San Francisco Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys
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San Francisco Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys Helping You Understand Your Legal Rights
Being hit by a vehicle can be a devastating experience, even more so if the driver decides to flee the scene. If you need legal representation, consider contacting our San Francisco hit-and-run accident attorneys. We can help you seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
San Francisco, California, is one of the premier cities in the United States. Home to start-up companies, a thriving arts scene, and a prominent tech culture, the city is one of the most popular places to live in California. Approximately 870,000 people live there, making it the fourth most populous city in the state.
Northern California is also home to renowned educational institutions, including Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley.
San Francisco is approximately forty-six square miles. Most residents live in the northern portion of the San Francisco Peninsula in the San Francisco Bay Area. These geographic features make San Francisco the second most densely populated city in the United States. Only New York City has a higher population density.
Around 4.7 million people reside in the Bay Area. The GDP of the Bay Area in 2019 was $592 billion. Nearby San Jose is also an important economic, cultural, and political center in Northern California. San Francisco and San Jose form the San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland combined statistical area. An estimated 9.6 million people live in this area, and it is the fifth most populated combined statistical area in the country.
Although San Francisco is a great place to live, it contains many winding streets on a hilly topography. These conditions, combined with heavy traffic and a constant influx of visitors unfamiliar with the roads, contribute to a higher risk of car accidents. As a result, both pedestrians and drivers face safety concerns. Unfortunately, hit-and-run incidents are a common occurrence in the city.
Drivers who flee an accident scene commit a criminal offense under California law. California Vehicle Code Section 20001 states the following: “The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.”
Drivers involved in an accident causing property damage or bodily injury must provide reasonable assistance, give their contact information to the other party, and stop at the accident scene. If an individual flees the accident scene and a victim suffers injuries or death, the individual can face felony charges under California law.
At least one hit-and-run accident occurs every day in the United States. The American Automobile Association reports that 680,000 hit-and-run accidents happen each year in the United States.
Our San Francisco hit-and-run accident attorneys can assist you with your personal injury claims. Under California law, you may be able to seek financial compensation for the injuries you suffered during a hit-and-run accident. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to learn more about the legal services we offer.
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 Distinguishing Characteristics Of Hit-And-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents differ from other automobile accident cases in various ways. One distinctive feature often found in hit-and-run accidents is criminal behavior, such as evading arrest or driving while intoxicated. A driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs may leave the accident scene to avoid being arrested for a criminal offense.
Collecting evidence related to individual hit-and-run accident cases can be problematic. Many drivers responsible for hit-and-run accidents do not have automobile liability insurance. Thus, many hit-and-run accidents are associated with uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage. Individuals seeking financial compensation for their injuries may benefit from the services of San Francisco hit-and-run accident attorneys.
Our San Francisco personal injury attorneys handle hit-and-run cases. We conduct a thorough investigation, help you gather evidence, and pursue compensation on your behalf. You can discuss the specifics of your case with our lawyers during a free initial consultation.
Common Causes Of Hit-And-Run Accidents
Drivers may leave the scene of an accident for a variety of reasons, many of which involve avoiding legal or financial consequences. While every situation is different, the following are some of the common reasons why drivers abandon accident scenes:
- Poor Road Conditions — Severe weather and inadequate lighting can affect a driver’s vision, causing them to be unaware that they are involved in an accident.
- Arrest Warrants and Underinsured Motorists — Some drivers may have active arrest warrants, motivating them to leave the accident scene. Others may fear being reprimanded for driving without automobile liability insurance.
- Driving Under the Influence — Driving while intoxicated is a significant factor in many hit-and-run accidents. Alcohol and drugs can impair cognitive functions, causing drivers to make poor decisions or mistakes on the road.
- Panic or Emotional Distress — Some individuals react to the stress of an accident with panic, leading them to flee the scene without fully considering the legal consequences.
- Attempt to Avoid Liability — In some cases, drivers leave the scene to avoid civil liability for injuries or damages, especially if they suspect they were at fault.
While understanding these motivations can help in analyzing the circumstances of a hit-and-run, they do not excuse the unlawful act of leaving the scene. Failing to stop and provide aid or information after a collision is a violation of California law and can result in both civil and criminal penalties.
If you have suffered personal injuries during a hit-and-run accident, our hit-and-run accident attorneys in San Francisco can help you gather evidence and seek financial compensation for your injuries.
The Different Kinds Of Hit-And-Run Accidents In San Francisco
Hit-and-run accidents in San Francisco occur under a wide range of circumstances. Some common scenarios include:
- A victim is driving late in the evening and is struck by an intoxicated driver, who then flees the accident scene.
- A pedestrian is traversing a crosswalk and is struck down by someone driving at an excessive rate of speed.
- A lost tourist drives down a one-way street in the wrong direction, striking a victim.
- A person is doing drugs while driving and strikes a victim who is walking down the street.
- A distracted driver is texting while driving when they run into the back of a victim’s automobile at an intersection.
- An Uber or Lyft driver, tired after working for many hours, strikes a pedestrian.
- A driver is quickly changing lanes in a dangerous manner and hits a bicyclist or motorcyclist.
An individual who suffers an injury during one of the types of accidents listed above may suffer serious bodily injury or death. Victims who are left at the accident scene by a hit-and-run driver should seek emergency medical care as soon as possible.
After seeking treatment for injuries, it is important for victims to contact law enforcement agencies and make a report of the accident in which they suffered an injury. Law enforcement officers will also play a role in attempting to find the driver who caused your injuries.
To navigate the legal complexities associated with hit-and-run accidents, seeking guidance from our San Francisco hit-and-run accident attorneys can help with your claim. We can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and provide support throughout the legal process.
Hit-And-Run Accidents And Financial Compensation For Your Injuries
Depending on the specifics of your case, you may have the right to seek financial compensation for your injuries. Injured victims in hit-and-run accident cases may also seek punitive damages.
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded to a victim if the responsible driver caused harm through gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Punitive damages are intended as a form of punishment instead of compensation for actual losses, deterring others from engaging in similar behavior.
Injured victims or their surviving family members may pursue monetary compensation for their injuries. The following economic and non-economic damages are available to victims:
- Disability
- Loss of Enjoyment
- Lost Earnings
- Pain & Suffering
- Medical Bills
Victims may seek other types of damages depending on the nature of their injuries.
Passengers Also Suffer Injuries During Hit-And-Run Accidents
Being a passenger during a hit-and-run accident can be terrifying. Passengers may suffer serious bodily injuries from the collision. Because the responsible driver often cannot be immediately identified, passengers might face challenges when trying to pursue financial compensation for their injuries.
However, passengers still have options to seek compensation. They may file claims through their own auto insurance, including uninsured motorist coverage, or pursue legal action with the help of a lawyer. Our San Francisco hit-and-run accident attorneys can provide guidance on what they need to do to seek compensation for their injuries.
Steps To Take After A Hit-And-Run Accident
Victims of hit-and-run accidents may feel overwhelmed, especially when the driver responsible flees the scene. While each situation is different, taking the following steps can help protect your health, preserve evidence, and support any future claim for compensation.
- Call 911 and Report the Accident — If you are physically able, contact emergency services immediately. Let the dispatcher know you were involved in a hit-and-run and that the driver fled the scene. Emergency responders will send law enforcement and, if necessary, medical personnel to help.
- Seek Medical Attention — Even if you feel fine initially, it is important to accept medical assistance at the scene or visit a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries may not appear right away, and medical records play a key role in documenting your injuries.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene (If Safe to Do So) — If you are able and it is safe, gather as much evidence as possible:
- Take photos or videos of the scene, including your vehicle, skid marks, debris, and surroundings.
- Document the location, time, and weather conditions.
- Collect contact information from any eyewitnesses who saw the crash or the fleeing driver.
This information can be valuable when filing a police report or insurance claim, even if the other driver is not immediately identified.
- Obtain a Police Report — Ask law enforcement for a copy of the traffic collision report once it is available. This report often contains helpful details about the accident and may be useful when filing an insurance claim or a potential lawsuit.
- Follow up with Law Enforcement — Stay in contact with the investigating officers. In some cases, they may open a criminal investigation, especially if serious injuries or violations occurred. If the driver is located, law enforcement may bring charges that could impact your civil case.
- Notify Your Insurance Company — You can file a claim through your own insurance if the at-fault driver is unidentified. Coverage such as uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) can apply in hit-and-run situations. Be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters. Provide basic facts only, and avoid speculating or admitting fault.
- Preserve All Relevant Records — Keep copies of documents that can support your claim and help calculate any damages, including:
- Medical records and bills.
- Vehicle repair estimates.
- The police report.
- Correspondence with insurance companies.
- Any receipts for out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.
- Consider Speaking With a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer — Legal guidance can be helpful when navigating the complexities of a hit-and-run case, especially if the driver cannot be identified or if your insurer disputes your claim. A San Francisco hit-and-run accident attorney can help you evaluate your legal options and pursue compensation for damages.
Parties Who May Be Liable To An Injured Victim In A Hit-And-Run Accident
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, determining who may be responsible for your damages is a crucial step toward seeking compensation. While the hit-and-run driver is typically the primary party at fault, other individuals or entities might also share liability depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Potentially liable parties in hit-and-run accidents can include:
- The Hit-and-Run Driver — The driver who caused the accident and fled the scene is primarily responsible for your injuries.
- Vehicle Owner — If the driver was operating someone else’s vehicle with permission, the vehicle’s registered owner may be held liable.
- Employer or Company — If the driver was working at the time of the accident (such as a delivery driver or employee), the employer may be held responsible under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior.
- Insurance Companies — Depending on the situation, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance coverage may provide compensation if the at-fault driver is unknown or lacks sufficient coverage.
- Government Entities — In some cases, a city or county might be liable if poor road conditions, faulty traffic signals, or inadequate signage contributed to the accident.
- Other Third Parties — If a defect in the vehicle or a hazardous condition caused or contributed to the accident, manufacturers or property owners may also bear some responsibility.
Establishing liability in hit-and-run cases can be complicated, especially if the driver remains unidentified or uninsured. This may require gathering evidence, witness statements, and working closely with law enforcement to locate the responsible party.
Because of the complex nature of hit-and-run cases, consulting with a San Francisco hit-and-run accident attorney can help you gather crucial evidence, identify liable parties, and pursue compensation under the law.
The Benefits Of Hiring A Hit And Run Accident Lawyer For Your Case
Navigating the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be complex and overwhelming. A hit-and-run accident lawyer can assist you by:
- Clarifying Your Legal Options — They can explain the steps available to pursue compensation, even if the responsible driver is unidentified.
- Handling Insurance Claims — Lawyers can manage communications with insurance companies, including claims under uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
- Gathering Evidence — Attorneys can help collect and preserve evidence to support your claim, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
- Guiding You Through the Legal Process — They can help you understand important deadlines and assist with filing necessary paperwork in a timely manner.
- Advocating on Your Behalf — Lawyers represent your interests during negotiations or legal proceedings, working to protect your rights.
- Providing Support and Advice — Beyond legal matters, an attorney can offer guidance and answer questions to help you make informed decisions throughout your case.
While every case is unique, consulting with a qualified hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you better understand your options and next steps.
Considering Your Options Under California Law
A San Francisco hit-and-run accident lawyer can explain the options available to you under California law. They understand which laws apply to your hit-and-run accident case.
A hit-and-run accident lawyer can also help you collect the evidence to pursue legal claims against the driver who caused your injuries. The following evidence may be relevant to your case:
- Statements By Witnesses
- Photographs of the Accident Scene
- Traffic Collision Reports
- Medical Records
- Surveillance Camera Footage
The Statute Of Limitations And Hit-And-Run Accidents In California
The statute of limitations in California for personal injury actions is two years from the date of injury. California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1 contains the relevant provision regarding the statute of limitations. It may take months for law enforcement officers to determine who caused the hit-and-run accident in which you suffered an injury. On top of filing a claim within this statute, you should also account for the time it takes to negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company.
Two years may seem like a long time, but this period can pass quickly if you are dealing with other stressors in your life. Filing a personal injury claim after the statute expires can hinder your ability to seek compensation. Our lawyers can help you file a claim, prioritizing adherence to the statute of limitations to help you protect your legal rights.
Handling Negotiation With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may offer you a settlement soon after your accident. This initial offer may seem sufficient, but it may also fail to account for your non-monetary damages and future medical expenses. According to California laws, you may be able to seek financial compensation for your pain and suffering, lost earnings, vehicle repair costs, and medical treatment. Understanding the full value of your claim before settling can help you to pursue appropriate compensation for your damages.
It is important to speak to someone who understands personal injury law and how insurance companies operate when it comes to hit-and-run accident claims. Our San Francisco hit-and-run accident attorneys can help you build a case that accounts for the full extent of your losses and injuries.
Holding Hit-And-Run Drivers Liable
Many different types of evidence may hold important details that can establish the liability of the hit-and-run driver. Surveillance video footage may be erased unless it is obtained early during your case. Witnesses may be unable to recall every detail as the months pass. Collecting evidence as soon as possible is important for every hit-and-run accident case. You also need to keep in mind the statute of limitations period.
You can still file a civil lawsuit against the driver if the state does not pursue criminal charges against them. You could seek the financial compensation available in your case if you suffered injuries during a hit-and-run accident.
Speak With Our San Francisco Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys
A hit-and-run accident can be complicated. A San Francisco hit-and-run accident attorney can help injured victims pursue the financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and related losses. Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
We have decades of experience representing clients in hit-and-run accident cases in the Bay Area and throughout California. We can handle negotiations with insurance companies and help you seek fair compensation on your behalf. While you can focus on recovering from your injuries, we will work on the legal aspects of your hit-and-run accident case.
Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., also represents clients in Larkspur, Millbrae, Corte Madera, Richmond, Pacifica, Mill Valley, Piedmont, Berkeley, Albany, San Bruno, South San Francisco, Oakland, Alameda, Tiburon, and Daly City.
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