Oakland Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys
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Our Oakland Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys Offer Guidance Rooted In Experience
Located in Alameda County, Oakland is one of the largest cities in California. In fact, it is the third-largest city in the Bay Area. Home to approximately 440,000 residents, Oakland is a major trade hub on the West Coast. The Port of Oakland is the fifth busiest port in the United States. The city has a long history that dates back to May 4, 1852, when the city was incorporated. It developed throughout the twentieth century as a center for shipping and automobile manufacturing. Unfortunately, with so many vehicles on the road, hit-and-run accidents can happen. If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident in Oakland, it’s important to contact Oakland hit-and-run accident attorneys who can help explore your legal options and guide you through the process.
Every individual who is involved in a motor vehicle accident in Oakland must adhere to the provisions of the California Vehicle Code. Drivers must stop at the accident scene and provide reasonable assistance to the other party. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, drivers who are participants in traffic collisions that cause bodily injury to others must stop at the scene of the accident. Additionally, California Vehicle Code Section 20003 mandates that a driver provide their vehicle registration number, their name, and address, as well as the contact information of any passengers. If the driver is not the registered owner, the driver must provide the registered owner’s name and address. Aside from that, a driver must take an injured party to the emergency room or arrange for the injured party’s transportation.
In some cases, the driver who causes a traffic collision may fail to provide assistance at the accident scene. Some drivers may flee the scene of the accident for various reasons, such as having no insurance, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or attempting to avoid arrest.
Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can result in serious injuries. On top of that, it may be frustrating to discover that the responsible party left the scene, potentially delaying medical care. This delay could worsen the severity of injuries, such as increased blood loss or more severe traumatic head injuries, due to the lack of immediate assistance.
Lost earnings are a major component of most hit-and-run accident cases. It is possible that you will have to miss months of work while you recover from your injuries. Aside from that, you may be unable to return to your previous job due to the nature of your injuries. In some cases, an injured party may lose their ability to handle household chores or take care of their young children.
A hit-and-run accident can also be financially devastating due to overwhelming medical bills and other costs. If you spend your savings, you may find it difficult to pay for necessities such as food, heating, and rent. Financial stress and physical disability can cause severe emotional distress. Family relationships can be strained during this time.
Consulting an Oakland hit-and-run accident attorney at Arash Law can be beneficial if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim. We represent clients in hit-and-run accident cases throughout California.
Belanger v. City of Simi Valley (settled on 4/13/2021) – settlement in a case involving a client who was hit by a vehicle while working as a crossing guard resulting in orthopedic injuries as well as a traumatic brain injury.– Tina Eshghieh
Pedestrians In Oakland Are At Risk Of Suffering Injuries During Hit-And-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents pose a significant risk to pedestrians and others in Oakland. Research indicates that hit-and-runs are becoming more prevalent, and pedestrians are particularly affected. The California Department of Public Health has reported a worrying trend: an increase in the number of pedestrian accidents in California. In some cases, the driver who injures a pedestrian during an accident drives off without offering reasonable assistance to them.
Drivers responsible for hit-and-run accidents may be found at a later date, but the injuries suffered by pedestrians can be life-altering. Many pedestrians experience more severe injuries because they couldn’t receive immediate medical attention after a driver leaves the accident scene. As a result of this delay, pedestrians sometimes succumb to their injuries. Hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians have serious effects on public safety.
Accidents Involving Reckless Behavior In Oakland
The California Department of Public Health reports that California has an excessively high number of pedestrian accidents involving fatalities. The rate of pedestrian accidents in California is approximately fifty-eight percent higher than the national average. Hit-and-run accidents are becoming increasingly common in the United States as a whole. Also, pedestrians are disproportionately affected by hit-and-run accidents. The following statistics were reported by a major American newspaper in 2013:
- California has an excessive number of hit-and-run accidents. In Los Angeles County, 4,000 hit-and-run accidents cause serious bodily injury or death each year.
- Between 2009 and 2011, the overall number of hit-and-run accidents in the United States increased while the frequency of other accident types decreased.
- Approximately a fifth of all pedestrian accidents are due to hit-and-run accidents.
- Pedestrians make up three out of five fatalities in all hit-and-run accidents.
The California legislature has attempted to reduce the number of hit-and-run accidents and pedestrian fatalities throughout the state. In 2013, the legislature extended the statute of limitations for prosecuting hit-and-run drivers from three years to six years. A bill currently being debated would mandate that all drivers in California stop after striking a person. If a driver does not stop, they may be charged with a misdemeanor offense, fines, and license suspension.
The legislature can enact laws that can help reduce the number of hit-and-run accidents in California. These new bills may also assist individuals who are still suffering from the long-term consequences of the injuries associated with a hit-and-run accident.
Locating A Hit-And-Run Driver In Oakland
A hit-and-run accident lawyer in Oakland may ask you questions about the accident in which you suffered an injury. You may need to provide the names and addresses of any witnesses you spoke to at the accident scene. A skilled attorney can speak with witnesses who can provide important details about the hit-and-run accident. One method of finding the hit-and-run driver who is responsible for your injuries is to find out the make, model, and color of their automobile.
Cameras situated on telephone poles and at businesses can provide surveillance footage of the hit-and-run accident. A camera may have recorded the hit-and-run driver speeding away from the accident scene. Private homes also have security cameras, and sometimes these recordings will contain information that can help us identify the hit-and-run driver. Additionally, many individuals record videos with their cell phones, and it is possible that a bystander recorded the accident and the hit-and-run driver fleeing the scene. It is important to seek out all resources that may have video footage of the hit-and-run accident.
Mechanic shops may also have worked on the vehicle used by the hit-and-run driver. The driver may have damaged their vehicle, and a mechanic may have worked on the automobile shortly after the hit-and-run accident. Hospitals may also have records of the hit-and-run driver seeing a medical professional about their injuries. Physicians and nurses know how to recognize injuries that were likely caused by an automobile accident.
The hit-and-run driver may not have filed a health insurance claim or an automobile liability insurance claim. These facts are important to any investigation regarding a hit-and-run driver. Discovering the make and model of the automobile involved in the hit-and-run accident will allow investigators to examine the paint on the automobile and other identifying components.
The Different Categories Of Hit-And-Run Accidents
Property damage and bodily injuries are the two kinds of damage most commonly associated with automobile accidents. Under California law, drivers must take specific action depending on whether a person suffered bodily injury or only property damage occurred.
Property Damage
California Vehicle Code Section 20002 states that a driver can be charged with a misdemeanor if they abandon an accident scene after being in an accident that only resulted in property damage. A driver must make a complete stop at the accident scene and inform the vehicle owners and owners of other damaged property about the accident. The driver must also provide the property owner with their contact details and driver’s license information.
Additionally, the driver must leave a written note about the incident on the damaged vehicle or other property and immediately call law enforcement to file an official report. Individuals who violate California Vehicle Code Section 2002 face being charged with a misdemeanor and serving a six-month term of imprisonment in county jail, with a maximum fine of $1,000.
Serious Bodily Injury Or Death
Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, all drivers who are participants in motor vehicle accidents that cause bodily injury or death must stop at the accident scene. These drivers must perform certain tasks at the scene of the accident. If the drivers do not complete these tasks, they can be charged with a crime for hit-and-run as well as other criminal offenses.
California Vehicle Code Section 20003 states that a driver must also provide identification and other identifying information to other parties involved in the accident and law enforcement officers. The driver must also provide reasonable assistance to the injured individual, including calling 911 for an ambulance.
If an individual dies during an accident, California Vehicle Code Section 20004 mandates that the driver of any vehicle who is a party to the accident call a law enforcement agency as soon as possible. If a driver fails to stop at the accident scene, they may face felony charges.
The Penalties For Hit-And-Run Drivers
The penalties for abandoning the scene of an accident can be severe. Drivers may face up to a year in county jail or sixteen months to three years of incarceration in a state correctional institution. Also, drivers may have to pay fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. The following penalties are associated with hit-and-run accidents involving death or permanent bodily injury:
- A fine ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
- A term of imprisonment ranging from ninety days to one year.
- A term of imprisonment in a state correctional institution from two years to four years.
Courts must assess the defendant’s ability to pay a fine. A court has the discretion to lower the fine to an amount below $1,000.
Permanent bodily injury denotes permanent impairment or loss of a bodily limb or internal organ. Sentence enhancement may be applicable to cases involving vehicular manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If sentence enhancement applies, the defendant may face an extra five years in a state correctional institution.
The Steps To Take After A Hit-And-Run Accident
Being a victim of a hit-and-run accident can cause individuals to panic. However, it is important to remain as calm as possible immediately after a hit-and-run accident. Call for an ambulance and then contact a law enforcement agency so you can file a police report. Once you are in a safe space, write down as many details as you can regarding the accident, including any details you remember about the hit-and-run driver.
Witnesses are important to any hit-and-run accident case. You should attempt to obtain the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the accident or the hit-and-run driver. Reach out to your insurance company and report the automobile accident. You may also want to contact an Oakland hit-and-run accident lawyer at this time so you can learn more details about filing your claims.
Do not chase after the fleeing driver at the scene of the accident. You may be angry and frustrated, but it is important that you remain focused on dealing with your injuries and recovery. It can be frustrating to be abandoned at the scene of an accident, but you do not want to exacerbate your injuries by chasing after a fleeing driver.
Potential Compensation In A Personal Injury Case
Seeking compensation for your injuries and losses can be challenging without the assistance of a hit-and-run accident attorney. The hit-and-run driver fled the scene, and this individual caused the accident. As a result, you may need to seek monetary compensation through your own insurance company. A skilled and knowledgeable hit-and-run accident attorney can help you with every aspect of a hit-and-run accident case.
Skilled legal professionals can assist you in pursuing financial compensation for the following:
- Severe Emotional Distress
- Lost Earnings
- Physical Therapy
- Chiropractic Sessions
- Physician Bills
- Medical Costs
How To Get Help From An Oakland Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
A skilled hit-and-run accident attorney can help identify and locate the hit-and-run driver who caused your injuries. An attorney can help you assess whether you have grounds to file a civil lawsuit against the hit-and-run driver. The goal of a civil lawsuit is to seek financial compensation for your pain and suffering, lost earnings, and past and future medical treatments.
A hit-and-run accident lawyer can handle negotiations if you are open to resolving your case out of court. If you would rather not accept a settlement, a hit-and-run accident attorney can take your case to trial. Having a knowledgeable hit-and-run accident lawyer by your side can help you focus on healing from your injuries while your attorney handles the legal aspects of your case.
Speak With An Oakland Hit-And-Run Accident Attorney
Suffering injuries in a hit-and-run accident can result in challenges, such as being left at the scene for an extended period before receiving assistance. Managing the various aspects of a hit-and-run case can also be complex.
Contact Arash Law to schedule a free initial consultation during which we can discuss the facts of your case. We have decades of experience representing clients in hit-and-run accident cases throughout California. Call (888) 488-1391 to learn how we can help you with your hit-and-run accident case.
Our Oakland hit-and-run accident attorneys have represented clients from El Sobrante, San Lorenzo, San Pablo, Ashland, Tiburon, Lafayette, Richmond, San Francisco, San Leandro, Moraga, Orinda, Albany, Berkeley, Piedmont, and Alameda. Reach out to Arash Law, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to learn more about the legal services we offer.
