San Bernardino Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys
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San Bernardino Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys Help Injured Victims Take Informed Action
A hit-and-run accident may leave you and your family facing financial, emotional, and physical challenges. Our San Bernardino hit-and-run accident attorneys offer support and can assist you in understanding the complexities of an injury claim. Call (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
San Bernardino is a city filled with economic growth and opportunity. Located in one of the largest counties in the country, San Bernardino County, the city is within commuting distance of Los Angeles. As of the latest census, the city had a total population of 393,214. Here, their city council fosters a culture that attracts people and encourages top-tier talent. With a strong focus on development, many are drawn to San Bernardino to enjoy its attractions and thriving community.
However, despite it being ranked as the nation’s 166th safest city for driving by Allstate in 2019, accidents can still occur here, potentially resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities.
Many hit-and-run victims worry they won’t be able to pursue compensation when the at-fault driver flees. Our San Bernardino hit-and-run accident attorneys can help by investigating the case, assisting with identifying the potentially responsible party, and helping you explore other options for seeking damages if necessary.
Our dedicated team at Arash Law is committed to helping injured victims learn about their rights and options. If you have a valid claim, we can work to build a well-supported case and handle settlement negotiations with insurance companies.
We take cases involving minors very seriously, and they are near and dear to our hearts. As a society we must place the highest value on our children and their safety!
– ARASH KHORSANDI
Why Work With Arash Law’s San Bernardino Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys
Many of the cases handled by our car accident lawyers can potentially be resolved through insurance claims and settlements, especially if both parties involved exchange information after a crash. However, hit-and-run incidents can complicate the situation, as one party leaves the scene, making it difficult to gather the necessary information for seeking compensation. This could create challenges in terms of accountability and legal proceedings. Our San Bernardino hit-and-run accident attorneys can guide you through the claims process while offering support.
Here’s what our San Bernardino injury law firm can do if you decide to work with us on a valid claim:
- Navigating Hit-and-Run Cases — Hit-and-run cases in California can be complex. California law requires drivers involved in accidents to exchange information. When a negligent driver flees the scene, finding them and potentially holding them responsible becomes challenging. These accidents may cause injuries, property damage, and other losses that require thorough investigation and legal understanding. Our San Bernardino hit-and-run accident attorneys can help you understand the extent of your damages and how you may be able to seek compensation, even if the at-fault driver is difficult to find or cannot ultimately be located.
- Conducting an Independent Investigation — One critical element in a hit-and-run case is conducting an independent investigation. Our personal injury attorneys have the resources and knowledge to help gather relevant supporting evidence, identify witnesses, and work with law enforcement to track down the responsible party.
- Meeting Legal Deadlines — California has strict deadlines for hit-and-run claims. Missing these can prevent you from seeking compensation, even if you have a case. Our experienced attorneys understand these deadlines and can help you file the necessary paperwork on time.
- Settlement Negotiation — Victims of hit-and-run accidents may face significant injuries and losses. Our San Bernardino hit-and-run accident attorneys are committed to pursuing a settlement that closely reflects your damages. We may do so by negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to court to advocate for your rights.
We understand that every case is unique and can thus develop a strategy tailored to your needs after a hit-and-run accident. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial case review.
California’s Hit-And-Run Laws
California’s hit-and-run laws encompass various scenarios, from property damage to severe injuries or fatalities. According to California Vehicle Code 20002, any driver involved in an accident with another vehicle or property must stay at the scene, exchange information with the other driver, or find the property owner if they are not around. Failure to do so is a criminal offense, even if no one is hurt.
If someone is injured, California Vehicle Code 20001 mandates that drivers immediately stop and provide necessary assistance to victims. Drivers must also report the accident within 24 hours. In all cases involving personal injury or death, drivers are legally obligated to stop at the scene, exchange information with those involved, assist injured individuals, and report the accident to the police.
While some argue that hit-and-run laws are too harsh, especially for accidents with minor or no apparent damage, research supports their effectiveness in promoting road safety and accountability. A 2009 study found that states with stricter hit-and-run laws had higher compliance rates among drivers involved in accidents.
California’s hit-and-run laws aim to protect innocent people from harm caused by negligent or irresponsible drivers. Understanding these laws is crucial to maintaining safety on the roads. The penalties for hit-and-run vary based on the severity of the incident. For property damage, a conviction can result in a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both. If injuries or fatalities occur, the minimum sentence is 90 days in county jail and a fine of at least $1,000 but not more than $10,000.
If you’re injured or your property is damaged due to a hit-and-run, our attorneys in San Bernardino can assist you in pursuing compensation for your losses. We can evaluate your case to see if you have a viable claim to file against those accountable.
Rights Of Hit-And-Run Accident Victims
While the responsible driver may avoid immediate accountability by fleeing the scene, victims may still be able to pursue legal action. This includes filing a lawsuit or seeking compensation for medical expenses and lost wages through their insurance provider.
Drivers are legally responsible for the accidents they cause. Fleeing the scene demonstrates a blatant disregard for the law and the well-being of others. This applies not only to accidents involving injuries but also to those causing property damage. Courts may impose significant penalties for hit-and-run offenses, including fines and imprisonment. Victims may also be able to file a civil claim for compensation, which could potentially obligate a negligent driver to pay for the losses they caused.
Hit-and-run accidents can potentially have lasting emotional consequences. Understanding victims’ rights and available options may help mitigate the impact of such events. Preventing hit-and-run accidents could begin with driver awareness of the potential legal repercussions of fleeing the scene.
Fleeing from a hit-and-run accident is a serious criminal offense and can potentially serve as evidence of negligence in a civil trial for damages against the at-fault party. Our personal injury lawyers are committed to seeking compensation from the negligent party for medical costs, expenses, and lost income that may have resulted from the accident.
Typical Causes Of Hit-And-Run Accidents
Our San Bernardino hit-and-run accident attorneys have experience handling a wide range of injury cases that involve the following causes:
- Distracted Driving — Texting or using a phone while driving can lead to accidents. Drivers may not realize they’ve caused damage until it’s too late, or they may panic and leave the scene.
- Unlicensed or Uninsured Drivers — Individuals without a valid license or insurance may abandon the scene to avoid legal repercussions.
- Reckless Driving — Speeding, erratic lane changes, and other reckless driving frequently contribute to accidents. These drivers might attempt to evade responsibility.
- Drunk Driving — A primary factor in many hit-and-run incidents. Drivers under the influence are likely to flee the scene to avoid DUI charges.
It’s crucial to understand that leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime in California, regardless of the circumstances. Whether the collision involves another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, fleeing without offering assistance carries severe legal consequences.
Common Injuries In Hit-And-Run Accidents
Injuries from hit-and-run accidents can range from mild to severe. Initially, you might assume you have a minor injury and later find out it is a permanent condition.
Some typical hit-and-run injuries include:
- Crush injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Facial injuries, including dental and eye injuries.
- Spinal cord damage, which may cause paralysis.
- Internal organ damage.
- Torn ligaments.
- Broken bones.
- Cuts and lacerations.
- Neck injuries like whiplash.
- Nerve injuries.
- Muscle strains or sprains.
- Dislocated or damaged joints.
- Death.
Severe or permanent injuries often require extensive medical treatment, resulting in higher medical bills. In many, but not all, cases, they may make victims eligible to pursue a higher amount of compensation. However, you don’t need to have severe injuries to seek damages. Seemingly minor injuries might be sufficient to pursue a claim if they result in medical expenses and other related losses.
While most of these injuries have a clear path to recovery, they can still significantly disrupt your life during the healing process. Your medical team will address other issues that may impact your condition. Our San Bernardino hit-and-run accident attorneys can review their findings to better understand how your injuries might impact your claim.
Damages Available After A Hit-And-Run Accident
Hit-and-run accidents can have a substantial impact on a person’s life, potentially leading to physical, emotional, and financial losses. A claim may thus aim to seek damages related to the likes of long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
When assessing the potential worth of your claim, our San Bernardino hit-and-run accident attorneys will review the economic and non-economic damages you may have incurred.
Economic damages address losses in a specific dollar amount. These are typically easier to calculate using receipts. Some examples include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, cover losses that are subjective. They do not include out-of-pocket expenses or anything tangible. Instead, they cover losses such as:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
One final category of loss you may qualify for is punitive damages in addition to your compensatory damages. Their purpose is to punish the negligent party and deter them and others from engaging in similar reckless actions. These damages may apply to rare cases where the person intentionally harms you. Some examples include drunk driving and hit-and-run incidents.
Our San Bernardino hit-and-run accident attorneys can help you understand your rights and how to pursue compensation based on your injuries and losses.
Establishing Liability In Hit-And-Run Cases
In most car accident cases, the negligent driver is responsible and liable for any damages they caused. Comparative negligence laws may apply to your lawsuit, which means fault can be shared among multiple parties. However, liability becomes significantly more complex when it involves a hit-and-run driver. In such cases, more than one party may be found responsible for the accident.
Liability is the most critical aspect of your compensation claim, especially in a hit-and-run accident where the driver fled. Establishing liability is crucial but challenging in these situations. Our San Bernardino hit-and-run accident attorneys may be able to help locate the negligent driver and potentially pursue accountability. We could then advocate for your rights through negotiations and litigation.
Our team can explain the specific liability laws related to hit-and-run accidents and how the claims process works to keep you well-informed as you explore your legal options.
Steps To Take After A Hit-And-Run Accident
If you were injured in a hit-and-run crash in San Bernardino, there are several steps you can take to help protect your rights. For example:
- Stay at the Scene — Even if the negligent party leaves, you should remain at the scene. Contact law enforcement immediately to report the accident. Do not attempt to follow the runaway driver. Filing a police report and providing crash details can help locate the driver. This report may be helpful for determining faults and seeking compensation.
- Document the Scene — While awaiting the police, take pictures and videos of the scene. If you are unable to do so, ask your passenger or a bystander to document the scene for you. Capture photos of the weather, the location, the pavement, nearby businesses, and any other relevant details. These photos can be useful later for finding witnesses and other video footage.
- Seek Medical Evaluation — It’s important to get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Often, medical professionals will arrive at the scene to assess you. They may advise visiting a nearby hospital for further diagnostic testing and treatment. The hospital can identify any internal injuries, like whiplash or deep tissue injuries.
- Inform Your Insurance Company — Once you are home and safe, inform your insurance company about the collision. Do not guess or answer questions you are unsure of, as this could be detrimental to your case in the long term. Stick to the facts and avoid offering your opinions on what occurred.
- Consult an Attorney — Consider consulting a San Bernardino hit-and-run accident attorney before talking to the insurance company. If you have a valid claim, Arash Law can help you report the crash to relevant insurers and manage all communication moving forward.
Statute Of Limitations For Hit-and-Run Accidents
In California, injured victims must file personal injury claims within 2 years of the accident. This statute of limitations also covers insurance claims related to hit-and-run accidents. Consulting a California hit-and-run lawyer early in the process may help with meeting deadlines, preserving evidence, and properly documenting your case.
It’s important to note that the statute of limitations can vary depending on the specifics of your case. For instance, if the hit-and-run accident resulted in a fatality, the timeframe for filing a wrongful death claim may differ. Additionally, other factors, such as the discovery of the injury or the identification of the perpetrator, can also impact the deadline.
To learn more about specific deadlines and how they apply to your situation, consult our San Bernardino hit-and-run accident attorneys. We can help you take the necessary steps within the required timeframe.
Our client suffered serious injuries after he was run over by a speeding vehicle. Aside from achieving a monumental financial recovery, our firm was able to secure the best medical care and treatment to ensure that he recovered from his injuries with the best medical team in the nation. We are happy to deliver closure and peace to a nice family.
– BRIAN BEECHER
Hit-And-Run Accident Statistics
According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for 2019, hit-and-run incidents are relatively common in the United States.
Between 2015 and 2019, almost four million people were involved in hit-and-run accidents. Nearly ten thousand of these resulted in fatalities. However, the majority of hit-and-runs, approximately 73%, involved only property damage.
During this period, two percent of all licensed U.S. drivers were involved in hit-and-run crashes. The southern states have the highest rate of fatal hit-and-runs per person, followed by the western, midwestern, and northeastern regions. California reported the most fatal hit-and-run accidents in 2016, with 337 cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit-and-Run Accidents
Here are some of the most common questions that our personal injury lawyers encounter:
Why Should I Hire An Attorney Immediately After A Hit-and-Run Accident?
Scheduling an appointment quickly after a hit-and-run accident is crucial for several reasons:
- An attorney can help gather and preserve evidence that might be lost or overlooked. This includes surveillance footage, witness statements, and accident reports.
- An experienced lawyer can help you meet all filing deadlines and comply with relevant laws.
- Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. An attorney can handle negotiations on your behalf and work toward a settlement that closely aligns with the value of your losses.
- A lawyer can conduct an independent investigation to help identify the hit-and-run driver.
- Handling the aftermath of an accident can be stressful. An attorney can take over the legal side, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Will Delaying Legal Action Hurt My Hit-And-Run Accident Case?
Yes, delaying legal action can hurt your hit-and-run accident case. Statutes of limitations and insurance deadlines are critical. If you miss them, you could lose the ability to pursue your claim. Additionally, physical evidence from the scene, witness testimonies, and surveillance footage can be lost or degraded over time. Acting quickly helps your legal team gather and preserve this evidence, which may help them support your case.
What Is The Average Compensation For Hit-And-Run Accidents Involving Pedestrians?
There is no average amount awarded to pedestrians injured in hit-and-run accidents. Settlements vary significantly based on the severity of injuries. There is also no guarantee that you will receive compensation when you file a claim. However, certain factors can influence the amount you’re able to pursue.
Hit-and-run accidents are more likely to result in higher estimated case values due to the possibility of punitive damages. Though rarely awarded, punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault driver for their irresponsible behavior and deter similar actions in the future.
It’s important to understand that each accident is unique. The extent of the victim’s physical, financial, and emotional losses directly impacts the compensation amount that may be available to you.
What Evidence Is Needed To Convict Someone Of Hit-And-Run?
Some kinds of evidence that may be helpful for holding hit-and-run drivers accountable include photos, videos, car damage, skid marks, witness statements, police and emergency reports, and medical records.
Does Insurance Cover A Hit-And-Run Accident Case?
All vehicle owners are legally required to carry minimum liability auto insurance. If the driver who caused your accident is insured, your legal representative may be able to file a claim with their insurance company to seek compensation for your losses.
However, some hit-and-run accidents involve uninsured drivers. While you may still pursue legal action against an uninsured driver, the amount of compensation you may be able to seek could be limited if they lack sufficient assets.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, your own insurance policy may cover your damages if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Your San Bernardino hit-and-run accident attorney can assist in dealing with your insurance company and help you explore other avenues for compensation.
Can I Get Insurance To Cover A Hit-And-Run On My Parked Car In San Bernardino?
You can potentially pursue damages from a hit-and-run on your parked car in San Bernardino. California law holds the at-fault driver responsible for accidents, even if your car was parked. You might be able to file a claim with their insurance company. However, you may need to pursue a personal injury claim to seek damages if they don’t have insurance or if their coverage is insufficient.
How Can I Handle Insurance Companies After My Hit-And-Run Accident?
Legally, you are not obligated to speak to an insurance adjuster after a hit-and-run accident. They may ask you to provide a recorded statement, but you are not required to do so.
Our San Bernardino hit-and-run attorneys can handle all communications and negotiations on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery. We can help estimate your case’s potential value to aim for a settlement that closely aligns with it.
Can Undocumented Immigrants Sue For Personal Injury In San Bernardino?
Yes, undocumented immigrants can potentially sue for personal injuries in California. Regardless of immigration status, anyone who is injured in an accident may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. This includes situations where someone has died due to an accident; the next of kin, even if undocumented, might have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Consult With Our Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys In San Bernardino
If you’re wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?”, the answer is likely yes. Hit-and-run accidents can be among the most confusing collisions you may encounter. Our San Bernardino hit-and-run accident attorneys can help you navigate the potential complexities the claims process may pose in these cases. If you have a valid case, Arash Law can work to find the at-fault driver and potentially hold them liable for your losses.
Our accident attorneys also handle claims involving Uber, trucks, motorcycles, cars, and bicycles. Schedule a free initial consultation with us by calling (888) 488-1391.
We serve clients in Colton, Loma Linda, Rialto, Highland, Grand Terrace, Bloomington, Redlands, Fontana, Crestline, Riverside, Rubidoux, Moreno Valley, Glen Avon, Pedley, and Yucaipa. Our injury lawyers also extend our services to residents in San Francisco, Riverside, Sacramento, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sherman Oaks, and throughout California.
