Beverly Hills Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers
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Our Beverly Hills Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers Offer Accessible And Clear Legal Support
Beverly Hills is a city that is a little more than 10 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Well known for being home to a more lavish lifestyle, Beverly Hills is commonly associated with Rodeo Drive, which is widely called the most expensive street in the world. CBSLA-TV reported that Beverly Park Circle had a median home value of $16,489,565, while Beverly Park Terrace had a median home value of $15,813,337.
The 2020 United States Census reported that Beverly Hills had a population of 31,896 as of July 1, 2021, and 53.2% of the population was female, while 19.7% were under 18 years of age, 22.9% were 65 years of age or older, and 2.8% were less than 5 years of age.
Of the Beverly Hills population, 74.0% were white alone (not Hispanic or Latino), 11.3% were Asian alone, 7.5% were Hispanic or Latino, 6.3% were two or more races, and 1.5% were Black or African American alone. The mean travel time to work for Beverly Hills residents was 26.3 minutes between 2017 and 2021, with 59.4% of residents being in the civilian labor force during those years.
While Beverly Hills is more commonly associated with an upscale quality of living, people should not think that the area is immune to many of the same difficulties and challenges posed by other regions of California. The truth remains that car collisions are just as common in Beverly Hills as they are in any other city in the Golden State.
In addition to the aforementioned Rodeo Drive, other common streets in Beverly Hills include Mulholland Drive, Sunset Boulevard, Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Drive, and Coldwater Canyon Avenue. All of these streets can see various types of accidents, ranging from rear-end collisions to T-bone collisions and even hit-and-run accidents.
The Los Angeles Times reported in 2015 that pedestrians were involved in 1 in 10 traffic accidents in Los Angeles between 2002 and 2013, but represented over 35% of road deaths. CBS News reported that the 2,049 deaths in the United States resulting from hit-and-run crashes in 2016 included 337 fatalities in California, which was the highest number the state has ever seen and a 60% increase over 2009.
When you suffer injuries or your loved one is killed in a hit-and-run accident in Beverly Hills, schedule a free initial consultation with Arash Law. We can evaluate your case and help you pursue financial compensation under the law. Call (888) 488-1391 or contact us online for a free case review.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Hit-And-Run Accident Statistics
A study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety stated that the 1,980 fatal hit-and-run crashes resulting in 2,049 fatalities were the highest annual number of hit-and-run fatalities or crashes recorded since NHTSA began compiling statistics on fatal motor vehicle crashes in 1975. More alarmingly, 1,398 of these crashes involved non-vehicle occupants, such as pedestrians or bicyclists.
In June 2018, the Los Angeles Daily News reported that only 8% of hit-and-runs are solved by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), with prosecutors only filing charges in 73% of cases in 2017 and 63% in 2016. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that while traffic deaths decreased by 4.5% between 2009 and 2011, fatal hit-and-run accidents increased by 13.7%.
When Hit-and-Runs Involve Bicyclists Or Pedestrians
There is no getting around the fact that many hit-and-run accidents involve non-vehicle occupants, like bicyclists and pedestrians. The simple truth may be that many drivers do not stop to report these kinds of accidents since they do not involve other vehicles.
It is important for any pedestrian or bicyclist struck by a motor vehicle to contact the police and report the incident quickly. Another basic fact of hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists is that catastrophic injuries can be more common because non-vehicle occupants often have little to no protection in these cases.
Defining A Hit-And-Run In California
While the California Vehicle Code establishes the misdemeanor offense relating to hit-and-run offenses involving only property damage, the state law also states that it is a misdemeanor or a felony for a person to flee the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death. A person can be sentenced to up to five years in state prison and ordered to pay as much as $10,000 in fines.
The bottom line for a hit-and-run offense in California is that a driver was involved in an accident and did not stop to exchange information, as required by the law.
Who Pays Hit-And-Run Damages?
When a person has a hit-and-run claim in California, damages are typically paid by one of the two parties:
- The Hit-and-Run Driver — Assuming that a hit-and-run driver is found and taken into custody, a person can file a claim against that motorist’s insurance company the same way they would for any other accident. It is again important to remember that police departments have many difficulties in apprehending hit-and-run drivers. It can be helpful to retain legal counsel as soon as possible because an experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer in Beverly Hills can conduct their own independent investigation to help determine a driver’s identity.
- Your Own Automobile Insurance Provider — When a hit-and-run driver cannot be located, victims often seek compensation from their own insurance companies. People who have uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can tap into their policies since these will specifically apply when the other party does not have any insurance. Some people without this protection may still have other avenues for compensation. In such cases, you can seek the help of a Beverly Hills hit-and-run accident lawyer to help in exploring your legal options.
Impact Of Road Design On The Increased Likelihood Of Hit-and-Run Accidents
The aforementioned AAA study noted that environmental factors had been associated with the likelihood of hit-and-run crashes. Some of these factors include lighting, roadway geometry, and crash location.
Hit-and-run accidents are less likely on roads that have more witnesses or traffic. Higher pedestrian traffic, however, can make a hit-and-run more likely.
The AAA study also noted that fleeing the scene was almost 4.4 times more likely when a crash occurred between midnight and 4 a.m. in comparison to crashes between 8 a.m. and 11:59 a.m. Nighttime crashes not only offer lower visibility for drivers to escape to, but many drivers at night are more likely to commit unlawful traffic violations, such as driving under the influence (DUI).
Time Limit For Filing Hit-And-Run Injury Claims
The statute of limitations for personal injury actions, such as car accidents, is two years from the date of an accident. One important exception to this rule concerns injuries that are not immediately discovered, as people can have up to one year to file a claim from the date an injury is discovered.
There are other reasons a court can toll (delay) a cause of action, including:
- An injured victim who is less than 18 years of age (in which case they get two years to file after turning 18).
- A victim being declared mentally incompetent, a victim dying within six months of the end of the statute of limitations, a victim being in prison, or a victim performing military service.
Speaking with a Beverly Hills lawyer experienced in hit-and-run cases can help you understand what your filing options are and how your time limit can be impacted.
In a hit-and-run case, the statute of limitations can also be tolled while the Beverly Hills Police Department is still seeking the offender. Your right to seek compensation isn’t automatically forfeited simply because someone else attempted to avoid accountability for the accident.
FAQs About Hit-And-Run Accidents
What Kind Of Financial Recovery Can I Pursue After A Hit-and-Run Accident?
Many people who have hit-and-run accident claims can be surprised when other insurance companies call them and make offers to settle their cases with lump-sum payments. Still, people need to be meticulous before accepting such offers and assess if they cover current and potential future losses. Seeking guidance from a Beverly Hills hit-and-run accident lawyer can be useful during this time.
Moreover, if the settlement offer is insufficient to cover your losses, our lawyers are ready to take your case to court, if necessary. Spearheaded by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., Arash Law understands the many ways in which all kinds of car accidents can impact people’s lives. Depending on the facts of your case, we can help you pursue compensation for the following:
- Medical Bills — People can seek compensation for all past, present, and future medical expenses related to the hit-and-run accident.
- Lost Income — People may be entitled to compensation for any income they have lost because of an inability to return to work or reduced income when a person cannot make as much as they did before their accident.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses — Possible expenses subject to reimbursement may include transportation costs, rental car expenses, prescriptions, and medical devices.
- Pain & Suffering — Most car accident victims are dealing with some pain and suffering, and these losses may be higher for people with severe injuries.
- Reduction in Quality & Enjoyment of Life — Compensation may be available when an accident significantly impacts a person’s quality of life.
- Loss of Sexual Relations (Consortium) — People can seek compensation for how their accidents are impacting their spousal or family relationship.
- Punitive Damages — A very limited number of cases can be eligible for punitive damages, which are intended more to punish offenders for leaving the scene of accidents.
Although rare, courts may award punitive damages in cases of especially reckless or malicious conduct to punish and deter similar behavior, such as drunk driving or hit-and-run accidents.
Contact our Beverly Hills car accident lawyers experienced in hit-and-run cases to seek legal support. Under the leadership of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., Arash Law has handled numerous motor vehicle crash cases in California, including many hit-and-run cases.
Our injury firm will conduct our own independent investigation into your crash and work with authorities to help you seek compensation.
What Should I Do If The Insurance Company Calls Me After A Beverly Hills Hit-And-Run Accident?
If you have a hit-and-run accident lawyer in Beverly Hills, direct any communication from insurers to them. If you don’t have a lawyer, be careful when speaking to insurance companies.
You may be asked to provide a recorded statement to process your claim. However, this can be used later on to devalue your claim. Remember that you can refuse to provide a recorded statement. If you wish to understand more about your rights, you can reach out to our Beverly Hills hit-and-run accident lawyers.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
How Can Hit-and-Run Victims Protect Themselves?
For accidents resulting in injury or death, California Vehicle Code § 20001 requires drivers to stop immediately at the scene of the accident. For accidents leading to property damage, drivers must stop at the nearest area that will not impede traffic, according to California Vehicle Code § 20002. Failing to stop will be considered fleeing the scene, which can lead to criminal charges.
When a driver hits you and flees the scene, consider following these steps:
- Call the Police — The DMV says people should immediately report collisions to the local police or California Highway Patrol (CHP). Accident reports must be completed within 24 hours if a crash involves injury or death. People must also report collisions by completing a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR 1) to the DMV within 10 days when there is over $1,000 in damage to the property of any person or any person who suffers an injury or is killed.
- Collect Evidence — While a police report is certainly going to be important to a case, people can also do certain things to help collect other kinds of evidence. You can use the camera on your cell phone to take photographs or videos of your crash scene, being sure to get shots from different angles and distances.
- Find a Witness — When you are able, look for any possible witnesses to your accident. Get their contact information.
- Contact Beverly Hills Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers — While people have two years to file injury claims, getting legal representation without delay can be a smart move. Lawyers can help you manage the legal aspects of your case and work to build a claim based on evidence.
Why Should I Hire A Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyer?
When a driver hits you and flees the scene, seeking compensation becomes more complex. Hiring a hit-and-run attorney in Beverly Hills can ease some of your burden, as they handle the legal aspects of your case. They can explain your legal options and handle filing your claim, drafting legal documents, and organizing evidence.
A hit-and-run attorney’s goal is to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and related losses.
Call Our Dedicated Hit-and-Run Lawyers In Beverly Hills!
If you suffered serious injuries or your loved one was killed in a hit-and-run accident in the greater Beverly Hills area of California, our skilled attorneys can provide legal guidance. Whether you need help in filing an insurance claim or seeking compensation through a personal injury case, Arash Law, under the supervision of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., is here to help. Our firm offers a free, no-obligation initial consultation for you to discuss your case with us.
Arash Law assists clients in communities throughout the Beverly Hills area, including Manhattan Beach, West Hollywood, Walnut Park, Culver City, Huntington Park, Santa Monica, West Athens, Inglewood, Hawthorne, Burbank, El Segundo, Los Angeles, Westmont, Glendale, and Lennox.
We also handle car accidents, truck collisions, pedestrian claims, motorcycle collisions, Lyft cases, and Uber cases. Also, we represent clients in various types of personal injury cases, including brain injuries, slip-and-falls, and bike accidents.
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