Santa Rosa Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Santa Rosa Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers Don’t Stop Until The Injured Win With Us
Hit-and-run victims deserve justice, not only to compensate for their losses but also to prevent future harm. Our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyers can help you explore all possible options for your financial recovery. 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 opt out of using their vehicles. Central to this effort is the Local Road Safety Plan, which seeks to reduce traffic collisions caused by abusive motorists.
Among those who abuse their driving privilege are hit-and-run drivers, who pose a significant threat to anyone on the road, most especially pedestrians and cyclists. These drivers not only endanger people but also cause significant property damage as a result of their irresponsible actions.
Having recovered $500 Million and counting, we have what it takes to get the compensation you are owed as an accident victim. Our proven track record of success is a testament to our dedication to helping injured clients and their families. Like you, we want nothing more than to bring the driver responsible for your injuries to justice. We won’t let any challenges diminish our hope and efforts to secure the financial compensation you deserve. By choosing Arash Law, your case is in good hands.
How Our Santa Rosa Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers Help
Hit-and-run accidents 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, adding 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 assist you in overcoming these obstacles by:
Assisting In The Investigation And Search
Determining fault can be complex in a hit-and-run accident. Gathering evidence is crucial to identify all responsible parties and assign liability accordingly. The degree of negligence greatly influences settlement results, and you might not get paid at all if negligence isn’t proven. To strengthen your case, our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident attorneys will gather evidence such as witness statements, police records, images, and videos.
Substantiating Your Injuries And Damages
Don’t expect insurance companies to accept your claim and pay you in full automatically. Insurers aim to protect their bottom line. In other words, they prioritize their financial interests and are not above employing tactics to minimize your claim. To ensure fair compensation, our hit-and-run injury lawyers will provide compelling evidence of your injuries and losses.
Filing An Insurance Claim
Filing a claim can be difficult and even confusing at times. You might not know who to file a claim against or how to proceed. Our Santa Rosa personal injury lawyers, who specialize in hit-and-run accidents, will handle the legwork, including preparing the required paperwork and filing it promptly.
Negotiating Settlements
Insurance companies are known for offering claimants settlements that are significantly less than they are entitled to. After all, they need to save money and protect their profits. Our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyers will aggressively negotiate a settlement that fully compensates your losses. They won’t let your financial recovery fall short of the amount you truly deserve.
Initiating A Lawsuit
Most cases are resolved out of courtrooms, but we will not hesitate to bring your case to court if necessary. Our competent hit-and-run accident attorneys are ready to represent your case in a trial if we cannot reach an 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 three to four years in prison and a fine.
As a hit-and-run accident victim, recovering financial compensation for your injuries can easily be a burden. Call (888) 488-1391 and seek legal help from our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyers. We can help you secure monetary compensation even if the liable driver cannot be located.
Why Hit-And-Run Accidents Happen
Many drivers who flee the scene after causing a vehicular collision do so to avoid legal consequences. For example, if the at-fault driver speeds away from a car accident, one might presume they are:
- 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, most hit-and-runs occur in dimly lit areas or where no other vehicles are present.
Regardless of the circumstances, hit-and-run drivers need to answer for their actions. However, the reality is that in some cases, some ultimately escape liability. Speak with our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident attorneys to help locate the driver. We will tirelessly fight for the compensation you deserve.
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-runs. 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, leading 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 have seen how these injuries affect victims and helped them claim compensation. We take legal action to secure the best possible amount regardless of whether the hit-and-run driver is identified or not.
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 best scenario is ultimately finding the at-fault driver. The authorities will make sure they face the consequences of their action. You can file a separate personal injury claim or civil lawsuit to recover damages as they face criminal charges. You can seek compensation for damages, including your medical bills, lost income, and even losses that are hard to quantify, such as emotional trauma. While you can submit a claim on your own, you can let our hit-and-run accident lawyers in Santa Rosa do the legwork 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 get reimbursement for your accident-related expenses by filing a claim with your insurer. Our hit-and-run accident lawyers will aggressively negotiate to secure the compensation you deserve, even in the face of their attempts to minimize your payout.
Insurance Coverage For Hit-And-Run Accidents
Since California is an at-fault state, the driver responsible for the accident and their insurance provider should pay 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-runs. 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 Payment Coverage — Regardless of who is responsible for the accident, Medical Payment (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, seek help from our Santa Rosa car accident lawyers who work on hit-and-run cases. You can expect insurance companies to downplay your losses and damages by disputing your claim. However, we will advocate tirelessly, ensuring you receive what you’re owed.
Recoverable 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 deal with the suffering brought on by the effects of the 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 can recover 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 will work closely with other experts to assess your damages and build your case. We will present expert testimonies and compelling evidence during negotiations or, if necessary, in a trial. Upon 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 should pay 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, experienced hit-and-run accident lawyers in Santa Ana can help you prove the following four crucial elements:
- The at-fault driver owed you a duty of care by following all traffic laws and driving defensively.
- The at-fault driver breached that duty of care by breaking traffic rules or driving recklessly.
- The breach caused the accident that resulted in 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. Call the best hit-and-run accident lawyers in Santa Ana and ensure award-winning legal representation.
Evidence Needed For Hit-And-Run Claims
Contact the authorities immediately following a hit-and-run accident. Request witnesses to remain at the scene and speak with the law enforcement officials or obtain their contact details. The police will investigate your accident to identify and find the driver who ran away. 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, take the steps below to secure your well-being and rights to monetary compensation.
- Make Sure You’re Safe — 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 for law enforcement and medical responders, especially if you sustain serious injuries. Make sure to provide any information that comes to mind 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, get emergency medical care from the responders at the scene and the hospital afterward. It is important to remember that some injuries do not present symptoms right away. Getting treated at the scene and following up with a qualified doctor can help prevent your injuries from getting worse.
- Inform Your Insurance Provider — Report the accident to your insurance company immediately. However, refrain from making a recorded statement or signing any document without legal counsel.
- Call Arash Law At (888) 488-1391 — Talk to our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyers to ensure you pursue all available options for compensation. We can help locate the at-fault driver and ensure fair and full financial reparation.
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 dictates how long you can submit a lawsuit for auto accidents and recover damages. The timeframe to file a claim for hit-and-run accidents is the same for other personal injury claims, which is two years from the accident date.
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 observe these deadlines invalidates your claim.
Get in touch with our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyers so you don’t miss your chance to get fair compensation. They will handle everything on the legal side so that you can focus on your recovery.
Hit-And-Run Accident Statistics
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.
It helps to keep in mind that these numbers are real people who lost their lives senselessly by other people’s negligence. If a hit-and-run driver injured you or killed a loved one, you deserve justice and full compensation for your losses. Our hit-and-run accident lawyers in Santa Rosa and the top-notch legal representation you deserve are just a call away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Average Settlement Amount For A Hit-And-Run In Santa Rosa?
In truth, no average settlement amount exists because every accident, including hit-and-runs, is unique. The monetary compensation you can recover depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the limit of applicable insurance policies, and whether the liable party is found. Your Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident attorney will assess the circumstances of the accident to assess what your case is worth.
Our commitment to helping injured victims is evident in our track record. Our hit-and-run injury lawyers serving California have recovered millions in settlements:
- Our law firm has recovered $1,700,000 for a 79-year-old lady who crossed the street and got hit by a driver. The defense blamed our client and refused to settle until a few weeks before the trial.
- Our injury attorneys also won $1,000,000 for a rideshare driver involved in a hit-and-run. The case was settled for the maximum policy limits one week before the arbitration.
Is Hiring A Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyer Necessary When Dealing With Insurance Companies?
Even when dealing with your insurance provider, it’s helpful to remember that they don’t always have your best interest in mind. Insurance adjusters are trained to obtain information and statements from you to decrease your settlement amount. They are not required to tell you the true value of your claim and will even take advantage of your unawareness of your rights.
Our skilled Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyers will protect you from these tactics that undermine your claim. We will help ensure maximum financial recovery.
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 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 might also take time to determine the full impact of your injuries on your ability to perform your job and the overall quality of your 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 safeguard your rights and make sure all your damages are fully compensated.
Can I Recover Compensation For Future Expenses?
Yes, you can! 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. Their settlement offers typically don’t include any expense you might incur in the future. Accepting them means forfeiting your rights to claim future monetary reparation. Your lawyer will ensure your future expenses are considered in your compensation.
This begs the question: how can you estimate your upcoming medical expenses or predict whether you’ll lose income in the future? You can get a proper estimate of such costs with the help of a Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyer. Remember, you can end up paying out of your pocket if you don’t correctly estimate your future losses. Seek help from an injury lawyer to ensure you get what you need.
How Much Does Hiring A Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyer In Santa Rosa Cost?
Like most injury law firms, our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyers work on a contingency fee structure. This arrangement means you won’t have to pay anything upfront or out of pocket when you choose Arash Law. Our fee will be deducted from the settlement or jury verdict you may receive. It will usually be between 33 and 40% of your award. The exact percentage will be discussed beforehand.
With this arrangement, you won’t owe us anything if we don’t win your case. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose. It also further incentivizes us to seek the maximum settlement amount possible for you.
Do I Need To See A Doctor Even If I Feel Fine After A Hit-And-Run?
Following any accident, our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyers advise victims 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 can sneak up on you days or weeks after the accident. Going to the doctor and getting a thorough medical evaluation ensures all possible injuries are checked and treated. Any delay could worsen your injuries.
It also helps document your injuries, which will benefit your claim later. A prompt medical evaluation will help prove that the injuries directly resulted from the accident, establishing causation. Delays in seeking medical attention can make it more difficult for your doctor to definitively connect your injuries 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 recover compensation even if you are partially at fault. The amount you can recover will be the portion of the accident you are not to blame for. Let’s say it turned out you were 30% at fault; that means you may still be entitled to recover 70% of the damages.
It’s critical to consult with Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyers before anything else. Do not make assumptions and apologize at the accident scene. It’s better to tell the authorities the facts and nothing more. Also, a lawyer will advise you against 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 of recovering compensation.
Bringing an injury claim or lawsuit through the help of hit-and-run accident lawyers in Santa Rosa will result in much bigger compensation than settling with the insurance provider yourself. Reach out to Arash Law immediately after a negligent driver disrupts your life in a hit-and-run accident.
Am I Eligible To File A Personal Injury Claim After A Hit-And-Run?
In California, victims have the right to claim compensation when another party’s actions cause injuries and other damages. The law doesn’t look at your age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic standing, ethnicity, or immigration status. You can call our accident hotline at (888) 488-1931 to find out if you’re eligible to claim damages.
If a driver hit you and fled the scene, speak with our hit-and-run accident lawyers in Santa Rosa as soon as possible. You deserve financial compensation, and we will help you obtain the maximum amount possible. Don’t be concerned if English is not your first language. Arash Law has a multilingual staff who can help you communicate well and translate important correspondence, meetings, depositions, hearings, and more.
Work With The Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers Santa Rosa Calls For Help
Accidents involving hit-and-run drivers are challenging situations for injured victims. How can you secure financial recovery after an accident when the party responsible is nowhere to be found? Our Santa Rosa hit-and-run accident lawyers are here to help. We offer legal assistance with no upfront costs to injured victims, guiding you in pursuing compensation even if the at-fault party’s identity is unknown. Led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., Arash Law specializes in 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 fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form or talk to our legal team directly at our office. We’ll even provide complimentary transportation. We can also come to your location — anytime, anywhere.
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.
