Anaheim Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers
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- Statistics for Anaheim Hit-and-Run Accidents
- Most Dangerous Anaheim Intersections
- California Hit-and-Run Accident Laws
- What Is the Legal Definition of Hit-and-Run?
- Elements of California Felony Hit-and-Run
- Common Defenses to California Hit-and-Run Accidents
- What Are My Rights After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
- What Are Some Common Injuries in Anaheim Hit-and-Run Accidents?
- What Should I Do After an Anaheim Hit-and-Run Accident?
- What Should I Look for in an Anaheim Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers
Award-Winning Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers in Anaheim
According to the most recent report from the United States Census Bureau, Anaheim, California, has a population of nearly 350,000. Anaheim is the most populous city in Orange County, the tenth largest city in California, and the 56th largest population nationwide.
Anaheim is famous for tourism and sports teams. The city is known for its attractions, including Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Convention Center. It also boasts two sports teams- the Los Angeles Angels and the Anaheim Ducks. Visitors can have a fun time in the sun. The people of California have made this exciting city their home. However, despite the beautiful attractions, the dense population makes traffic accidents inevitable.
Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents commonly happen throughout the city. If you find yourself the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you know the frustration locating the responsible party brings. The Anaheim hit-and-run accident lawyers at Arash Law, founded by famous attorney Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have decades of experience helping Californians get the compensation they deserve after an accident.
Contact our office at (888)-488-1391 or via our online chat 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
Statistics for Anaheim Hit-and-Run Accidents
According to data collected by the AAA Foundation for Safety, there were 737,100 hit-and-run accidents nationwide for the year the foundation studied. That number reflects a hit-and-run traffic accident every 43 seconds across the country.
Traffic safety is crucial, especially in large cities with numerous drivers, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians sharing the road. Some areas of the city are more prone to accidents than others. Avoiding congested areas is sometimes feasible. Therefore, practicing traffic safety can prevent an accident entirely.
Most Dangerous Anaheim Intersections
A traffic accident can happen anywhere and at any time. Despite this reality, certain areas in the city are more dangerous than others. The following Anaheim intersections are among the most dangerous in the city for motorists.
Harbor Boulevard is one of the busiest streets in Anaheim. Accidents happen frequently because of the heavy traffic. The intersection of Harbor Boulevard extending from Powder Canyon to Newport Beach is a familiar spot for hit-and-run accidents.
The citizens of Anaheim must use caution when traveling on Harbor Boulevard. This commonly used road has been the site of multiple deadly crashes. If you have suffered injuries after an accident on Harbor Boulevard, contact an Anaheim hit & run accident lawyer immediately.
California Hit-and-Run Accident Laws
Under California law, a hit-and-run accident is a “wobbler” offense. A wobbler offense is a crime that a prosecutor may charge as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Also known as an “alternative felony/misdemeanor offense,” the prosecutor and judge each have the discretion to lower a felony offense to a misdemeanor. In addition to hit-and-run, other California wobbler offenses include domestic violence, sex crimes, and fraud.
What Is the Legal Definition of Hit-and-Run?
The law on hit-and-run is codified in California Vehicle Code sections 20001 and 20002. California law distinguishes between hit-and-run accidents involving only property damage and accidents that cause personal injury. Accidents that cause injury carry more severe punishments. A hit-and-run accident resulting in another person’s injury or death is a felony offense.
Under California Vehicle Code section 20001, a driver is guilty of a felony hit-and-run if they leave the scene of an accident. 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 a 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.)
- If the accident results in death, every driver involved must immediately report the accident to the nearest Department of California Highway Patrol
Under California Vehicle Code section 20002, a driver is guilty of a misdemeanor hit-and-run if they leave the scene of an accident. A driver will be charged with a misdemeanor if the accident only involves property damage. In addition to causing property damage, the driver will face a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge under the following circumstances:
- 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 does not immediately notify the property owner about the damage.
- The driver failed to leave a conspicuous note with their name, address, vehicle information, and an explanation about what happened.
- The driver failed to notify the nearest Department of California Highway Patrol.
Elements of California Felony Hit-and-Run
To secure a conviction on a felony hit-and-run charge, a California prosecutor must prove the following elements.
- The defendant failed to stop at the accident scene.
- The defendant knew or reasonably should have known they were involved in an accident that seriously injured or killed another person.
- The accident caused the serious injury or death of someone other than the at-fault driver.
- The defendant was driving when the accident happened.
Elements of California Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run
A California prosecutor must prove the following elements to secure a conviction on a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge.
- The defendant was behind the wheel when the accident happened.
- The defendant failed to stop at the accident scene.
- The collision caused property damage to another person’s belongings.
- No one besides the defendant suffered a severe injury or was killed in the accident.
- The defendant knew or reasonably should have known they were involved in an accident that caused property damage to another person’s belongings.
Penalties for Hit-and-Run Accidents
Potential penalties for causing a hit-and-run accident vary depending on whether your charge is a misdemeanor or a felony.
Consequences for misdemeanor hit-and-run criminal charges include:
- Up to six months in county jail prison
- A fine not to exceed $1,000
The consequences for a felony hit-and-run conviction are more severe.
Penalties for felony hit-and-run include:
- Up to four years in prison
- A fine of up to $10,000
Additional Penalties for Causing a Hit-and-Run Accident
In addition to jail time and fines, if convicted of hit-and-run, the punishment may not end once the driver completes his or her sentence. California law allows additional penalties for causing a hit-and-run accident, including the following:
- The California Department of Motor Vehicles will add two points to their license.
- Your Insurance premiums will increase, making it more challenging to get insurance coverage.
- Getting a job where driving is a requirement can be impossible after a hit-and-run conviction.
- The defendant may face a civil lawsuit. The injured party can decide to sue you for damages at any time within two years of the accident.
Why Do Anaheim Drivers Flee the Scene of an Accident?
There are many reasons drivers flee the scene of an accident, but lack of liability insurance significantly contributes to hit-and-run accidents across the city. According to California Vehicle Code section 16430, every driver operating a vehicle within the state must carry minimum liability insurance. California law requires drivers to carry the following amounts of liability insurance:
- $15,000 in coverage for injury or death of another person
- $30,000 in coverage for injury or death of more than one person
- $5,000 in coverage for property damage
Liability insurance covers another person’s injuries or property damage caused by an accident. Your liability insurance policy does not cover your losses. If another driver caused the accident, you must file a claim with their insurance provider. If the other driver does not have liability insurance, you might need to file a claim with your uninsured insurance coverage. Anaheim hit-and-run accident lawyers can help you understand how to file a claim and get the money you need after an accident.
What Are My Rights After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Economic Losses
Economic damages are physical and tangible damages an accident victim suffers. These losses are usually easy to identify and prove. Examples of economic damages include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Current and future lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- The cost of child care, housekeeping, and hiring other domestic help
- Disability
Non-economic Losses
Non-economic damages are intangible, and proving their existence is usually more challenging than economic damages. Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Anxiety
- Grief
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish and trauma
Punitive Damages
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
What Are Some Common Injuries in Anaheim Hit-and-Run Accidents?
Each accident brings its own set of injuries, damages, and losses. Every accident victim deserves to recoup their losses after an accident that was not their fault. The severity of the impact likely determines what injuries a victim suffers. Examples of common injuries a hit-and-run accident victim may live with after a crash include:
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Whiplash
- Severe back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord trauma
- Amputation
- Paralysis
- Crush injuries
- Severe cuts, scrapes, or puncture wounds
- Broken or dislocated bones and fractures
- Facial injuries and lacerations
- Open head wounds
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injury
- Wrongful death
The above injuries are severe and may leave the victim with life-long injuries. These injuries deserve compensation. However, despite the devastation these injuries cause, physical harm is not the only compensable loss. Injury victims often suffer significant emotional and psychological injuries after a hit-and-run accident.
Vehicle accidents are among the most common causes of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). An accident victim may live with PTSD and other emotional damage for the rest of their lives. The best Anaheim hit-and-run accident lawyers will ensure they identify your tangible and intangible losses to get you a maximum settlement award.
What Should I Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Anaheim?
Proof of Lost Wages
Police Report
File a police report. It is essential to file a police report after an accident, even if the responsible driver left the accident scene. The police report includes the responding officer’s impression of the scene. It will include a narrative with the facts of the accident, names of witnesses, and other pertinent information. Insurance companies often use the police report as a starting point in their investigations.
Proof of Property Damage
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are likely the most expensive part of your accident claim. Seek medical treatment immediately after the accident. Getting prompt medical care increases your odds of financial recovery and is the best thing to do for your physical and mental well-being. Do not neglect psychological care. Be sure that you follow your doctor’s orders.
Make each follow-up appointment, take prescribed medications, and keep track of your expenses. Having a complete timeline of medical treatment after an accident helps your attorney understand your symptoms, injuries, and losses. With a complete understanding of your suffering, a Anaheim hit-and-run accident lawyer can better advocate for your maximum compensation.
What Should I Look for in an Anaheim Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers?
The attorneys you hire will impact the outcome of your case. Experienced accident attorneys share some similar qualities. Recovering from an accident will take an enormous toll on your and your family’s mental and physical health and emotional well-being. It will help if you trust your attorney to take the reigns so you can focus on your recovery.
A hit-and-run accident attorney will take the lead in the following areas:
- Protecting your right to file a claim (e.g., ensuring your case complies with the applicable statute of limitations)
- Gathering pertinent information and evidence to help prove your claim (e.g., police reports, medical records, and accident reports)
- Preserving essential evidence
- Negotiating with defense counsel and insurance companies
- Preparing your case for trial
- Representing you in court
When Should I Hire an Accident Attorney?
Hiring an Anaheim hit-and-run accident lawyer is a big decision. The services of an attorney are only sometimes required, but they are helpful if your situation needs experience and skill.
Consider the following as you decide whether you need an accident attorney after a hit-and-run crash:
- Is the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier refusing to cover your losses?
- Did you lose money because your injuries prevented you from working?
- Do you now suffer from a chronic or debilitating condition because of the accident?
- Are you or a family member suffering from a significant emotional impact because of the accident?
- Did the accident cause a severe injury?
- Did the accident cause a wrongful death?
Call the Hit and Run Accident Lawyers Anaheim Trusts
A hit-and-run accident is stressful and overwhelming. Finding out how to get the compensation you need to recover fully is challenging, especially if you cannot find the driver who is responsible for the crash.
The legal team at Arash Law, under the guidance of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., knows how challenging the aftermath of an accident is, and we want to be behind you as you get your life back on track. Our Anaheim hit-and-run accident lawyers are experts at reviewing the facts of an accident case and the surrounding circumstances to ensure our clients get the best results possible. We will take your case on a contingency fee, so we only get paid if you do.
You can rely on Arash Law in Anaheim, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to advocate and fight for your interests throughout the case. No matter what caused the accident, we are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Our team has decades of experience and has recovered over $750 Million in compensation for injured Californians.
Our office serves Anaheim and surrounding cities, including La Mirada, La Palma, East La Mirada, Cypress, Westminster, Santa Ana, La Habra, Yorba Linda, Brea, Buena Park, Stanton, Orange, Garden Grove, Placentia, and Fullerton.
Contact us today at (888) 488-1391 or via online chat to schedule a free no-obligation case evaluation. We look forward to serving you.
