Salinas Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys
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- Salinas and the Automobile Accident Risks
- California Law and Hit-and-Run Accidents
- Prohibited Conduct Under California Vehicle Code Section 20002
- Driving Without a Valid License: California Vehicle Code Section 12500
- Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs: California Vehicle Code Section 23152
- Felony Hit-and-Run: California Vehicle Code Section 20001
- Driving Under the Influence with Injury: California Vehicle Code Section 23153
- Speed Exhibition: California Vehicle Code Section 23109(c)
- What Methods Do Law Enforcement Agencies Use to Identify and Find Hit-and-Run Drivers?
- Common Injuries Suffered by Victims in Hit-and-Run Accidents
- Determining Which Parties Are at Fault in Hit-and-Run Accidents
- The Types of Damages Injured Parties Can Claim After a Hit-and-Run Accident
- The Methods Insurance Companies Use to Avoid Paying Claims After Hit-and-Run Accidents
- Retaining a Salinas Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
- What Causes Hit-and-Run Accidents?
Salinas Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys Turning Injured Victims Into Victors
California is an incredibly diverse state, and Salinas is one of its most unique cities. The birthplace of American writer John Steinbeck, Salinas is located in Monterey County. Northern California is one of the most beautiful areas in the United States, and Monterey County stands out among the distinctive regions in this part of the country. The Salinas River is one of the most noticeable landmarks that distinguish Salinas from other cities. The Salinas Valley is less than ten miles from the Pacific Ocean.
Salinas is a great place to live and work, but accidents happen, and drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists may be at risk of suffering injuries during a hit-and-run accident. Two major highways, the 101 and the 183, are the busiest roadways that pass through Salinas. Hit-and-run accidents can cause serious bodily injury and death. Founded by famous attorney Arash Khorsandi, Esq., Arash Law represents clients who have suffered injuries during hit-and-run accidents in Salinas.
If you were injured in a wreck involving a driver who fled the scene, speak to our award-winning Salinas hit-and-run accident attorneys for a free case review. Our consultations are free, confidential and available to you 24 hours a day, online or on the phone at (888) 488-1391.
Our client was parked on the side of the road and was struck by the defendant driver traveling at a high rate of speed– ARASH KHORSANDI
Salinas and the Automobile Accident Risks
- Sanborn Road and East Alisal Street: Fourteen accidents
- McKinnon Street and Boronda Road: Fifteen accidents
- Natividad Road and Boronada Road: Twenty-two accidents
- Natividad Road and East Laurel Drive: Thirty-two accidents
Drivers Who Strike Another Car and Flee the Accident Scene
Individuals who abandon injured victims at the scene of an accident typically do so to evade arrest. A hit-and-run driver may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. Also, individuals driving without a valid license may flee the accident scene.
California Law and Hit-and-Run Accidents
California Vehicle Code Section 20002 requires an individual to remain at the accident scene when another party’s property is damaged. The individual who damaged the property must leave identifying information on the damaged property.
Anyone who violates California Vehicle Code Section 20002 can be charged with a misdemeanor hit-and-run offense. The possible sanctions include a maximum six-month term of imprisonment and a fine of no more than $1,000. California Vehicle Code Section 20001 covers felony hit-and-run accidents. California reserves more severe penalties for felony hit-and-run offenses.
Prohibited Conduct Under California Vehicle Code Section 20002
- An individual caused property damage.
- The individual who caused the property damage did not leave identifying information on the property.
- The individual fled the scene of the accident.
California Vehicle Code Section 20002 and Hit-and-Run Accidents in California
- The individual did not either (a) stop at the accident scene or (b) leave the owner or person who controlled the damaged property their current residential address or name.
- The individual had actual knowledge that they were involved in an accident in which they caused property damage.
- The accident damaged another party’s property.
- The individual who caused the accident was driving when the accident occurred.
Penalties Related to Violations of California Vehicle Code Section 20002
Hit-and-Run Offenses Under California Vehicle Code Section 20002 and Possible Defenses
- Only the driver’s automobile was damaged during the accident – A driver may not have intended to strike another vehicle, but no property damage occurred to the other party’s vehicle. The defense asserts that the driver did not cause any property damage to another party’s vehicle, and the driver should not be convicted.
- No damage to any party’s property – A party may have struck another party’s property but did not see any damage. The driver did not have actual knowledge that the accident caused any damage, and the driver will assert this defense.
- The driver did not have actual knowledge of an accident – The driver may not have noticed that their vehicle struck any property. The defense will assert that the driver did not have actual knowledge of any accident or property damage and cannot be convicted.
Driving Without a Valid License: California Vehicle Code Section 12500
Drivers who do not renew their California driver’s license or acquire a California driver’s license violate California Vehicle Code Section 12500. The individual who violates this code section may be charged with either a misdemeanor or an infraction. Those who are charged with a misdemeanor face the following penalties:
- A term in county jail and a fine
- A maximum fine of $1,000
- A term of no more than six months in county jail
Driving Without a Valid License and Jury Instructions in California
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs: California Vehicle Code Section 23152
- Increases in insurance premiums
- Driver’s license suspension for a minimum of six months
- Defensive driving classes
- A monetary fine and additional court fees
- A term of imprisonment in county jail for a maximum of one year
- Probation for three to five years
Driving Under the Influence: California Jury Instructions
Felony Hit-and-Run: California Vehicle Code Section 20001
- A one-year term of imprisonment in county jail
- A $1,000 minimum fine or a $10,000 maximum fine
- A two-year to a four-year term in a state correctional institution if the accident resulted in serious bodily injury or death
- Between sixteen months and three years of imprisonment in a state correctional institution
- A $1,000 minimum fine or a $10,000 maximum fine
Felony Hit-and-Run: California Jury Instructions
Driving Under the Influence with Injury: California Vehicle Code Section 23153
Someone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may cause an accident resulting in serious bodily injury. An intoxicated driver who causes injury to another person may be charged under California Vehicle Code Section 23153. An individual may be charged with either a felony or a misdemeanor based on whether the individual has prior DUI offenses. A person who is convicted of a third DUI offense will receive a felony conviction.
- Active and ongoing participation in an alcohol and drug education program for eighteen to thirty months.
- Points assessed on the driver’s California motor vehicle record
- The state will revoke the driver’s California driver’s license for five years
- The driver will be deemed a habitual traffic offender for a three-year period
- A monetary fine ranging from $1,015 to $5,000
- A three to six-year term of imprisonment in a state correctional institution
- An extra year of incarceration for each individual who suffered injury up to three extra years
- A two-year, three-year, or four-year term of imprisonment in a state correctional institution
- Active and ongoing participation in an alcohol and drug education program for three, nine, eighteen, or thirty months
- Restitution payments to the injured victims
- A suspension of the driver’s California driver’s license for one to three years
- A monetary fine from $390 to $5,000
- A term of imprisonment in county jail ranging from five days to one year
- A three-year to a five-year term of probation
DUI with injury: California Jury Instructions
Speed Exhibition: California Vehicle Code Section 23109(c)
The following is stated in California Vehicle Code Section 23109(c): “(a) A person shall not engage in a motor vehicle speed contest on a highway. As used in this section, a motor vehicle speed contest includes a motor vehicle race against another vehicle, a clock, or other timing devices. For purposes of this section, an event in which the time to cover a prescribed route of more than twenty miles is measured, but where the vehicle does not exceed the speed limits, is not a speed contest.”
- The driver’s California driver’s license is suspended for a maximum of six months.
- The driver is ordered to serve forty hours of community service.
- The driver faces a monetary fine and a term of imprisonment.
- The driver is fined no less than $350 but no more than $1,000.
- The driver faces a term of imprisonment in the county jail for no more than 90 days.
Speed Exhibition: California Jury Instructions
What Methods Do Law Enforcement Agencies Use to Identify and Find Hit-and-Run Drivers?
- It is often the case that paint marks will remain on an object struck by a vehicle. These paint marks can assist law enforcement officers in identifying the hit-and-run driver.
- Surveillance cameras are often located in different public spaces. A surveillance camera may have recorded the hit-and-run accident. A local business or property owner may possess the surveillance footage. If the hit-and-run accident was recorded, law enforcement officers could ascertain the hit-and-run driver’s license plate number. Also, surveillance footage may contain an image of the hit-and-run driver, the color of the hit-and-run driver’s vehicle, and the make and model of the hit-and-run driver’s vehicle. Other drivers may have dash cam recordings or cell phone recordings of the hit-and-run accident
- Law enforcement officers will interview individuals who were present when the hit-and-run accident happened. Individuals who reside in the area, and those who were just passing through on the day of the accident, may all have valuable information that can help law enforcement officers identify the hit-and-run driver.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Common Injuries Suffered by Victims in Hit-and-Run Accidents
The following are some of the most common injuries suffered by individuals during hit-and-run accidents:
- Silent injuries
- Loss of taste or smell
- Permanent or temporary paralysis
- Neck injuries
- Limb loss
- Knee injuries
- Injuries to internal organs
- Wound infections
- Permanent scarring
- Disfigurement
- Severe burns
- Fractured bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Determining Which Parties Are at Fault in Hit-and-Run Accidents
- Individuals who were with the hit-and-run driver may be partially liable. A restaurant may have served the driver too much alcohol. A driver may be using their employer’s vehicle, and if this is the case, the employer may be partially liable for the accident.
- A driver who stayed at the accident scene may be partially liable for the accident. Two drivers may have caused the automobile accident. A driver who remains at the scene may have caused the accident. A driver who caused the accident may have their financial settlement reduced based on their percentage of fault.
Uninsured motorist coverage may compensate injured parties if law enforcement officers cannot identify the hit-and-run driver. It also offers financial compensation for medical costs and automobile repair bills. With the help of our Salinas personal injury lawyers, you can receive compensation from the insurance company or other parties while you focus on healing.
The Types of Damages Injured Parties Can Claim After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Individuals who suffer serious bodily injury after a hit-and-run accident may be unable to return to work after the accident. Sometimes, a person can return to work a few months after an accident; others may suffer a temporary disability that prevents them from working. An injured party may be unable to afford their medical bills and other expenses due to their inability to earn an income. Lost earnings are often included as damages in hit-and-run accident cases.
An injured victim may be unable to return to their job after a hit-and-run accident. Individuals who suffer a traumatic brain injury may never work in the future. Others may be unable to perform manual labor due to their injuries. These injured victims may seek lost future earnings as part of their damages claims.
The Methods Insurance Companies Use to Avoid Paying Claims After Hit-and-Run Accidents
- An insurance claims adjuster may offer an injured individual an extremely low settlement offer. Insurance companies and their representatives may contact an injured victim soon after an accident and offer a low settlement offer. This settlement amount often does not include your total medical expenses and other costs associated with your injuries. If an injured victim accepts the low settlement amount, they will be unable to obtain full financial compensation for their injuries.
- Insurance companies will attempt to delay paying out accident claims. A hit-and-run driver may not be identified by law enforcement agencies, and an insurance company may state that your claim cannot be paid because it is not known whether the other party possessed automobile liability insurance. An insurance company may delay paying an accident claim until the law enforcement investigation ends. The insurance company may then attempt to deny an accident claim altogether.
- It is possible that an insurance company will claim that the injured party is not truly injured or did not provide accurate records of their injuries. Insurance companies hire professional investigators to watch injured victims to see if they are truly injured or not. An investigator may attempt to record you carrying heavy objects from a retail store or posting pictures on social media of you dancing with friends while you are supposed to be recovering from your injuries. Insurance companies will also state that your injuries arose from another cause and you were not injured during the hit-and-run accident.
- An insurance company and its representatives may state that their insured did not cause the hit-and-run accident. Law enforcement agencies may never identify the hit-and-run driver who caused your injuries. Insurance companies may claim that no proof exists that their insured caused the hit-and-run accident. Also, an insurance company may suggest that an injured victim caused the hit-and-run accident due to their own negligence.
You may not have the time or energy to read hundreds of pages of documents related to an insurance company and its policies for paying accident claims. Specific provisions may be relevant to your case, and it can be helpful to have a skilled hit-and-run accident attorney by your side. Investigating the hit-and-run accident scene is also important because a hit-and-run driver may have left evidence that can be used to identify and locate the hit-and-run driver.
Retaining a Salinas Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
- Stopping an injured victim from stating things on the record that may lower their likelihood of recovering financial compensation for their injuries
- Communicating with insurance companies so the accident victim can focus on recovering from their injuries
- Advocating for you if your case goes to trial
- Providing injured victims with legal advice regarding their claims
- Advising victims on what they should and should not put on social media while their case is active
What Causes Hit-and-Run Accidents?
- A driver is an employee who does not want to lose their job.
- The driver has firearms or drugs with them when the accident occurs.
- The driver stole the automobile they were driving.
- The driver fled the accident scene due to panic and fear.
- The driver has an outstanding arrest warrant and is evading arrest.
- The driver fled the accident scene because they feared being deported from the United States.
- The driver does not have automobile liability insurance.
- The driver does not have a valid California driver’s license.
- The driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
It is important for victims to remember that hit-and-run accidents are not their fault. Law enforcement agencies will work with victims to do everything in their power to identify the hit-and-run driver. Retaining a hit-and-run accident attorney can help victims receive the professional assistance they need for their case while they heal from their injuries.
Call Arash Law Today to Speak with a Salinas Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
Hit-and-run accidents can leave victims feeling frightened and humiliated. Being abandoned at an accident scene can be devastating. Call Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., and its talented team led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., at (888) 488-1391 if you are seeking a hit-and-run accident lawyer in California. We have decades of experience representing clients in hit-and-run accident cases. We have recovered over $750 Million for clients throughout California.
Managed and operated by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., Arash Law can help you with your hit-and-run accident case. We represent clients from Salinas and the surrounding cities: Scotts Valley, Morgan Hill, Santa Cruz, Soquel, Capitola, Soledad, Aptos, Gilroy, Hollister, Watsonville, Gonzales, Pacific Grove, Monterey, Seaside, and Marina.