Buena Park Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Buena Park Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys Advocating With Empathy And Experience
If you sustained injuries in a hit-and-run, our Buena Park hit-and-run accident attorneys will work to investigate and identify the potentially responsible party. Many accident victims worry they won’t be able to seek damages if the at-fault driver flees the scene. Even if the driver is not found or arrested, we can explore alternative options to help you pursue compensation. Call (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
Getting involved in a road accident can be stressful, especially if you’re injured and the at-fault driver flees the scene before you can get any information. Hit-and-run incidents often leave victims facing injuries and costly medical bills. You may have many questions in the aftermath: Who bears responsibility? Who will cover my medical expenses? Where should I turn to for assistance? How can I find more information?
If you are injured in a hit-and-run, our Buena Park attorneys can help by reviewing the details of your case, gathering available evidence, and explaining how the law applies to your situation. We can also assist with communicating with insurers and guiding you through the claims process.
Why Choose Our Buena Park Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers
When someone is injured or loses a loved one in a hit-and-run crash, the legal process can feel overwhelming. Our hit-and-run accident attorneys in Buena Park are familiar with the unique challenges these cases present. Here are some reasons to consider our hit-and-run accident lawyers:
- Free Initial Case Evaluation — We offer a free initial consultation to help you understand your potential options based on your situation. Some people may hesitate to speak with a lawyer due to concerns about legal fees. Our complimentary consultation provides a no-obligation way to learn more about your rights and what steps you could take.
- “No Win, No Fee” Policy — At Arash Law, we don’t require our clients to pay us legal fees if we don’t win their case. Our contingency fee arrangement means we only get paid after we recover compensation for you. Nevertheless, some case costs may still apply regardless of the result. We will explain this fee structure to you before we proceed with your case.
- Skilled and Experienced Lawyers — Our team of attorneys has years of experience handling different personal injury cases. This enables us to manage complex cases such as hit-and-runs.
- Clear Communication — We recognize the importance of transparent communication with our clients. Our attorneys aim to provide our clients with constant updates about the progress of their cases.
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– ARASH KHORSANDI
How Our Experienced Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys Can Help
Some hit-and-run victims may believe they can handle their claims without legal assistance. While hiring a lawyer is not required, having experienced legal guidance can help with identifying liable parties, navigating the claims process, and understanding the options available under California law.
Our hit-and-run accident lawyers serving Buena Park and across California can assist by:
- Building a case strategy that is tailored to the facts of your situation.
- Gathering evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements to document damages.
- Communicating with insurers and other parties on your behalf.
- Providing regular updates and answering questions so you remain informed throughout the process.
After sustaining injuries or losing someone you love in a hit-and-run accident, you don’t have to deal with the legal aspects on your own. Our Buena Park injury law firm can guide you throughout the claims process.
Why Hit-And-Run Accidents Happen
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without telling the other parties who they are or calling the police. It is illegal in California to flee the scene of an accident, and doing so can result in jail time for the perpetrator. Hit-and-runs that result in property damage are classified as misdemeanors, while hit-and-runs resulting in an injury or death become felonies.
Some hit-and-run drivers flee because they’ve caused serious accidents, severe injuries, or possibly deaths. Others panic and take off after witnessing the devastation, fearing the consequences. What these drivers fail to realize is that leaving the scene of a serious crash without offering assistance or reporting the incident is not only illegal but also incredibly reckless. In the end, it only makes things worse for everyone involved.
Here are some of the other reasons drivers leave the scene of an accident:
- Panic — They panicked and didn’t think things through.
- Intoxication — They were intoxicated and wanted to avoid arrest.
- Lack of Insurance — They don’t have insurance or are underinsured.
- Unlicensed — They were driving without a license or with a suspended or revoked license.
- In a Rush — They were in a hurry, possibly heading to work or another commitment.
There are other reasons why drivers commit hit-and-runs, but no excuse justifies leaving an accident victim to deal with the consequences alone. Regardless of the circumstances, fleeing the scene is both a serious legal offense and an ethical failure, carrying significant legal consequences.
Victims of hit-and-run crashes may benefit from consulting a Buena Park hit-and-run accident lawyer, who can explain how California law applies and outline the options available for pursuing damages through insurance coverage or other legal avenues.
Hurt In
A Car Accident?
Pursuing Damages After A Hit-And-Run Accident
In California, accident victims can seek compensation either through their own insurance or from the at-fault driver and their insurer. However, in hit-and-run cases, seeking damages from the at-fault driver depends on whether they are identified and apprehended. Law enforcement and your hit-and-run attorney can assist in this process.
At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
If the hit-and-run driver is later identified through witness statements or other evidence, their insurance information may become available. When that happens, a claim may be filed through their policy. If the driver does not have insurance, pursuing a lawsuit against their assets may be an option. However, seeking damages can be challenging if the individual does not have financial resources. A lawyer can explain the strengths and limitations of these options and guide you on a practical course of action.
Collision Coverage
This coverage pays for damage to your vehicle, regardless of who was at fault. If a hit-and-run driver damages your car, you can file a collision coverage claim with your insurance company. However, you will need to pay the deductible before your insurer covers the repairs.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Another option is to file a claim under your uninsured motorist insurance coverage, regardless of whether the driver is apprehended. In California, uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is included in your auto insurance policy, though you can opt out in writing. If you are in an accident with an uninsured motorist, including hit-and-run drivers, you are protected by this coverage.
Medical Payments Coverage
MedPay, or medical payments coverage, is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy that covers medical expenses after an accident. It can pay for treatments, medical equipment, nursing care, and rehabilitation costs related to your injuries. While MedPay doesn’t cover every type of injury, it typically provides coverage up to your policy’s limit for most accident-related medical expenses. However, it does not cover property damage or vehicle repairs.
Insurance claims can involve strict deadlines, multiple policies, and complex negotiations. A Buena Park hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you better understand your rights and options. They can assess the coverage available, assist with filing claims, communicate with insurers on your behalf, and help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
How To Establish Liability In A Hit-And-Run Accident Claim
In California, drivers who cause an accident and flee the scene may face both civil and criminal consequences. However, even in a hit-and-run case, liability for injuries and damages still needs to be established through evidence that connects the accident to the harm suffered. Simply showing that a driver left the scene does not automatically prove they caused the crash.
When handling a hit-and-run accident claim, our Buena Park attorneys help establish the following elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care — We should demonstrate that the potentially liable party has a legal duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others on the road. This includes refraining from reckless or negligent driving behaviors that could endanger other motorists, pedestrians, or property.
- Breach of Duty — There must be evidence showing that the at-fault party failed to meet their legal obligation to act with reasonable care.
- Causation — It must be shown that the collision directly resulted in your injuries. Proving causation typically involves collecting evidence such as:
- A police report detailing the accident scene and any witness statements.
- Photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and the surrounding area.
- Accident reconstructionist reports, if necessary, to analyze the crash dynamics.
- Expert testimony from engineers or accident reconstructionists to establish the sequence of events and the at-fault driver’s actions.
- Damages — Evidence must establish that the victim suffered losses due to the hit-and-run. These losses can include medical costs, lost income, property damage, and other related expenses. Buena Park hit-and-run accident lawyers can use the following evidence to support this:
- Medical records and bills from all treating physicians, hospitals, and therapists.
- Documentation of lost wages, including pay stubs, tax returns, and employer statements.
- Repair estimates and invoices for vehicle damage.
- Documentation of other expenses related to the accident, such as transportation costs or assistive devices.
- Expert analysis demonstrating the long-term impact of your injuries and losses.
Recoverable Compensation In A Hit-And-Run Accident Case
If you discover the identity of the at-fault driver, you can pursue a claim against their insurance company. However, if they remain unknown, your compensation may be limited to what is available through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or other applicable policies.
Our Buena Park hit-and-run accident lawyers can assist by reviewing the available coverage and documenting the types of damages that may apply in your case. Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages can include:
- Medical expenses, including future treatments and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Costs of repairing or replacing damaged property.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Diminished quality of life.
If the hit-and-run driver is identified and apprehended, you may also have the opportunity to pursue punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages, which are for reimbursing victims for financial and emotional losses, punitive damages serve a different purpose. They are intended to punish the at-fault party for gross negligence, reckless behavior, or a willful disregard for the safety of others. However, punitive damages are rarely awarded.
Our Buena Park hit-and-run accident attorneys have assisted victims in seeking compensation. Common injuries sustained in such incidents include:
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Lacerations
- Contusions
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Head and brain trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Burn injuries
- Amputations
What To Do After Being Injured In A Hit-And-Run Accident
Hit-and-run accidents can be stressful, but you must stay calm and take action to protect yourself and your right to seek compensation. Our Buena Park hit-and-run accident lawyers recommend you take the following steps, provided you’re still able to do so:
- Prioritize Safety — If someone is injured, call 911. If possible, pull over and switch on your hazard lights to warn other motorists. Afterward, make sure you’re safe outside your vehicle. Stay calm and avoid arguing with other drivers or bystanders.
- Do Not Go After the Driver — Hit-and-run drivers flee the scene for unknown reasons. The person may be high or drunk, wanted, or have deadly road rage. The authorities, not you, should pursue hit-and-run suspects.
- Call the Authorities — Report the collision to the police. The authorities can gather details and assess the damage. When talking to them, be specific about the other vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number if you can still remember them. This information improves the chances of apprehending the driver.
- Document the Scene — Gather as much information as possible. Note the accident site, time, and weather. Take pictures of your vehicle, other vehicles, and property damage. Get witness contact information and any details they can supply.
- Contact Your Insurer — Promptly report the hit-and-run accident to your insurer. Give them the police report number, witness testimony, and visual evidence. Do not sign any documents or give recorded statements without legal counsel.
- Consult a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer — Our hit-and-run accident victim lawyers can explain your rights and help you explore your options for pursuing compensation, whether the driver is apprehended or not.
What initially seemed like a routine rear-end collision, commonly known as a “fender bender,” turned into a significant settlement with high maximum limits for a client who suffered lower back disc injuries. The case was resolved just two weeks before the scheduled trial commencement.– BRIAN BEECHER
Deadline For Filing A Hit-And-Run Injury Claim In California
If you’ve sustained injuries in a hit-and-run accident, it’s crucial to understand California’s statute of limitations, which sets strict deadlines for filing a claim. Just like other auto accident cases, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver and seek compensation.
However, waiting too long can jeopardize your claim, as crucial evidence may be lost, and witnesses’ memories may fade. To protect your rights, contact a car accident lawyer shortly after the incident.
If you don’t find the hit-and-run driver right away, you can file a “John Doe” lawsuit within two years to preserve your right to sue. You can simply amend the lawsuit with the driver’s name if they are later identified and apprehended.
Moreover, insurance companies often have their own deadlines for reporting accidents and filing claims, which may be shorter than the statute of limitations. For this reason, it can be helpful to review your policy and seek legal guidance soon after the crash. A Buena Park hit-and-run accident attorney can explain how these deadlines apply to your case and help you take timely action.
Hit-And-Run Accident Statistics
Pedestrians are among the most frequent victims of hit-and-run drivers nationwide. In 2023, 25% of pedestrian fatalities happened due to hit-and-run accidents. From 2013 to 2019, hit-and-run crashes accounted for about 18% of pedestrian traffic deaths. This number increased by 24% in 2020 and has since increased to 25%.
A report in 2024 stated that California had reported the most hit-and-run crashes in the country. According to the Office of Traffic Safety, there were 16 reported fatal and injury hit-and-run crashes in Buena Park in 2022.
These figures underscore the serious risks posed by hit-and-run drivers. If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a hit-and-run accident, our Buena Park lawyers can help.
Buena Park Hit-And-Run Accident FAQs
Getting involved in a road accident with a hit-and-run driver raises many questions for the victims. While we already cover most of what you need to know regarding hit-and-run injury claims, below are a few more questions that our hit-and-run accident attorneys can shed light on.
How Much Will It Cost To Hire Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers?
You might be thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer, but can I afford to hire one?” In California, most personal injury lawyers, including those who handle hit-and-run cases, work on a contingency fee basis. This means clients do not pay attorney fees up front. Instead, the lawyer only gets paid if the case is successful.
The exact amount can vary based on case complexity and other factors. Clients may still be responsible for certain costs regardless of the outcome. This arrangement allows many accident victims to pursue legal claims without the burden of immediate out-of-pocket costs.
How Much Is My Hit-And-Run Case Worth?
There is no fixed average settlement amount for hit-and-run accidents, as each case is unique. Depending on a number of factors, the compensation amount can vary significantly. These factors typically include the degree of property damage, the severity of the injuries, and the effect of the injury on the victim’s day-to-day life.
A hit-and-run accident lawyer in Buena Park can review the circumstances of your case and help you understand the types of damages that may be available to you.
What If The Hit-And-Run Driver Is Never Identified Or Apprehended?
In some hit-and-run cases, the driver is never located. While this can make the process more challenging, victims may still have options for financial recovery. For example, you may be able to pursue a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, medical payments coverage, or other applicable policies.
A Buena Park hit-and-run accident attorney can explain how these options apply to your situation and assist you in exploring all potential avenues for seeking compensation.
Speak With Our Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys In Buena Park
Dealing with a hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming, especially if the at-fault driver is never found. The medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about how to move forward often leave victims feeling unsure of their options. In these situations, legal guidance can help you understand what forms of compensation may be available and how to protect your rights under California law.
At Arash Law, our Buena Park hit-and-run accident attorneys can review your situation, explain the claims process, and explore other options for compensation. We are available to answer your questions and help you make informed decisions. Call (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form to schedule a free initial case review.
Our hit-and-run accident victim attorneys serving Buena Park also extend their legal services to neighboring cities and communities, including Cerritos, Artesia, Norwalk, Bellflower, Lakewood, Cypress, La Mirada, East Whittier, Santa Fe Springs, Long Beach, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Stanton, Anaheim, Fullerton, and La Habra.
