where to start if you have damages after a Long Beach hit-and-run crash.

Unfortunately, many accident victims do not find the driver responsible for the hit-and-run that caused them losses and injuries. If the responsible driver’s identity remains unknown, you may need to file a claim with your insurance provider. You will file an uninsured motorist claim.

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle if you get into an accident with a driver without liability insurance, who does not have adequate insurance to cover your losses, or who leaves the scene of an accident and is never found by the police. You can opt into uninsured motorist coverage, and it is good to carry it if you get into an accident with a runaway driver.

What If the Police Find the Other Driver?

If the police find the other driver, your attorney can help you file a claim with their insurance company. Remember that leaving the scene of an accident does not automatically make the other driver liable for causing the accident and your losses. Your legal team will work to prove that it is the other driver’s fault that the accident happened, and you deserve just compensation.

You may settle your claim with the opposing insurance company. Settling helps avoid the expense and time of a trial. However, if the settlement is not satisfactory, your injury lawyer will take your case to trial to attempt to get a larger settlement.

Californians also have the option for a civil compromise. Hit-and-run plaintiffs who compromise civilly receive compensation through the state court system.

Potential Damages Available in a Hit-and-Run Accident

There are various types of damages recoverable after a Long Beach hit-and-run accident. To help identify the physical injuries you suffered from the crash, seeing a doctor within 24 hours of the accident is advisable. Prompt medical attention will help build your case and mitigate your pain.

Some hit-and-run injuries are apparent and happen quickly after the accident. However, some injuries like whiplash or a concussion may not present themselves and can worsen over time. Seeing a doctor after your accident is best because medical care can protect your quality of life.

Examples of common injuries hit-and-run accident survivors sustain include:

Traumatic brain injury
Spinal cord injuries
Burns and cuts
Internal organ damage
Sprains and strains

Broken bones and fractures
Amputation
Paralysis
Wrongful death

An opposing insurance company may try to downplay your injuries and losses. Do not let a big insurance company intimidate you. Speaking to a Long Beach hit-and-run accident lawyer before starting settlement negotiations ensures you do not leave any money on the table and receive the maximum financial compensation.

Types of Damages

The recoverable damages in your case depend on the losses you sustained due to the accident. Generally, accident victims may recover their losses in a civil lawsuit.

Examples of potential damages include:

Current and future lost income
Current and future medical bills
Diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering

Mental trauma and anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life
Physical impairment or disfigurement

Working with an experienced hit-and-run injury lawyer in Long Beach helps bridge the gap between accident victims and the compensation they deserve.

Let Arash Law, Headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., Be Your Advocate

It is no secret that hit-and-run accidents are more complex than typical traffic crashes, but hope for a successful outcome exists. The legal team at Arash Law, under the leadership of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has successfully represented hit-and-run accident victims across Long Beach and throughout California for decades. We want to help you, too.

In addition to Long Beach, our legal team works with many surrounding cities, including Cypress, Torrance, Artesia, Bellflower, Compton, Paramount, Hawaiian Gardens, Los Alamitos, Lomita, Lakewood, West Carson, Carson, Rossmoor, Seal Beach, and Signal Hill.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!