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
Anaheim Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers Who Stand With You Through The Legal Process
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 most populous 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 means traffic accidents are more likely to occur.
Hit-and-run accidents can cause serious consequences. If you find yourself the victim of one, you may know how frustrating locating the responsible party can be. The Anaheim hit-and-run accident lawyers at Arash Law, founded by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have decades of experience helping Californians learn about their rights after an accident.
Contact our office at (888) 488-1391 or via our online form to schedule a free, no-obligation first case evaluation.
What Should I Look For In An Anaheim Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyer?
Our experienced hit-and-run accident attorneys in Anaheim can help review your case. Recovering from this kind of accident may take an enormous toll on you and your family’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. A lawyer can help take the reins on the legal aspects of your injury so you can focus on your recovery.
Our hit-and-run accident lawyers can help clients in the following areas:
- Protecting their right to pursue a valid claim (e.g., by filing their case within the applicable statute of limitations).
- Gathering pertinent information and evidence to support claims (e.g., police reports, medical records, and accident reports).
- Preserving essential evidence.
- Negotiating with defense counsel and insurance companies.
- Preparing cases for trial.
- Representing claims in court, if necessary.
When Should I Consult An Accident Attorney?
Hiring an Anaheim hit-and-run accident lawyer is a big decision. The services of an attorney are not mandatory, but can be helpful if your situation needs legal 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 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?
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 in 2015. That number reflects a hit-and-run traffic accident every 43 seconds across the country.
Based on a report by the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 379 reported hit-and-run crashes in Anaheim between 2022 and 2025. Among these incidents, 10 fatalities and 502 injuries were reported.
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 help prevent accidents.
Anaheim Intersections Known For High Accident Rates
A traffic accident can happen anywhere and at any time. Despite this reality, certain areas in the city present more risks than others. The following Anaheim intersections are among the most dangerous for motorists in town.
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 following intersections are prone to numerous collisions resulting in injuries, posing a safety risk to motorists:
- Harbor Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue
- Harbor Boulevard and La Palma Avenue
The citizens of Anaheim must use caution when traveling on Harbor Boulevard. This heavily used road has been the site of multiple fatal crashes. If you have suffered injuries after an accident on Harbor Boulevard, you can contact an Anaheim hit-and-run accident lawyer to learn about your legal options.
California Hit-and-Run Accident Laws
Under California law, a hit-and-run accident is a “wobbler” offense. This refers to 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.
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 the California Vehicle Code, a driver may be found 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 might be 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 California Highway Patrol department.
The California Vehicle Code states that a driver can also be found guilty of a misdemeanor hit-and-run if they leave the scene of an accident. A driver may be charged with a misdemeanor if the accident only involves property damage. In addition to causing property damage, the driver might 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 was unable to leave a conspicuous note with their name, address, vehicle information, and an explanation about what happened.
- The driver was unable to notify the nearest California Highway Patrol department.
Elements Of California Felony Hit-And-Runs
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 the defendant’s charge is a misdemeanor or a felony.
Consequences for misdemeanor hit-and-run criminal charges include:
- Up to six months in county jail or 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
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 the defendant’s license.
- The defendant’s insurance premiums will increase, making it more challenging to get insurance coverage.
- Getting a job where driving is a requirement can be challenging after a hit-and-run conviction.
- The defendant may face a civil lawsuit. The injured party can decide to sue them 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 a lack of liability insurance is a likely contributor 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 bring the following amounts of liability insurance:
- $30,000 in coverage for injury or death of another person.
- $60,000 in coverage for injury or death of more than one person.
- $15,000 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 do so with your uninsured motorist insurance provider instead. Our Anaheim hit-and-run accident lawyers can help you understand how to file a claim and whether you can pursue compensation after an accident.
What Types of Compensation Can I Pursue After A Hit-And-Run Accident?
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Anaheim, you may have the right to seek financial compensation. Every case is different, but there are two major categories of damages in California: economic and non-economic losses.
Economic Losses
Economic damages are physical and tangible losses. These 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 demonstrating 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
Punitive damages may sometimes be available, but do not compensate the victim. On rare occasions, a court may award punitive damages as a punishment if the defendant’s actions were deemed to be grossly negligent. The purpose of punitive damages is to deter them from acting similarly in the future.
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. Victims may be able to pursue compensation for their losses if they were injured due to someone else’s negligence. The severity of the impact likely determines the extent of harm inflicted on them. 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 can be severe and may leave the victim with lifelong injuries. These might thus be considered as part of the damages they can pursue through a personal injury claim. However, physical harm is not the only kind of compensation they can seek. Injury victims may 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. Our Anaheim hit-and-run accident lawyers are committed to identifying our clients’ tangible and intangible losses to help them seek fair compensation based on the available evidence.
What Should I Do After A Hit-And-Run Accident In Anaheim?
The steps you take immediately after a hit-and-run accident may support or take away from the strength of a personal injury claim. To support your case, consider keeping a record of the following information after an incident.
Proof Of Lost Wages
If you missed work because of your injuries, record your lost income. Collect all documents from your supervisor regarding your absences. Include the dates you missed work because of your injuries in your records. Notate your pay rate and any sick or vacation time applied to your absence.
Police Report
File a police report, even if the responsible driver left the accident scene, to obtain the responding officer’s impression of the incident. It will consist of 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
Get a repair estimate from an independent body shop. Having a body shop of your choice evaluate your damage and provide a repair estimate is helpful, especially if the opposing insurance company tries to present a lowball settlement offer. The information from your body shop’s estimate can help your attorney evaluate the overall value of your claim.
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 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.
Attend 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. All this documentation can help an Anaheim hit-and-run accident lawyer advocate for fair compensation based on your losses.
Call Our Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers In Anaheim
A hit-and-run accident can be stressful and overwhelming. Finding out whether you can seek compensation can also be challenging if you cannot find the driver who is responsible for the crash.
The team at Arash Law, under the guidance of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., understands that and is ready to offer legal support after these incidents. Our Anaheim hit-and-run accident lawyers are skilled in analyzing the facts of an accident case and the surrounding circumstances to assess whether you can pursue damages. We then take valid cases on a contingency fee basis, so our attorneys only get paid if clients are awarded a settlement. Our lawyers can also discuss any other case-related costs before proceeding with a claim.
Our Anaheim hit-and-run lawyers at Arash Law are dedicated to advocating for your rights after a crash. No matter what caused the accident, we are here to help discuss how you may be able to pursue compensation based on your damages.
Our office serves Anaheim, surrounding cities such as Cypress, Westminster, Santa Ana, La Habra, Yorba Linda, Brea, Buena Park, Stanton, Orange County, Garden Grove, Placentia, and Fullerton, and other locations across California.
Contact us at (888) 488-1391 or via online chat to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We look forward to discussing how we can help.
