Santa Rosa Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers
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Our Santa Rosa Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers Offer Guidance Throughout Your Recovery Process
Hit-and-run victims may be eligible to pursue compensation for their losses and the harm they suffered. Our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyers can help you explore all possible options for seeking financial compensation for your injuries and related losses. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial case review.
Aiming to make cities more walkable, Santa Rosa joins the effort to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety. The city is transforming its roadways to better accommodate those who choose not to use their vehicles. Central to this effort is the Local Road Safety Plan, which seeks to reduce traffic collisions caused by abusive motorists.
Hit-and-run accidents pose serious risks on the road, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. They can also result in substantial property damage. These accidents often complicate the process of identifying responsible parties, delaying medical care, insurance claims, and legal resolutions.
If you were a victim of such an incident, our hit-and-run lawyers in Santa Rosa can guide you through the legal process and gather essential evidence. We work to pursue a fair resolution and, if needed, can take your case to court to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
How Our Santa Rosa Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers Help With Your Case
Hit-and-run accidents can leave victims facing a long road to recovery, both physically and financially. The costs of medical care, lost income, and property damage can be substantial. Insurance companies may also attempt to delay or deny claims, which can add to the stress and frustration. To make matters worse, the responsible party is often nowhere to be found.
Our Santa Rosa injury law firm can help you by:
Assisting In The Investigation And Search
Determining fault in a hit-and-run accident can be complex. Gathering evidence is crucial to identifying all responsible parties and assigning liability accordingly. Establishing negligence is vital when pursuing a claim, as it can affect settlement outcomes. Without proving negligence, you may not be compensated for your damages. To strengthen your case, our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident attorneys will gather evidence, such as witness statements, police records, images, and videos.
Documenting Your Injuries And Damages
After a hit-and-run accident, it is important to clearly document your injuries and losses to support your claim for compensation. Our hit-and-run injury lawyers can help gather and organize medical records, repair bills, and other evidence. This enables us to accurately represent your case and properly consider all damages during negotiations or legal proceedings.
Filing An Insurance Claim
Filing a claim can be difficult and even confusing without legal knowledge. You might not know who to file a claim against or how to proceed. Our Santa Rosa personal injury lawyers, who handle hit-and-run accidents, handle the legwork, including preparing and filing the required paperwork promptly.
Negotiating Settlements
Insurance companies may offer settlements that do not fully reflect the extent of a claimant’s losses. Our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyers can review proposals and help negotiate a settlement that addresses all your accident-related losses.
Initiating A Lawsuit
Most cases are resolved out of courtrooms, but we will not hesitate to bring your case to court if necessary. Our hit-and-run accident attorneys can represent your case in court if we are unable to reach a settlement agreement.
Our client was a loyal rideshare driver involved in a hit-and-run. The at-fault driver struck our client and fled the scene. After years of litigating in Arbitration for the Underinsured Motorist policy, our co-counselor Kevin Levian set up the case perfectly for an arbitration trial. Ultimately, the case was resolved for the maximum policy limits one week before the arbitration.– BRIAN BEECHER
Defining Hit-And-Run Accidents
A “hit-and-run,” or the act of leaving the scene of an accident, is a serious violation. Whether the accident causes property damage, injury, or death, everyone must stay at the scene and provide contact details and assistance. If a driver leaves the scene of an accident without fulfilling the obligations stipulated in the law, they can be charged with a felony or misdemeanor hit-and-run.
Even if a driver strikes an unattended parked vehicle, they can be charged with a misdemeanor if they leave the scene without providing the other owner with their name and contact information. Misdemeanor hit-and-runs are punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine. Additional penalties can include three years of probation, payment for property damage, and two points on the at-fault person’s driver’s license.
A felony hit-and-run occurs when the accident results in bodily injury, death, or both. In such cases, the responsible driver must stop, provide contact information, and assist the injured party in obtaining medical help. Failure to do so can result in a conviction, punishable by a term of three to four years in prison and a fine.
As a hit-and-run accident victim, seeking financial compensation for your injuries can be a complex process. Call (888) 488-1391 and seek legal help from our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyers.
Why Hit-And-Run Accidents Happen
Many drivers who flee the scene after causing a vehicular collision do so to avoid legal consequences. Common reasons a driver might flee after a car accident include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Driving without a license or with a suspended one.
- Driving a borrowed or stolen vehicle.
- Driving with past citations or a history of criminal activity.
- Driving with drugs or stolen goods.
- Driving without insurance.
Some drivers run away out of panic, while others simply lack good moral judgment and are indifferent to the importance of reporting auto accidents. Additionally, many hit-and-runs occur in dimly lit areas or where no other vehicles are present.
Regardless of the circumstances, hit-and-run drivers must be held accountable for their actions. However, in some cases, some ultimately evade liability. Our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident attorneys will work with the authorities to help locate the driver.
Hurt in a Hit-And-Run Accident?
Injuries Commonly Sustained By Hit-And-Run Accident Victims
Traffic accidents typically result in a wide range of injuries, particularly in hit-and-run accidents. Some examples are:
- Concussions and other forms of traumatic brain injuries.
- Whiplash and other neck injuries.
- Back and spinal cord injuries, resulting in paralysis.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage.
- Fractured bones and joint dislocations.
- Cuts, bruises, and other soft tissue injuries.
- Traumatic or surgical amputations.
Delayed medical assistance following a hit-and-run accident can exacerbate injuries, which can lead to life-threatening complications. In some cases, the delay may be fatal if the accident is not reported promptly and medical responders are not dispatched quickly.
Even victims who receive prompt medical care face another challenge: pursuing compensation for their medical expenses. Our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyers help seek appropriate compensation, whether or not the hit-and-run driver is identified.
Options For Pursuing Compensation After A Hit-And-Run Accident
It’s understandable to feel confused and frustrated after sustaining injuries from a hit-and-run accident. As you recover from your injuries and seek ways to pay for your financial losses, you may also struggle to find closure.
While it is hard to seek compensation if the responsible person remains unidentified, you still have options. Two scenarios could happen that will determine how you can proceed:
- The Hit-and-Run Driver Is Apprehended — The ideal scenario is ultimately finding the at-fault driver. Once identified, the driver may face criminal charges for failing to remain at the scene of the accident. In addition to the criminal case, you can file a personal injury claim or civil lawsuit to pursue compensation for your losses. While you have the option to handle a claim on your own, our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyers can manage the legal process on your behalf so you can concentrate on getting better.
- The Hit-and-Run Driver Is Never Located — While it’s helpful to remain optimistic, it’s also important to prepare for a challenge. In some cases, the hit-and-run driver may never be identified. Even so, you can still seek reimbursement for your accident-related expenses by filing a claim with your insurer. Our hit-and-run accident lawyers can manage negotiations with your insurer and advocate for a fair settlement of your losses.
Insurance Coverage For Hit-And-Run Accidents
Since California is an at-fault state, the driver responsible for the accident and their insurance provider are legally liable for your injuries and damages. However, hit-and-run accidents are a different case. Since we may never know who the at-fault driver is, injured victims like you must look at other options in finding compensation. For instance, your insurance policy may have additional coverage, allowing you to recover damages after a hit-and-run accident.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) — UM/UIM coverage provides financial protection in accidents involving uninsured drivers or hit-and-run drivers. It covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, but typically excludes property damage. Insurance companies are legally required to offer the add-on as part of your auto insurance plan, and if you choose not to buy it, you must sign a waiver.
- Collision Coverage — Any damage to your vehicle resulting from direct contact with a tree, building, another vehicle, person, or any other object can be covered by your policy’s collision coverage. Following a hit-and-run, you can recover payment for vehicle damage through this coverage, though you still have to cover the deductible.
- Medical Payments Coverage — Regardless of who is responsible for the accident, Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage pays for your medical costs or those of your injured passenger. This coverage also allows you to seek compensation after a hit-and-run. Plus, it doesn’t have deductibles.
If you want to file a claim with your insurer, our Santa Rosa car accident lawyers who work on hit-and-run cases can guide you through the process. Insurance claims often involve challenges, such as disagreements over the extent of your losses, delays in processing, or difficulty establishing fault. Legal representation can help you thoroughly document your case and advocate for your interests throughout the claims process.
Available Damages After A Hit-And-Run Accident
After a hit-and-run accident, you may be eligible for compensatory damages to help restore your pre-accident condition and compensate for your losses. These damages can be classified as “special” or “general”.
Special or economic damages are financial losses quantified through receipts, bills, and other documentation. They include:
- Current and future medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgeries, medications, ongoing therapy, nursing care, and rehabilitation.
- Lost income from missed work and reduced future earning capacity, in case your injury prevents you from doing your job.
- Property damage, either for repairing or replacing your vehicle and other properties.
- Other out-of-pocket expenses.
General or non-economic damages are harder to quantify since they are subjective. Payment for these intangible losses helps you cope with the suffering caused by your injury. Some examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Reduced quality of life
- Inconvenience
If a loved one tragically died in a hit-and-run accident, you may seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. These damages include burial and funeral expenses, the deceased’s lost income, and medical expenses.
Our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyers may work closely with other qualified professionals to assess your damages and build your case. We will present expert testimonies and evidence during negotiations or, if necessary, in a trial. At its discretion, the court may award punitive damages, not to compensate injured plaintiffs but to punish defendants for grossly negligent or intentional conduct.
Proving Negligence In A Hit-And-Run Accident
Under the law, the negligent party is legally responsible for the damages the injured party incurred from the accident. However, the victim must establish the negligence of the hit-and-run driver.
To establish negligence, hit-and-run accident lawyers in Santa Ana can assist in demonstrating the following four key elements:
- The at-fault driver had a duty to follow traffic laws and drive safely.
- The at-fault driver breached that duty of care by breaking traffic rules or driving recklessly.
- The breach led to the accident that caused your injuries.
- You experienced actual physical, emotional, and financial harm.
Consider a scenario where a vehicle turns left at a busy intersection and is supposed to yield to oncoming traffic. The driver fails to do so, colliding with your car. This accident caused you to sustain a neck injury and multiple fractures. The other driver panics and drives away from the scene.
If the driver is later found, your hit-and-run lawyer can establish their negligence by presenting evidence that proves they breached their duty of care. For instance, traffic camera footage and eyewitness testimony can demonstrate their failure to yield to oncoming traffic. This negligence can be directly linked to your injuries, as evidenced by your medical records and related documents.
If even one element is not proven, your case could be dismissed. Our hit-and-run accident lawyers in Santa Ana provide comprehensive legal representation. They can assist in gathering evidence, documenting injuries, and building a strong case that clearly demonstrates negligence.
Evidence Needed For Hit-And-Run Claims
It is important to contact the authorities following a hit-and-run accident. Request that witnesses remain at the scene and speak with law enforcement officials or obtain their contact details. The police will investigate your accident to identify and locate the driver who fled the scene. Together with your Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyer, they will collect crucial pieces of evidence, including the following:
- Pictures and videos of the accident scene.
- Paint evidence from the vehicles involved in the collision on nearby objects.
- Skid marks from tires at the accident scene.
- Police reports and testimonies from the first responders.
- Testimonies from eyewitnesses and other experts, like accident reconstructionists.
- Medical records and bills.
- Documents from the employer proving lost income.
What To Do After A Hit-And-Run Accident
Knowing what to do if you ever find yourself injured in a hit-and-run is crucial. If you can, consider the following steps to protect your well-being and potential legal claim.
- Prioritize Your Safety — Check yourself for injuries. If it’s safe to do so, move to the side of the road to avoid further accidents. However, if moving will worsen your injuries, you should remain where you are.
- Call 911 — Request law enforcement and medical responders, especially if you sustain serious injuries. Provide any information that could help identify the hit-and-run driver. Our Santa Rosa hit-and-run lawyers can help you obtain a copy of the police report, which you can use later in your claim.
- Gather Evidence — Take photos and videos of your injuries, any damaged property, skid marks on the road, traffic signs, and other relevant details at the scene.
- Find Witnesses — Eyewitnesses may prove beneficial in identifying the hit-and-run driver. Politely ask for their contact details.
- Get Medical Help — Even if you feel fine, seek emergency medical care from the responders at the scene and follow up with the hospital afterward. It is important to remember that some injuries do not present symptoms immediately. Getting treated at the scene and consulting with a qualified doctor can help prevent your injuries from worsening.
- Inform Your Insurance Provider — Report the accident to your insurance company. However, refrain from making a recorded statement or signing any document without legal counsel.
- Seek Legal Help — A hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and navigate the insurance claims process. An attorney can also assist in gathering evidence and advocating for fair compensation for your losses.
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
Statute Of Limitations For Hit-And-Runs
The statute of limitations sets the time period within which a lawsuit for a personal injury, including a hit-and-run accident, must be filed. In California, the general timeframe for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident.
If you file against a government agency, you only have up to six months to submit a notice. The statute of limitations may be extended if the plaintiff is a minor or the defendant is mentally incapacitated, out of state, or in prison. Failing to comply with these deadlines may invalidate your claim.
Our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyers can manage the legal requirements and help preserve your right to pursue compensation while you focus on your recovery.
Hit-And-Run Accident Statistics In California
According to the “Overview of Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes in 2022” report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), hit-and-run cases increased compared to the previous year. In particular:
- Deaths in hit-and-runs increased 0.5% from 2,917 in 2021 to 2,932 in 2022.
- Hit-and-runs accounted for 25% (1,910) of the total pedestrian fatalities (7,522) in 2022, an increase of 5% (79) from the previous year.
- In the same year, around 24% (265) of the total pedal cyclist deaths (1,105) were attributed to hit-and-runs. This figure represented an 18% (40) rise from 2021.
In 2021, the California Office of Traffic Safety reported 43 fatal and injury hit-and-run crashes in Santa Rosa. The large number of hit-and-run fatalities highlights the challenges that remain despite the implementation of Santa Rosa’s Local Road Safety Plan. The plan has seemingly improved overall safety, but the persistence of high-risk behaviors suggests more needs to be done. Additional measures or stronger enforcement may be necessary to address these specific issues.
These numbers are real people who lost their lives due to other people’s negligence. If a hit-and-run driver caused injury or loss, you may have the right to pursue compensation and seek accountability through a personal injury claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Average Settlement Amount For A Hit-And-Run In Santa Rosa?
There is no average settlement amount because each accident, including hit-and-runs, is unique. The monetary compensation you may be able to pursue in a claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the limit of applicable insurance policies, and whether the liable party is found. Our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident attorney will assess the circumstances of the accident to determine the potential value of your case.
Is Hiring A Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyer Necessary When Dealing With Insurance Companies?
Hiring a hit-and-run accident lawyer is not legally required, but it can be beneficial when dealing with insurance companies. Legal counsel can help you navigate the claims process, address any disputes, and pursue appropriate compensation for your losses.
Can I Seek Additional Compensation After Accepting A Check From The Insurance Company?
Before accepting a settlement from insurance companies, remember that the fine print often says you forfeit your right to pursue further compensation. It’s highly possible to incur additional expenses, as you might only discover the full extent of your injuries later. It may also take time to determine the full impact of your injuries on your ability to perform your job and overall quality of life. Accepting an insurance settlement too soon could mean years or decades of paying for someone else’s mistake.
This is another reason to retain legal counsel before signing anything with insurance companies. Our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident attorneys will help you understand the coverage outlined in your insurance policy, estimate your damages, and advocate for appropriate compensation for your losses.
Can I Pursue Compensation For Future Expenses?
Yes, you may be able to seek compensation for future expenses resulting from your injuries. Determining future costs is one reason why hiring experienced hit-and-run accident lawyers in Santa Rosa is crucial before accepting any offer from insurance companies. Settlement offers may not include any expenses you might incur in the future. Accepting them means forfeiting your rights to claim future monetary reparation. Your lawyer will advocate for the inclusion of future expenses in your compensation claim.
How can you estimate your future medical expenses or predict whether you’ll lose income in the future? A Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you develop a clearer picture of these costs. They may collaborate with qualified professionals, such as life planners or financial consultants, to calculate current and projected expenses.
If future losses are not accurately estimated, you may be responsible for costs not covered by a settlement. Consulting an injury lawyer can help you evaluate your potential losses and available options.
How Much Does Hiring A Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyer In Santa Rosa Cost?
Many injury law firms work on a contingency fee structure, meaning you typically do not pay any attorney’s fees unless your case results in a settlement or court award. Please note that you may still be responsible for certain case-related costs regardless of the outcome. At Arash Law, our hit-and-run lawyers in Santa Rosa will explain our free arrangement and answer any questions you may have.
Do I Need To See A Doctor Even If I Feel Fine After A Hit-And-Run?
Following any accident, it’s crucial to consult a doctor right away, even if they think they’re fine or their injuries aren’t that serious. The symptoms of some injuries do not manifest immediately. These injuries may become apparent days or weeks after the accident. Visiting the doctor and undergoing a thorough medical evaluation ensures that all possible injuries are identified and treated. Any delay could worsen your injuries.
It also helps document your injuries, which can support your claim later. A prompt medical evaluation will help establish that the injuries directly resulted from the accident, thereby proving causation. Delaying medical attention can make it harder to connect your injuries directly to the accident. Therefore, don’t delay getting treatment, attend all your doctor’s visits, and follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
What If I’m Partially At Fault For My Hit-And-Run Accident?
California is a pure comparative negligence state, allowing you to pursue compensation even if you are partially at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are determined to be 30% at fault, you may still be eligible to pursue 70% of your damages.
A Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyer can help pursue a fair assessment of fault by reviewing evidence, consulting with qualified professionals, and addressing any unjust or inaccurate findings of liability. Furthermore, to protect your claim, it’s advisable not to make assumptions and apologize at the accident scene. It’s better to tell the authorities the facts and nothing more. Also, refrain from posting about your accident on social media.
When Should I File A Hit-And-Run Accident Claim?
Filing a personal injury claim before the statute of limitations expires is critical in the claims process. Failing to file within the deadline could mean losing your chance to be compensated for your losses.
Bringing an injury claim or lawsuit with the assistance of hit-and-run accident lawyers in Santa Rosa may help you explore all available options for compensation, compared to settling directly with the insurance provider.
Am I Eligible To File A Personal Injury Claim After A Hit-And-Run?
In California, victims have the right to file a claim for compensation when another party’s actions cause injuries and other damages. Your eligibility to seek compensation is not affected by your age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or immigration status.
If a driver hit you and fled the scene, our hit-and-run accident lawyers in Santa Rosa provide legal guidance and support in the claims process. We can help you seek compensation for your medical bills and related losses. Our firm offers free initial consultations to discuss your case, and translation services are available so you can communicate with us in your preferred language.
Contact Our Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers In Santa Rosa For Legal Help
Accidents involving hit-and-run drivers are often challenging situations for injured victims. If you are unable to identify the responsible party, the process of seeking financial recovery may seem overwhelming. Our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyers are available to help. We provide legal assistance in pursuing compensation, even if the at-fault driver remains unidentified. Arash Law has years of experience in handling a wide range of injury cases, from Uber accidents to construction site injuries.
Call (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation, where we discuss the viability of your case and the legal options available. You can also complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form here. We can schedule a consultation at a time and place that is convenient for you. Complimentary transportation can be arranged if needed, and our team is also available to meet you at your location anywhere in California.
Our hit-and-run accident attorneys also serve Santa Rosa’s neighboring cities and communities, including Fulton, Larkfield-Wikiup, Windsor, Kenwood, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Stony Point, Penngrove, Sebastopol, Barlow, Graton, Petaluma, Glen Ellen, Eldridge, Boyes Hot Springs, Sonoma, and Vineburg.
