San Diego Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys

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Table of Contents

San Diego and Hit-and-Run Accidents
Retaining a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
What Kinds of Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen?
What Are the Primary Events Leading to Hit-and-Run Accidents?
Charges Arising Out of Hit-and-Run Accidents
The Consequences of Hit-and-Run Convictions
The Value of a San Diego Hit-and-Run Accident Case
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen?

award-winning San Diego Hit and Run Accident Attorneys who are Turning Injured Victims Into Victors

Located in the southernmost part of California, San Diego is one of the most diverse cities in the United States. Bordering Tijuana, Mexico, San Diego is located on the Pacific coast near famous beach destinations such as La Jolla, California. Home to approximately 1,380,000 residents, San Diego, is one of the most populated cities in California and the United States. Los Angeles is the only city in California with a population greater than San Diego.

San Diego is located in San Diego County, home to 3,300,000 individuals. San Diego is recognized worldwide as one of the most attractive and notable cities in the United States. Amazing weather is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of San Diego. Also, Coronado Island is one of the most recognizable places in San Diego, and it is connected to the city by the Coronado Bridge.

The United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps have also long been associated with San Diego. More recently, the city has become a hub for the healthcare industry and bioengineering firms. Founded by famous attorney Arash Khorsandi, Esq., Arash Law is one of the leading personal injury law firms in California.

Due to its popularity among tourists and its large number of residents, many automobile accidents occur in San Diego. Suffering injuries during a traffic collision can cause victims to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Fear and stress can make it more difficult for accident victims to recover and heal from their injuries.

Unfortunately, some drivers panic and flee the accident scene. Abandoning the scene of an automobile accident violates California law. Those who are parties to a car accident in California must provide contact information to the other party, offer any necessary aid, and stop at the accident scene.

California can charge individuals who violate Vehicle Code Section 20002 and Vehicle Code Section 20001 with a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the facts and circumstances of the accident. The nature of the charges will often depend on whether the accident resulted in property damage only or if the accident caused someone to suffer serious bodily injury. Hit-and-run accidents resulting in serious bodily injury will often result in an individual being charged with a felony.

A San Diego hit-and-run accident attorney can offer you legal representation and help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. A legal advocate on your side can speak on your behalf during hearings, obtain expert witnesses for your case, and gather any important evidence for your case.

Car Accident

$4,100,000.00

A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.

– ARASH KHORSANDI

San Diego and Hit-and-Run Accidents

Every party who is involved in a car accident in San Diego must provide assistance to any injured party. California law requires that parties remain at the scene of the accident. Individuals who abandon the accident scene and leave on foot or by automobile may be found guilty of a hit-and-run accident offense.

Individuals who are left behind at an accident scene may not realize what to do to obtain the help they need. A driver, passenger, or pedestrian may be stuck beneath an automobile or another heavy object after an automobile accident. Law enforcement officers must investigate hit-and-run accidents and do their best to discover the location of the driver who abandoned the accident scene.

Injured victims are often unable to obtain the financial compensation they need to pay for their medical bills and cover their lost earnings. San Diego hit-and-run accident lawyers know how confusing it can be to determine what to do if the hit-and-run driver remains unidentified.

In one year, approximately 1,150 hit-and-run accidents were reported in San Diego County. Hit-and-run accidents are some of the most severe accidents, and they often cause serious bodily injury and death. Almost 1,200 individuals died or suffered serious injuries during a one-year period in San Diego County. On average, nearly three hit-and-run accidents occur every day in San Diego County.

Individuals of every age and demographic are susceptible to being injured in a hit-and-run accident. Every age group may suffer injuries or die during hit-and-run accidents in San Diego County.

Retaining a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in San Diego

Hit-and-run accidents are taken seriously by law enforcement officers throughout California. Law enforcement agencies will analyze the circumstances of a car accident and determine who fled the scene of the accident. These investigators have one priority: apprehend the victim who is responsible for the hit-and-run accident. If you or someone close to you is injured or worse because of a hit-and-run accident, you should seek a skilled and knowledgeable hit-and-run accident lawyer.

An experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer in San Diego County can help you with the following:

Filing a complaint to initiate a civil lawsuit
Speaking with your insurer to file an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim
Obtaining evidence that will benefit your case
Assisting law enforcement in finding the hit-and-run driver
Conducting witness interviews
Analyzing the accident scene
Reconstructing the events that caused the hit-and-run accident

As an injured victim, you may not know how you will afford your medical bills or return to your job. You may feel stressed and anxious about how you will recover from your injuries. A legal advocate can help you understand the complexities of a hit-and-run accident case. If you take things one step at a time with your San Diego hit-and-run accident lawyers, you will have an opportunity to seek financial compensation for your injuries.

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My husband had an accident 2 years ago, a 85 years old man hit him, the Arash law group works very well on my husband case that took 9 month and he won the case and my husband was happy with the results. A year later I got into an accident as well and I’m still waiting in my case is almost resolving and it’s 9 months already. This people knows the law and they do their job right to help you out in getting the most for you to fight on your behalf. I strongly recommend the Arash Law firm they do things right in a efficient and professional manner.

Had a great experience with all the people at Arash law. Long story short was in a bad car accident. It was overwhelming and the whole process was a lot, but they kept me in the loop. They answered all my questions and gave me great advice. Couldn't be any happier. Would definitely recommend anyone looking for a personal injury lawyer. They'll guide you through the whole process!

Having Arash Law handle my auto accident was the best decision I could have made. Everyone I interacted with was kind, professional and detail oriented. I am extremely happy with the outcome and would recommend them highly.

From start to finish, Arash Law firm is there every step of the way with close, constant, personal contact and attention. I never knew a Law firm could actually care so much for me as a person and what I was personally going through as well as the settlement I was going to recieve once my case was finally completed. Thank you to everyone at Arash Law for your ongoing support and communication. You are the ONLY firm I will ever recommend to someone who is need of a great attorny.

I had an excellent experience with Arash Law. I will definitely recommend to my family and friends. I interviewed a few firms before deciding to work with Arash Law. What made my experience excellent was (i.e. head attorney being accessible to talk to and he answered all my questions and concerns, sensitive and thorough personel who completed in home intake & follow up process, being connected immediately to quality Physicians who addressed my injuries and recovery process, clear contract-read throughly to ensure its something you can commit to). Being in a car accident is a traumatic experience and I had a sense of peace knowing Arash Firm was walking with me throughout the whole process. Thank you Arash Firm for all your hard work and help. I am so grateful and appreciative for you all! 🙏 With Gratitude, Monica Parra

What Kinds of Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen in San Diego?

Hit-and-run accidents frequently occur in San Diego. However, all the accidents in San Diego are not uniform. The following are some of the most common types of hit-and-run accidents that take place in San Diego:

Overturn collisions constitute 2.3 percent of hit-and-run accidents in San Diego.
Head-on collisions constitute 6 percent of hit-and-run accidents in San Diego.
Accidents in which a party strikes an object constitute 7.4 percent of hit-and-run accidents in San Diego.
Pedestrian accidents constitute 4.2 percent of hit-and-run accidents in San Diego.
Broadside accidents constitute 14.2 percent of hit-and-run accidents in San Diego.
Sideswipe accidents constitute 14.9 percent of hit-and-run accidents in San Diego.
Rear-end collisions constitute 37.5 percent of hit-and-run accidents in San Diego.

Many hit-and-run accidents involve only one automobile. Also, many pedestrians suffered an injury during hit-and-run accidents. Nearly ⅓ of all hit-and-run accidents in San Diego affect one individual who uses a mode of transportation other than a passenger automobile. The following statistics provide a brief snapshot of the types of hit-and-run accidents that happen in San Diego:

Truck accidents
Motorcycle accidents
Bicycle accidents
Pedestrian accidents

Approximately four hundred hit-and-run accidents that involve a mode of transportation other than a passenger vehicle occur every day.

What Are the Primary Events Leading to Hit-and-Run Accidents in San Diego?

Drivers often abandon an accident scene because they fear criminal charges or being financially liable for another party’s injuries. The following are some of the most common reasons hit-and-run drivers abandon the scene of an accident:

Operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license – Individuals in California may face being charged with a misdemeanor if they are found to be driving without a valid license. Those convicted of this offense may face up to 6 months in jail and a monetary fine of $1,000. A driver may face a lesser charge known as an infraction, which comes with a fine of $250.
Driving with an active arrest warrant – Drivers may flee an accident to avoid being arrested by law enforcement officers.
Distracted driving – An individual may have caused an accident while texting and driving or engaging in some other form of distracted driving.
Driving without automobile insurance – Drivers may leave the scene of an accident because they do not have automobile liability insurance.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs – Drivers will often flee an accident scene to avoid being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The following are the main causes of hit-and-run accidents in San Diego County:

28.7 percent of hit-and-run accidents in San Diego County are caused by speeding.
3.4 percent of hit-and-run accidents in San Diego County are caused by following too closely.
3.5 percent of hit-and-run accidents in San Diego County are caused by unsafe starting or backing up.
3.9 percent of hit-and-run accidents in San Diego County are caused by pedestrian violations.
5.1 percent of hit-and-run accidents in San Diego County are caused by pedestrian right-of-way violations.
5.6 percent of hit-and-run accidents in San Diego County are caused by unsafe lane changes.
6.6 percent of hit-and-run accidents in San Diego County are caused by traffic signals and signs.
6.9 percent of hit-and-run accidents in San Diego County are caused by individuals who fail to yield the right-of-way.
10.7 percent of hit-and-run accidents in San Diego County are caused by individuals driving or bicycling while intoxicated.
14.7 percent of hit-and-run accidents in San Diego County are caused by individuals making improper turns.

Nothing excuses an individual from violating California law by leaving the scene of an accident. Drivers in California must stop at an accident scene even if they did not cause the accident. Drivers must also stop even though the accident did not cause personal injuries or property damage.

California Hit-and-Run Laws

Leaving the scene of an accident violates California law. Hit-and-run accidents are defined by the following elements:

A driver is a participant in a motor vehicle accident.
A driver caused serious bodily injury or death to another person.
A driver causes property damage to another person’s property.
The driver had knowledge that they were in a motor vehicle accident.
The driver did not stop at the accident scene, provide assistance, or give their personal information to law enforcement officers.

California Vehicle Code 20002 states the following: “The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to any property, including vehicles, shall immediately stop the vehicle at the nearest location that will not impede traffic or otherwise jeopardize the safety of other motorists.”

The driver may not have been responsible for the accident, but they may still be charged with a felony or a misdemeanor. The facts and circumstances related to the accident may influence whether a defendant is charged with a felony or a misdemeanor.

Hit-and-Run: Felony Cases

Parties to hit-and-run accident cases that cause death or serious bodily injury must stay at the accident scene and offer help to the injured party. Individuals who do not perform these actions and leave the accident scene may be charged with a felony.

Individuals charged with a felony risk losing fundamental rights, such as the right to vote. A felony conviction can make it more difficult for an individual to find employment and housing. A defendant may face a fine and a lengthy prison sentence upon being convicted of felony hit-and-run. Some defendants may be convicted of vehicular manslaughter if a party dies during a hit-and-run accident. Those who are intoxicated at the time of the hit-and-run accident may face additional sanctions.

Even if an individual did not cause an accident, they might still face felony or misdemeanor charges if they abandon the scene of the accident. Reasonable assistance constitutes calling for medical personnel to treat the injured victim. Reasonable assistance also means transporting injury victims, including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Hit-and-Run: Misdemeanor Cases

Individuals who cause property damage during motor vehicle accidents have specific legal duties. A party must not leave the scene of the accident, and the party must provide their driver’s license and vehicle registration. If a party does not provide this information, they may be charged with a misdemeanor. The person does not have to be responsible for causing the accident to face a misdemeanor charge.

Any type of property damage during a hit-and-run accident may be charged with a misdemeanor. A driver who strikes inanimate objects such as trees and mailboxes must still contact law enforcement and provide their information to the officers.

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Franchot M.

$610,000

Personal Injury Settlement

Our client was the victim of a rear-end accident who was left injured and severely in pain. Arash Law was able to outshine other injury law firms when he searched online, and thankfully we were able to handle everything for our client from A to Z — All that he had to do was ask and focus on his recovery. Our client’s life has changed forever, and the compensation received for the pain and suffering has opened paths for new lifelong opportunities.

Personal Injury Settlement

Charges Arising Out of Hit-and-Run Accidents

All drivers are tasked with performing specific acts after an automobile accident. Violating the California Vehicle Code can give rise to a criminal conviction. Drivers in San Diego may face criminal charges for damaging property and causing serious bodily injury. A driver who flees from an accident only involving property damage may still face hit-and-run charges in California.

Prosecutors in California may charge hit-and-run offenses as wobbler offenses. It is discretionary to the prosecutor whether to charge a defendant with a misdemeanor or a felony. Factors that affect this decision include the specific facts of a case, personal history, and the nature of the charges.

Most drivers involved in hit-and-run accidents involving property damage are charged with a misdemeanor offense. California Vehicle Code 20002 governs how drivers involved in accidents resulting in property damage must interact with other parties. The driver must provide details of their automobile insurance policy to the other parties. Also, the driver must provide their driver’s license and their name.

The Consequences of Hit-and-Run Convictions in San Diego

A range of penalties may apply to hit-and-run convictions in California. The nature of the accident, the type of property damage, and the accident location can all affect the sanctions a defendant will suffer. The following penalties are common for individuals convicted of a hit-and-run misdemeanor offense under California Vehicle Code 20002:

Probation
A six-month jail sentence
A $1,000 fine

Fees and restitution payments
Revocation of a driver’s license

The following penalties are common for individuals convicted of a hit-and-run felony offense under California Vehicle Code 20002:

Driver’s license revocation
Parole
Probation

$10,000 in fines
A four-year prison sentence

Drivers who are convicted of hit-and-run violations may also be susceptible to civil lawsuits. A hit-and-driver may be sued for civil damages by surviving family members of a decedent, individuals who suffered property damage, and those who suffered a serious bodily injury during the accident.

Motor Vehicle Accident

$3,500,000.00

Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.

– JUDD ROSS ALLEN

The Value of a San Diego Hit-and-Run Accident Case

No two hit-and-run accident cases are alike. The type of personal injuries you suffer and the nature of those injuries will influence the compensation you may seek for your injuries. Your economic damages and non-economic damages will affect the settlement amount.

Insurance policies may have limits that do not provide you with the financial compensation you seek. You may obtain monetary compensation from other sources. If a city was responsible for keeping the roads in good working order, you might have a legal claim against the municipality. A restaurant or bar may have overserved an intoxicated driver.

You may never find the hit-and-run driver who caused your injuries, but you can still pursue financial compensation for your injuries. Knowledgable San Diego hit-and-run accident lawyers can help you with every aspect of your case.

Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen in San Diego?

Victims are often left wondering how the hit-and-run accident occurred. Individuals leave accident scenes for many reasons, including the following:

Elderly driver
Anxiety and panic
Illegal drugs
Illegal firearms
Outstanding arrest warrants

Driving without a driver’s license
Uninsured driver
Distracted driving
Drunk driving

Leaving the accident scene violates California law. Retaining an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney in San Diego can help you seek the financial compensation you deserve.

Contact a San Diego Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney Today

Call Arash Law and its talented team of San Diego personal injury attorneys led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., at (888) 488-1391. We have decades of experience representing clients in hit-and-run accident cases. Our San Diego hit-and-run accident attorneys have recovered over $500 Million for injury victims throughout California.

We serve clients all over California, including the following cities near San Diego: Lakeside, Tijuana, Bostonia, Santee, Rancho San Diego, El Cajon, Spring Valley, La Presa, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Bonita, Lemon Grove, Chula Vista, National City, and Coronado.

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