Riverside Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers
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Our Riverside Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers Protect The Rights Of Injured Victims
Riverside, the county seat of Riverside County, has a population exceeding 2.4 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Riverside is the 61st most populous city in the United States and California’s 12th most populous city.
It got its name because of its proximity to the Santa Ana River. Unfortunately, despite all the fantastic things about the city, there are dangers its citizens should be aware of, especially since Riverside is the home of the Ortega Highway — one of California’s deadliest stretches of road.
Accidents can occur in Riverside, just as they can in any other city. Sometimes, irresponsible drivers leave the accident scene without providing the information required by state statute. When a driver flees the scene of an accident, they may be guilty of a hit-and-run. Accident victims can face lengthy recovery periods and mounting expenses from lost income because of a driver’s disregard for their responsibilities. The legal team at Arash Law is committed to advocating for your rights after a Riverside hit-and-run accident.
Our Riverside hit-and-run lawyers at Arash Law have decades of experience helping injury victims pursue fair compensation. Contact us at 888-488-1391 or chat online to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
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
General California Rules Of The Road
Every driver must obey the general rules of the road. Driving is a privilege. To keep their privileges, drivers must obey traffic laws and avoid accidents. Standard traffic laws in California include the following:
- Every driver must have a valid license.
- California drivers must carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. Liability insurance covers another driver’s or passenger’s losses from an accident. Every driver must have $30,000 in coverage for one person’s bodily injury, $60,000 for multiple people’s injuries, and $10,000 for property damage.
- Every driver must obey traffic laws.
- Every driver’s vehicle must be properly registered.
- Drivers must yield to oncoming traffic.
- Drivers must avoid following too closely and causing rear-end accidents.
- A driver must exercise caution when driving at night or in bad weather to avoid accidents.
- Drivers must avoid distractions and refrain from using handheld devices (e.g., cell phones).
- Drivers should avoid driving while fatigued.
- The lead vehicle must avoid sudden stops.
What Is A Hit-and-Run Accident?
The law on hit-and-run can be found in California Vehicle Code sections 20001 and 20002. California law distinguishes between hit-and-run accidents involving only property damage and accidents that cause serious injury. Hit-and-run accidents that only cause property damage have less severe consequences compared to accidents that cause injuries, which carry more severe punishments. A hit-and-run accident resulting in another person’s injury or death is a felony offense.
California requires that a driver complete the following steps after an accident, despite fault:
- Stop the vehicle immediately.
- Give the other driver their name, address, vehicle registration, and ownership information.
- Provide reasonable medical assistance or help an injured person get medical assistance.
- Call the police and remain at the scene until first responders arrive.
A driver must stop immediately, provide their contact information, try to render aid, and wait for the police. Even if a driver momentarily leaves the scene to get help and quickly returns, they may face a hit-and-run charge.
Under California Vehicle Code Section 20002, a driver is guilty of a misdemeanor hit-and-run if they leave the scene of an accident that caused only property damage. A driver will be charged with a misdemeanor if the accident only involves property damage to someone other than the driver. In addition to causing property damage, the driver will face a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge if they do the following:
- The driver fails to stop their vehicle at the accident scene immediately.
- The driver fails to present their driver’s license upon request.
- The driver fails to leave a conspicuous note with their name, address, vehicle information, and an explanation about what happened, even if the property owner is absent.
- The driver does not immediately notify the property owner about the damage.
- The driver failed to notify the nearest California Highway Patrol department.
Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, a driver is guilty of felony hit-and-run if they leave the scene of an accident where someone other than the defendant suffered a severe injury or was killed. Additionally, suppose a driver does any of the following after an accident that results in injury or death. In that case, they are guilty of felony hit-and-run whether they left the scene or not:
- Failed to stop at the scene.
- Failed to provide their name, vehicle registration number, vehicle ownership information, or address.
- Failed to show the other driver their driver’s license upon request.
- Failed to provide reasonable assistance to another driver (reasonable assistance includes providing or arranging transportation to a hospital or emergency room if a medical need is apparent).
- Failed to immediately report the accident that resulted in death to the nearest California Highway Patrol department.
Penalties For Hit-and-Run Criminal Charges In California
A hit-and-run conviction is a serious criminal offense in California. A person convicted of either a misdemeanor or felony hit-and-run may lose their license, spend time and money on probation, and face higher insurance premiums.
If the police find other infractions during the accident investigation, the defendant may face additional charges. Examples of other infractions include driving without a license, driving without insurance or with expired insurance, driving under the influence, and DUI causing bodily injury.
| 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 Vehicle Code §12500. | California Vehicle Code §16029. | California Vehicle Code §23512. | California Vehicle Code §23513. |
| Violation Type | Misdemeanor | Felony | Can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. | N/A | Misdemeanor | Can be charged as a misdemeanor or 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. | If charged as a misdemeanor, the maximum jail time is six months in county jail. | N/A | Up to six months in county jail. | Five days to four years in prison. |
| Additional Penalties | $10,000 fine. | If charged as an infraction, then the maximum fine is $250. | First offense- $100-200 fine Second and subsequent offense- $200-250 fine. |
$390-$1,000 fine Three to six months of alcohol classes Five months using an 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. |
- 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 Vehicle Code §12500.
- Vehicular Manslaughter With Gross Negligence — California Vehicle Code §16029.
- First DUI Offense — California Vehicle Code §23512.
- DUI Causing Bodily Injury — California Vehicle Code §23513.
- Hit-and-Run Involving Only Property — Misdemeanor
- Hit-and-Run Involving Injury or Death — Felony
- Driving Without a Valid License — Can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
- Driving Without Insurance — N/A
- First DUI Offense — Misdemeanor
- DUI Causing Bodily Injury — Can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
- 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.
- Driving Without a Valid License — If charged as a misdemeanor, the maximum jail time is six months in county jail.
- Driving Without Insurance — N/A
- First DUI Offense — Up to six months in county jail.
- DUI Causing Bodily Injury — Five days to four years in prison.
- Hit-and-Run Involving Only Property
- Hit-and-Run Involving Injury or Death — $10,000 fine.
- Driving Without a Valid License — If charged as an infraction, then the maximum fine is $250.
- Driving Without Insurance — First offense- $100-200 fine | Second and subsequent offense- $200-250 fine.
- First DUI Offense — $390-$1,000 fine | Three to six months of alcohol classes | Five months using an 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 an Ignition Interlock Device | License suspended for up to four months.
How Long Is The Statute Of Limitations For Hit-And-Run Charges?
The statute of limitations is the deadline that state law sets within which criminal charges or a civil lawsuit must be commenced. Hit-and-run cases involve potential criminal and civil liability. Under California law, a prosecutor must charge a suspect with hit-and-run within six years of the accident. A prosecutor cannot take legal action against a driver for a hit-and-run after the statute of limitations expires.
If a driver or passenger suffers injuries after a hit-and-run accident, they must settle their civil claim or file a lawsuit against the responsible driver within two years from the date of the accident. An experienced Riverside hit-and-run accident lawyer working for you can help, especially as you try to find the driver responsible for the accident.
Our accident attorney can explain and keep track of the applicable statute of limitations to avoid technical issues that could lead to dismissal.
Riverside Car Accident Data
According to data published by the California Office of Traffic Safety, the state has seen an overall improvement in traffic safety. In 2018, the California Office of Traffic Safety reported the following data regarding Riverside traffic safety:
- In 2018, more than 300 accidents that resulted in death or injury involved speeding. Speeding remains one of the most significant contributors to traffic accidents across the state.
- Eight hundred seventy-five motorcyclists suffered injuries in Riverside. In 2018, 91 people died in motorcycle accidents.
- One hundred pedestrians lost their lives in traffic accidents.
- One hundred seventy-four people died in an accident that involved a driver who operated their vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
- Overall, 1,989 people suffered injuries and deaths in traffic accidents across Riverside, California.
The overall number of traffic accidents and fatalities has decreased.
Of all drivers killed in automobile accidents across the state in 2019, 50 percent involved at least one driver who tested positive for prescription or illicit drugs.
Common Causes Of Riverside Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run traffic accidents happen for various reasons. The city constantly tries to make the Inland Empire safer for drivers and pedestrians. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, traffic accidents happen throughout Riverside every day.
Some common causes of Riverside hit-and-run accidents include the following:
- Inexperienced, distracted, or reckless drivers.
- Aggressive driving, tailgating, or speeding.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
- Running red lights or stop signs and violating traffic laws.
- Inclement weather and bad road conditions.
- Vehicle and auto parts defects.
Most Common Injuries In Riverside Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents can cause various injuries. An accident victim’s injuries after a hit-and-run accident are often severe. The most common injuries traffic accident victims suffer include the following:
- Scratches
- Bruising
- Slipped disk
- Aching joints
- Cracked ribs
- Scrapes and cuts
- Friction burns
- Migraines
- Whiplash and cervical lordosis
- Hairline fractures
- Edema or joint swelling
- Facet joint syndrome
- Bleeding
- Head injuries (such as a traumatic brain injury)
- Crush injuries (such as collapsed lungs)
- Amputation of digits or appendages
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Skull or pelvis cracks
- Broken ankles
- Open fracture femur breaks
- Wrongful deaths
Our Riverside hit-and-run accident lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of your case, including understanding the types of compensation available.
Where Are The Most Dangerous Intersections In Riverside?
An accident can happen anywhere; however, in Riverside, certain areas are much more dangerous than others. Hundreds of people have lost their lives in these Riverside intersections. Drivers must proceed with caution to help reduce their chances of getting into an accident.
The following intersections are more prone to traffic accidents in Riverside.
Magnolia Avenue and Tyler Street — A driver must remain at the accident scene, especially if they are at fault. Each driver should stay at the scene until the police and other emergency services arrive to care for injured people.
Staying at the accident scene is important because it allows the responsible driver to be identified and held accountable for the incident. Remaining at the scene is the easiest way for an injured person to identify the liable driver. In addition to financial responsibility, there are policy considerations for remaining at the scene of an accident. If a driver or passenger is severely injured, a non-injured driver can provide critical assistance that may help save the injured person’s life.
- Pierce Street and Golden Avenue — Hit-and-run accidents can have severe consequences, and in some cases, they result in fatalities, with victims being pronounced dead at the scene. Again, stopping and remaining at the scene of a crash has public policy considerations. These laws intend to protect other drivers. For example, speeding is against the law, and police enforce speed limits to promote safety on public roads. The law requiring drivers to stop at the accident scene promotes the protection of human life.
- Jurupa Avenue and Van Buren Boulevard — A hit-and-run accident can cost you a ticket, but it can also cost you your life. The Jurupa Avenue and Van Buren Boulevard intersection is one of the most dangerous areas for Riverside drivers.
- La Sierra Avenue and Cypress Avenue — Many Riverside citizens have fallen victim to this intersection. This intersection is located in one of the city’s most hazardous areas. Some of these accidents were so severe that the vehicle’s occupants were thrown from their vehicles onto the street, while others resulted in fatalities.
Who Pays For My Losses After A Hit-and-Run Accident?
Hit-and-run accidents present a unique challenge. Typically, the at-fault driver’s insurance pays for an injured person’s bodily injury and property damage after a crash. However, what happens if the responsible driver flees the scene?
California law treats hit-and-run accidents as uninsured motorist claims. Uninsured motorist insurance pays an accident victim’s losses when the liable party does not have insurance or has fled the accident scene.
Filing an uninsured motorist claim can be tricky. Seeking legal help before pursuing compensation through this policy provision can help protect your rights after an accident.
Damages Available After A Hit-and-Run Accident
The victim may be able to seek damages if a negligent driver caused a hit-and-run accident. The amount of compensation depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries.
- Whether you suffered mental anguish or emotional trauma.
- Whether you received a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder.
- The severity of the accident.
Examples of typical damages that a hit-and-run accident victim may be eligible to pursue include the following:
- Lost income
- Health-related expenses
- Mental stress
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- The cost of hiring caregiving and domestic services
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
What Should I Do After A Hit-and-Run Accident?
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, the steps you take after the crash are critical. It is a crime to leave an accident scene before completing the legal requirements listed above. Despite exposing themselves to criminal liability, some drivers leave the scene. Most drivers flee because they do not have insurance or have insufficient insurance coverage. Even in hit-and-run cases, there may still be options available to seek compensation or justice after an accident.
Consider taking these steps after an accident to protect your physical well-being and legal rights.
Call 911 — After an accident, assessing if anyone needs medical attention is essential. California law requires that a driver try to render medical assistance to an injured person after a crash. In addition to checking on others, seek medical attention for yourself.
Getting prompt medical care after a crash can help you find injuries that are not immediately apparent. For example, you may have a concussion or internal bleeding. You cannot self-diagnose these conditions because they can progress if untreated.
In addition to your physical well-being, seeking medical care immediately after an accident helps create a record that links your injuries to the accident and helps prevent disputes about their cause or severity.
- Look for Witnesses — First, get to a safe place on the side of the road. After getting to safety, look around the scene for potential witnesses. Collect their names and contact information if you find eyewitnesses to the accident. If they are willing, ask the witnesses if they can remain at the scene and provide a statement to the police.
- File a Police Report — Stay calm and call the police. Explain what happened in as much detail as possible to the responding officer. Share as much as possible because the police report is critical in a car accident claim. Most insurance companies begin their investigations with the facts collected in the police report.
- Contact Your Insurance Company — In a hit-and-run accident, your insurance may cover the costs of your injuries, depending on the terms of your policy. If the police do not find the responsible driver, your uninsured motorist coverage may pay for your bodily injuries if you opt into this coverage. It is a good idea to have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
- Document Everything — Take good notes after an accident. Do not chase the other car. The other driver may be aggressive, and you may put yourself in a dangerous situation if you try to find them on your own. Instead, pull over and take note of the make, model, and color of the car. Getting a license plate number is very helpful; even a partial one can assist the police.
Why Is Hiring A Riverside Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Important?
Creating a legal team after a hit-and-run accident can help you explore your options for seeking compensation. Working with our experienced Riverside hit-and-run accident lawyers can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the process.
We will assist you from start to finish and create a case strategy that is tailored to your specific needs. When an accident happens, an attorney experienced with hit & run accidents in Riverside can help identify liable parties and seek accountability on your behalf.
Riverside Hit-And-Run Frequently Asked Questions
After reading the information in this piece, you probably understand Riverside hit-and-run accidents, but you still have questions. Below is a list of frequently asked questions and some answers from our Riverside hit-and-run accident lawyers that may provide additional understanding.
What Is The Difference Between Misdemeanor And Felony Hit-And-Run?
A misdemeanor hit-and-run accident only involves property damage, while a felony hit-and-run accident involves serious injury or death. A felony conviction can land a defendant in prison for up to four years. A misdemeanor conviction carries a maximum of six months in county jail.
What Type Of Insurance Pays For Damages If You Are The Victim Of A Hit-And-Run Accident?
Regardless of who is at fault, collision insurance typically covers property damage. Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage, if included in your policy, may help cover medical expenses and bodily injury.
What Happens If The Police Never Find The At-Fault Driver?
If the at-fault driver in a hit-and-run accident is not identified, the victim may need to rely on their own insurance coverage, such as uninsured motorist protection, to help with medical bills and other costs. A knowledgeable Riverside hit-and-run accident lawyer can assist in exploring available options and filing a claim.
Are Passengers Liable For Hit-And-Run In California?
While passengers are generally not held criminally liable for causing a hit-and-run accident, there are some circumstances when a passenger may share liability. For example, if the passenger encourages the driver to flee the scene or contributes to their negligent behavior, they may be charged as an accomplice.
Reach Out To Our Riverside Hit-And-Run Lawyers At Arash Law
With many vehicles hitting the road daily in Riverside, California, a traffic accident can occur at any time. Unfortunately, some drivers do not understand or refuse to accept responsibility for keeping the roads safe. Some drivers even flee the accident scene to avoid taking accountability for causing an accident. Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense, and if property damage or bodily injury happens, there is also civil liability.
The legal team at Arash Law is committed to representing injured citizens of Riverside, California, and advocating for their rights after a hit-and-run accident. We aim to help you seek reimbursement for your medical expenses, lost income, and other related expenses after an accident.
We serve all of Riverside County and surrounding cities, including Corona, Redlands, Norco, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Rialto, Fontana, Loma Linda, Mira Loma, Colton, Glen Avon, Bloomington, Pedley, Grand Terrace, and Rubidoux.
Call us at (888) 488-1391 or chat with us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with one of our Riverside County hit-and-run accident lawyers.
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