California Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys
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Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys In California Helping Clients Understand Their Rights
Being injured by another driver in a car accident is never easy, but if the other motorist doesn’t even bother to stop, accept responsibility, and provide aid, it makes the situation that much more difficult. If you were injured in a hit-and-run crash, our experienced hit-and-run accident lawyers can review your case and help you seek financial recovery for injuries and other related losses. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial case evaluation.
Even when the at-fault driver is not identified, victims may still have avenues for recovery. In California, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may provide compensation for accident-related costs. Filing a UM claim can be complex, with the need for thorough documentation and careful attention to insurance procedures.
If you were hurt or if a loved one was killed in a hit-and-run accident, our California hit-and-run attorneys can assist by gathering evidence, managing communications with insurance companies, and advising you on the steps available under the law. We focus on handling the legal process so you can concentrate on your recovery.
California Hit-And-Run Laws Are Clear
California law is clear that if a motorist bumps or hits an unattended parked car, the driver must leave his or her name and contact information for the driver of the damaged vehicle. If someone’s property has been damaged, it is illegal to drive away in an attempt to go undetected. To do so is a misdemeanor that can carry the maximum sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Additional penalties can include 3 years of probation, restitution for the damaged property, and 2 points against the guilty driver’s California license.
In more serious situations, a hit-and-run can be classified as a felony. To be convicted of a felony hit-and-run, the prosecution must generally show that the driver:
- Was operating the vehicle at the time of the accident.
- Caused serious or fatal injury to another person.
- Knew the accident had occurred.
- Failed to stop, provide assistance, and exchange contact information.
Felony hit-and-run convictions may result in fines of up to $10,000 and prison sentences of up to three years, or up to four years if the crash caused death or severe injury.
If you were injured by a driver who left the scene, understanding the penalties for hit-and-run offenses is important. These consequences highlight how seriously California law treats such cases and why victims may want to consult a hit-and-run accident lawyer to better understand their rights and options for pursuing a claim.
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
The Elements Of A California Hit-And-Run Accident
Driving in California or anywhere else means you must help keep roads safe for all. Part of this responsibility includes adhering to the rules of the road. In California, if a driver is involved in a traffic accident, that driver must pull off the road (as safely as possible) at the scene of the accident. Not to do so in such a situation can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
For a driver to be charged with a misdemeanor hit and run, several elements are generally required:
- The driver left the scene of the accident.
- The driver did not provide identifying information to the other party.
- The collision resulted in property damage.
For a hit-and-run accident to be charged as a felony, it is necessary that someone was injured in the collision.
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a hit-and-run accident, understanding these legal elements is important. Determining whether a case is classified as a misdemeanor or felony can involve multiple factors, and victims often face the added challenge of identifying the driver or dealing with insurance coverage when the at-fault party is unknown.
These complexities highlight why consulting a California hit-and-run accident lawyer may help you better understand your rights, the penalties involved, and the options available for pursuing financial recovery of your losses.
Why Do Drivers “Flee The Scene” In California?
California law requires every driver involved in an accident to stop, provide identifying information, and, when necessary, offer reasonable assistance. Despite this clear duty, some drivers leave the scene of a crash. Common reasons may include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Facing prior legal or criminal issues.
- Lacking insurance or a valid driver’s license.
- Being an undocumented immigrant.
Leaving the scene is a serious violation of California law and can result in criminal penalties, administrative sanctions, and civil liability. For victims, these cases can also be more complex since the at-fault driver may not be immediately identified, making legal guidance important for understanding the options available for pursuing compensation for damages incurred.
Hit-And-Runs Caused By Driving Under The Influence (DUI – Hit & Runs)
Some hit-and-run accidents occur when a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In these situations, impairment may contribute both to the crash itself and to the driver’s decision to leave the scene. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Every 45 minutes in the United States, an alcohol-impaired driver is involved in a fatal crash.
- In 2020, 11,654 individuals were killed in traffic accidents that involved alcohol-impaired drivers.
- While about 1 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence, 127 million drivers self-reported that they’d driven while impaired in 2020.
Impaired drivers put themselves and other road users at risk. If such a driver leaves you injured in an accident from which he or she runs, California lawyers for hit-and-run accidents can assist you in pursuing an injury claim.
The Effects Of Drinking And Driving
Driving under the influence is both illegal and dangerous. Alcohol can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely in several ways, including:
- Reduced peripheral vision and slower recovery from glare.
- Difficulty handling situations where multiple factors demand attention.
- Weakened ability to track visually complex environments, such as busy intersections.
- Diminished judgment, which can affect decision-making before and during driving.
When an impaired driver causes an accident and leaves the scene, you may face additional challenges in identifying the driver, proving their impairment, or pursuing compensation for damages through insurance. A California hit-and-run accident lawyer can assist you by gathering evidence, reviewing insurance coverage options, and advising on your next steps.
Steps After A Hit-And-Run Crash In California
If you are involved in a crash where the other driver leaves the scene, there are several steps you may consider taking. These actions can help protect your health, preserve important evidence, and strengthen any insurance or legal claim that might follow:
- Collect as much info as possible while at the scene of the accident. Depending on your condition, you might have the ability to get the car’s license plate number and the make, model, and color of the vehicle. If you can not make a note of this info, you need to at least attempt to snap a few photos of the car (maybe using your cell phone).
- Call the police as soon as possible. Reporting the accident creates an official record and allows law enforcement to begin investigating. You can later request a copy of the collision report through the responding police agency or the California DMV, which can be a helpful piece of evidence when you submit a claim.
- Get the names and contact info of any witnesses. Collect names and contact details from anyone who saw the accident. Witnesses may provide valuable information confirming that another vehicle was involved.
- Get immediate medical attention. For your own well-being, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible and get examined for any injuries. Furthermore, if you see a doctor, it produces a record of your injuries. As you improve, you need to stick to your medical professional’s treatment plan.
- Report the crash to your own insurance company. Report the accident to your insurer promptly, but stick to the facts. Avoid admitting fault or providing a recorded statement until you understand your rights. Because uninsured motorist (UM) coverage often applies in hit-and-run cases, consulting a California hit-and-run lawyer can help you understand your coverage and legal options before accepting any settlement.
Working With A Hit-and-Run Lawyer And Insurance Companies
Many California drivers have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage included in their auto insurance policies, which often applies in hit-and-run cases. However, compensation may sometimes be available through other avenues, depending on the circumstances of the crash and the insurance policies involved.
Hit-and-run accidents can be complex, especially when it comes to identifying coverage, documenting injuries, and proving damages. If you were a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or bicyclist injured in a collision where the other motorist fled, consulting a California hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you better understand your options for pursuing a claim.
Consult Our California Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers
Searching for “hit and run accident attorneys near me” can connect you with legal professionals who handle hit-and-run cases across California. Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney fees are typically collected only if compensation is obtained, though clients may still be responsible for certain costs.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. While you focus on healing, our skilled hit-and-run accident lawyers can review your case, explain your legal options, and help with the claims process. These cases are often complex, especially when the at-fault driver cannot be identified and uninsured motorist coverage or other insurance avenues must be explored.
At Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our team of injury lawyers assists clients throughout California with hit-and-run claims. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and give updates on your case. We provide legal assistance regardless of immigration status.
To learn more about our services and how we can help you, call (888) 488-1391 or contact us online for a free initial consultation.
