Should I Get A Lawyer After A Hit-and-Run?

California has a diverse culture, beautiful beaches, heavy traffic, and is known as the entertainment capital. It also means that the roads are consistently busy, which leads to a higher probability of car accidents. There are many accidents, but one of the most confusing is the hit-and-run. VC 20002(a) CVC states that drivers involved in accidents resulting in property damage or injuries must stay at the scene, and leaving without calling the authorities or rendering aid to the injured could have legal repercussions. If you or someone you know got injured in a hit-and-run crash, a hit-and-run accident lawyer from Arash Law can help you understand your rights and legal options.

When a motorist does not stay at the scene, they can be charged with a misdemeanor. This charge comes with potential penalties of six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000. We often see clients who are unsure whether they have legal rights after such a crash. In the event of a hit-and-run crash, you likely do. You may be able to seek compensation for your injuries. Our team understands the complexity of these cases could have, especially when they involve permanent injuries or death.

Our car accident lawyers offer a free initial consultation, where you can discuss your case and get legal support that may help you move forward after a hit-and-run accident. Call our team at (888) 488-1391 or use our online contact form.

What To Do After A Hit-and-Run Accident In California

Immediately following a hit-and-run accident, you must get medical attention and report the accident. If the driver flees, try to document any information you can about the collision. Next, you can learn more about how hit-and-run laws in California might affect your case. There are strict laws that apply, but every situation is different. Consider seeking legal assistance to better understand your rights and make informed decisions about your case.

There are three circumstances in which a Los Angeles hit-and-run lawyer can assist:

If you are unsure what to do next or need legal representation, speak to one of our hit-and-run accident lawyers. Arash Law provides free, no-obligation first consultations for accident victims.

How You Can Help Find An Unidentified Driver After A Hit-And-Run Accident

Tracking down the driver who caused a hit-and-run accident could help support your injury claim. One way you can start is by gathering evidence. Look for anything that can identify the driver, such as what they look like and the type of vehicle. Ideally, write down their license plate number if you can see it. Even a partial plate number can help locate the driver.

If possible, take a picture of the fleeing vehicle. While gathering evidence and information is crucial, never follow the driver. Doing so might lead to a confrontation and further injury. Do what you can, but do not overexert yourself trying to get information. There might be traffic cameras or CCTV footage nearby that can also help identify the runaway driver.

When police arrive, provide as many details about the accident as possible. Law enforcement will use your statements to locate the driver. They will start with the driver’s direction and can contact other officers to be on the lookout for the vehicle. They can also alert body shops about the vehicle’s damage.

While all of these steps could help your claim, it’s equally important to prioritize treating your injuries. Get medical attention from the scene if you have severe injuries. Catastrophic injuries may involve victims being transported from the scene to a nearby hospital or trauma center. For minor or delayed injuries, see your doctor even when symptoms are not immediately present. Follow through with all treatments and recommendations.

Another step you can take is to get legal representation. Consider contacting a hit-and-run lawyer in California early on to get started with your claim, if you’re eligible to file one. Arash Law can work with the police and use our resources to attempt to locate the driver. We can also help you identify all potential avenues in seeking compensation for your losses in case the driver can’t be found.

Legal Options After A Hit-And-Run

Hit-and-run cases can be more challenging to pursue. Not knowing who the driver is could complicate matters. Since car accident victims often seek damages from an at-fault driver, those injured in hit-and-runs may believe they have no compensation options available. However, that likely isn’t the case.

First, discuss your case with a hit-and-run attorney. There might be options for paying your medical expenses and property losses that do not come out of pocket. Our team can also explain how the investigation could work and your available legal options.

One option is to file an insurance claim with your insurer if you have uninsured motorist coverage. This provision in your insurance policy covers your losses if an uninsured or underinsured motorist hits you. You can also use these benefits if you cannot locate the fleeing motorist.

Another option is to bring a claim against another party. If someone other than the driver contributed to or directly caused the accident, they may share liability. Even if the driver flees and remains unidentified, there may still be other options for seeking compensation.

Understanding Penalties And California Hit-and-Run Law

Car accidents are common, but that does not take away from their complexity. Determining liability can be challenging. A car accident lawyer in California will review the fault and level of damages. For hit-and-run cases, drivers can face severe penalties when found.

Under California hit-and-run laws, such drivers could be charged with a misdemeanor. However, the penalties are heightened if they were intoxicated or if someone died. The driver might then face felony charges, higher fines, and longer jail sentences.

How Hit-and-Run Victims Can Protect Themselves

Hit-and-run accidents can be disorienting. However, there are some actions you can take to protect yourself. Here are some examples from our hit-and-run lawyers in California:

• Pull over and park immediately to avoid additional injury or damage.
• Contact the police. In car accidents, call 911 when there are injuries. Regardless of injuries, hit-and-run cases require you to contact the authorities. The police report could support your injury claim. Without this report, it might become more challenging to make an insurance claim.
• Seek medical attention. When you call the police, also request medical services. You might not know the extent of your injuries at the moment. Some injuries, like whiplash, can take a few days to appear.
• Gather evidence by taking pictures of the damage, writing down information about the collision, and requesting a copy of the police report. Important details are the time, location, plate number, surrounding buildings, street names, and weather. This information can increase your chances of successfully identifying the driver so you can file a claim.
• Find witnesses. If you see anyone around who saw the crash, talk to them. Get their contact information. Their unbiased opinion could help back your case. Many witnesses will not wait for the police to arrive.
• Call a California car accident lawyer. A hit-and-run accident lawyer from Arash Law can evaluate your case, identify the damages available, and pursue compensation on your behalf. They can also help the authorities in their search for the driver who caused your accident, and, if they can’t be found, help you explore alternative options for seeking damages.

Role Of Uninsured Motorist Coverage In Hit-and-Run Accidents

When efforts to locate the driver are futile, you could make a claim through your underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. If we can find the driver, then you can make a claim against their insurance company. California laws do not require motorists to carry uninsured motorist coverage. It is an optional provision. The one requirement California has is that insurance companies must offer this provision.

In 2023, approximately 15.4% of drivers in California were uninsured, according to data from the Insurance Information Institute. So, while this coverage is optional by law, it’s something you can consider adding to your policy as a proactive measure. You can use it in hit-and-run accidents and when someone who hit you does not have adequate insurance coverage.

Uninsured motorist coverage could pay for some of your losses under certain conditions:

• There must be physical contact between your vehicle and the one that fled the scene.
• You reported the accident to the police within 24 hours.
• You file a claim within 30 days of the collision.

If you meet all of these conditions, you might have a claim. Consider discussing your situation with a hit-and-run lawyer.

Phantom Drivers

A phantom driver is someone who swerves into your lane, causing you to swerve out of the way. When you move out of the way, it leads to a collision. You might hit a street sign, guardrail, or another vehicle. Sometimes, vehicles roll over or end up in ditches. If you can identify the driver, you may be eligible to pursue compensation.

Phantom drivers are usually reckless and do not look back. These drivers are also more challenging to identify. In legal terms, they are not considered hit-and-run drivers. There was no physical contact between their vehicle and yours, which means you cannot use your uninsured motorist coverage.

What If The Crash Was Not My Fault?

If the accident was not your fault, but was instead caused by another’s negligence, you may still have legal options to seek compensation. California has duties that all drivers must adhere to. The consequences could be steep if a collision results in serious injury or death.

One duty is that drivers are required to stop at the scene of a crash. When a driver leaves the scene, they could face criminal charges, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. Even if the driver isn’t found, you may be able to use your uninsured motorist coverage to seek damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options and guide you through the claims process.

Your Case Can Be Denied If You Don’t File On Time

There are insurance and legal limits that accident victims must meet. In California, you have two years from the accident date to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, with exceptions extending or shortening that window in certain scenarios. However, you will have a shorter deadline for filing an insurance claim. Working with a car accident lawyer in California can help you keep track of deadlines and file necessary paperwork on time.

If you wait too long and attempt to file after these deadlines, it could hinder your case. Many courts will automatically deny the claim if it comes in after the statute of limitations. If you’re eligible to file a claim, upholding your right to pursue compensation is something you can only accomplish if you meet all filing deadlines.

What If The Hit-and-Run Driver Isn’t Found?

If the driver who hit you in a hit-and-run accident can’t be located, you may still be able to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses. One common option is to file a claim under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This could help cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages when the at-fault driver is unknown or has no insurance.

If you don’t have UM coverage, other options may include using your health insurance or checking if any third parties (like a vehicle manufacturer or government agency) played a role in the crash.

In certain situations surrounding hit-and-runs, you may be able to ask for an extension or a pause on the statute of limitations. This pause could be granted if it takes the police over two years to find the runaway driver or if the driver lives in another state. In these and other extenuating circumstances, the statute of limitations clock can begin the day they find the driver.

When there are delays in finding the driver, you may have to consider other avenues to seek compensation for your injuries. Discuss these and other options with a car accident lawyer from Arash Law.

What If The Hit-and-Run Driver Is In Prison?

Fleeing an accident scene is a criminal offense. Hit-and-run drivers may face charges and be incarcerated for their crime, such as in a California state prison. How much time they spend in jail will depend on the accident’s severity, criminal record, and other factors.

If the at-fault driver is incarcerated, the statute of limitations on your claim can be tolled. For example, if the driver is in custody for six months, the statute could be tolled for six months. Conversely, the pause is limited to a maximum of two years, even if the driver is in prison longer. To illustrate, if they are in prison for four years, the statute may be tolled for only two years.

A California hit-and-run lawyer can help by explaining how the tolling rules may apply in your situation, preparing your case while the driver is in custody, and exploring other compensation options if the driver is uninsured or has limited financial resources. You can do so early on to avoid missing critical deadlines.

The Hit-and-Run Driver May Never Be Located

In some cases, despite police efforts, the at-fault driver in a hit-and-run may never be identified or located. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re without options for pursuing compensation. Your own insurance policy may help cover your losses, depending on the coverage you have.

• Collision Coverage — This optional insurance pays for damage to your vehicle and other people’s property, regardless of who is at fault. In hit-and-run incidents where the other driver can’t be identified, you may need to pay a deductible before your coverage applies.
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage — You can access this provision for the amount of your legal liability protection. You will have the same coverage amounts as your primary policy. Uninsured motorist coverage is encouraged but optional.

When insurance companies are signing up new customers, they will encourage you to add other provisions like uninsured motorist coverage. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage could protect you if you are in a collision with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or sufficient insurance to cover your losses, which includes hit-and-run drivers.

You might also be able to access uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage even when you are not driving, such as after a pedestrian or bicycle accident caused by a hit-and-run driver. Underinsured motorist coverage could make up the difference between your losses and the at-fault driver’s maximum coverage.

If you file a claim from your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, your insurer will investigate it and review your policy limits before determining your compensation. Since they may be working with limited information about your accident, you can ask a lawyer to help assess the full extent of your losses and review the findings of your insurer.

If you receive a determination from your insurance company, you can either accept or contest it. If you opt for the latter, you may have to negotiate through arbitration, which is a private way to settle disputes using a third party.

Uninsured and underinsured motorists’ claims can be complex, especially if you’re still recovering from injuries. A hit-and-run lawyer at Arash Law can guide you through the process and manage the claim on your behalf.

Can An Injured Pedestrian Be Blamed For An Accident?

Under California law, pedestrians can be held fully or partially responsible for their injuries if a judge or jury finds that the pedestrian acted unsafely. If their actions contributed to the accident, they will share liability. Most pedestrian accidents, however, do not involve any wrongdoing from the pedestrian.

California follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that if a pedestrian is found partially at fault, the compensation amount they’re able to pursue will be reduced in proportion to their share of responsibility. For instance, if a court finds a pedestrian 30% at fault, their total compensation would be reduced by 30%.

A personal injury lawyer can help evaluate the circumstances of your case, gather evidence, and respond to any claims of shared fault.

What To Do If You Hit A Parked Car

If you hit a parked car, you have an obligation to wait for the owner. These situations do not happen often, but there are laws for when they do. It can also occur that your parked car is hit by someone else. Exchanging information between both parties is required in both instances.

If the person is unavailable, the person who hit the parked car must leave a detailed note with contact information. Exchanging driver information or leaving a note protects parties from being charged with a misdemeanor. Be familiar with the state’s requirements to avoid criminal charges or other legal troubles.

What Are Some Common Hit-And-Run Accident Injuries?

The team at Arash Law has seen many injuries in car accident cases. Hit-and-runs have similar injuries, but sometimes they are more severe. Among the most common that our hit-and-run accident lawyers see are:

• Lacerations
• Brain Injuries
• Death
• Skull Fractures
• Paraplegia
• Quadriplegia
• Broken Bones
• Spinal Cord Injury — These are among the most severe injuries that can impact your movement. It is likely to present as back pain. Slipped discs and lumbar spine injuries can be expensive to treat because they require extensive medical care. Sometimes, a spinal cord injury can cause permanent disability.
• Head Injuries — These injuries can range in severity and have many ramifications. Sometimes, injuries are external, such as scrapes and bruises. Other times, head injuries involve damage to the brain. Internal bleeding is also possible. The worst outcome is often a traumatic brain injury.
• Neck Injuries — Car accidents can cause the head or neck to jolt aggressively, resulting in injuries referred to as whiplash. Sometimes, your seatbelt can diminish the jolt. Immediate treatment is necessary.
• Facial Injuries — If a hit-and-run crash causes a significantly forceful impact, your head might snap back, and when it comes forward, it may hit various parts of the car. This may include the airbags, dashboard, or steering wheel. The force of impact can potentially lead to broken teeth, nose injuries, and facial scrapes. Broken glass could cause deep cuts, which may result in scars or disfigurement.
• Internal Injuries — Not all injuries are visible, as the crash can lead to internal injuries. Your vital organs, like your heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs, might be impacted. These injuries require immediate medical treatment, as they are life-threatening without the proper care.

How the accident happens can dictate the extent of your injuries. In hit-and-run cases where the driver is unwilling to stay at the scene and offer aid, injuries can potentially lead to death. Help can take hours if the victim remains unconscious after the driver flees. During that time, the injuries could worsen and may cause further complications.

What Are Some Common Hit-And-Run Accident Damages?

The law allows injured victims to pursue damages from a negligent party that causes an accident. You may thus be able to seek compensation for past and future expected costs. Arash Law helps clients file claims against negligent drivers.

Victims could seek damages such as medical bills, car repairs, alternative transportation, and other accident expenses, depending on the specifics of their case. Our team works to hold negligent parties legally accountable for such losses. Damages you could seek after a hit-and-run accident include:

• Medical expenses
• Physical therapy
• Medications
• Car repairs
• Rental cars
• Transportation expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Out-of-pocket costs
• Lost income
• Disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life

You can seek other general and special damages. The facts of your case and the losses you suffer will determine the potential damages you may be able to pursue. Insurance limits could also impact your claim. Consider speaking to one of our hit-and-run lawyers to estimate your losses.

Homeowners Insurance And Your Hit-and-Run Case

Homeowners’ insurance is a unique way to pursue compensation for a car crash. When a cyclist or pedestrian is injured in a collision, you may be able to challenge your homeowner’s insurance. Vehicle drivers can make claims under a pre-collision uninsured motorists binder. As a homeowner, criminal charges are possible for insurance fraud if you attempt to get a binding after a crash.

Government Tort Claims Act

Sometimes, a government agency or another third party is responsible in part or in full for the crash, such as when a faulty traffic intersection signal gives two drivers the right of way. Instead of staying, one driver flees the scene. The person left at the intersection may be able to pursue damages from the city or county.

Government claims have shorter deadlines and other complexities. You may thus need to move quickly to file claims. The government agency may challenge your claim, but your car accident lawyer could help address disputes and advocate for your right to pursue compensation.

How Arash Law Offers Legal Support After Hit-And-Run Accidents

The team at Arash Law works to assist injured clients eligible to seek compensation after a personal injury accident, including those involving hit-and-run crashes. We look at every potentially responsible party and pursue a settlement. We have been helping clients across California in similar situations for decades, with years of negotiation and litigation experience.

Drunk and unlicensed drivers are among the most likely culprits in hit-and-run accidents. They may try to avoid legal ramifications by leaving the scene. For example, they can happen in a crosswalk where pedestrians are walking. Other times, drivers may T-bone other cars while speeding through an intersection. Sadly, these collisions could result in fatalities for the victims.

Surviving families, like spouses, children, and parents, may be eligible to file wrongful death actions. On the other hand, survivors might face severe injuries like facial disfigurement, head injuries, or disc fractures. Pedestrian hit-and-runs are also more likely to cause serious damage, given a pedestrian’s lack of protection compared to motorists and other vehicle occupants. Regardless of the case, you may be wondering whether you can seek compensation for yourself or your loved one.

You can ask a law firm with experience to guide you through the process. The culprit might not have been identified, but we could help look for them and potentially hold them accountable for their actions. Speak to our hit-and-run lawyers by calling (888) 488-1391.

What Types Of Accidents Require A Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer?

A Los Angeles car accident lawyer can guide you through the claims process after any collision caused by negligence. Arash Law handles various types of car accidents:

• Car Accidents — The most common types of car accidents involve T-bone crashes, head-on collisions, rear-end crashes, rollover accidents, and sideswipe accidents.
• Truck Accidents — In crashes that involve a tractor-trailer or other commercial vehicle, occupants of smaller vehicles typically suffer severe injuries. Truck accidents are more likely to be fatal.
• Motorcycle Accidents — A significant number of motorcycle crashes occur because other drivers fail to notice motorcycles on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are more likely to die in traffic collisions than car occupants. If they survive, they may sustain severe injuries.
• Single-Vehicle Collisions — Sometimes, a phantom driver or another situation can lead to a single-vehicle crash. They often happen when one driver is reckless and causes someone else to lose control of the car. Other times, they could be caused by defective auto parts or inadequate road maintenance.
• Hit-and-Run Crashes — Collisions where a driver causes an accident and leaves the scene require extensive investigations to locate and hold the driver responsible.
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents — Bicyclists and pedestrians are incredibly vulnerable on California roads. They have less protection. When a car hits a pedestrian or cyclist, it could lead to life-altering injuries. These collisions are also a leading cause of death.

If you are a victim of such an accident, a Los Angeles personal injury attorney can guide you through your legal options moving forward.

Common Defenses Against Hit-And-Run Charges In California

Finding the hit-and-run driver is only half the battle. Once they are found, you must prove they are liable for your injuries and damages. The at-fault driver may use several defenses for why they ran away or are not responsible for your injuries.

For example, the defendant may deny that they were driving the vehicle. Another defense is that the driver did not know or feel that the accident happened. They did not intentionally leave the scene. Instead, the impact did not affect them, so they were unaware that a crash had occurred. One final defense is that the driver was so severely injured that they could not meet reporting deadlines. They were so confused and hurt that they kept going to seek medical care. They didn’t have time to report the accident.

Other defenses include:

• Lack of Evidence — Hit-and-run charges only apply to the driver, not the occupants or witnesses. You must have evidence of who was driving. Without it, the case will not move forward.
• No Personal Injury or Property Damage — These charges only apply when a crash results in injury or property damage. These elements are necessary for it to be a compensation case.
• Mistaken Belief — Charges can be reduced if the other person can show they genuinely did not know about any property damage or injuries, though it isn’t easy to prove.
• Other Exceptions — A person threatening bodily injury or death can be sufficient to show why the driver had to leave the scene. They were protecting themselves and needed to be at a safe distance.

Our car accident lawyers can work to address these defenses and develop legal arguments that may support your case.

Types Of “Leaving The Scene” Crimes In California

There are criminal charges that can come from leaving the scene of an accident. California has laws addressing consequences. Some of the hit-and-run laws that may apply to your case include the following:

• CVC 20002 — Misdemeanor hit-and-run with property damage (no injuries reported).
• CVC 20001(b)(1) — Hit-and-run with injury.
• CVC 20001 (b)(2) — Felony hit-and-run with serious or permanent injury.
• CVC 20001 (b)(2) — Felony hit-and-run involving death.
• Vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.

As an injured victim, you don’t need to navigate these laws on your own. A hit-and-run lawyer can review the circumstances of your accident, explain how any criminal charges may impact your claim, and help you pursue compensation through a civil case.

What If I Was Too Injured From The Crash To Comply With The Reporting Requirements?

If a driver is unconscious or too severely disabled from an accident, they might not be able to reasonably report the accident. In cases where a driver or pedestrian is physically unable to comply with reporting requirements due to injury, they are not typically held criminally responsible for failing to report. However, your condition will not necessarily prevent you from filing a civil personal injury claim once you are able. A personal injury attorney can help gather evidence, handle communication, and file necessary documents on your behalf during your recovery.

What If I Stopped Soon After The Crash, But Not Immediately?

Drivers must reasonably stop their vehicles at accident scenes. It requires the driver to knowingly be involved in an accident resulting in injury or death. “Immediately” is a subjective term. Sometimes, drivers will stop at a distance from the collision to avoid other hazardous conditions.

Suppose you are in a collision on the highway, and the driver is stuck in the middle lane. They cannot stop and block traffic, so they drive further down to pull over. This course of action is a reasonable stopping distance for a valid reason. Safety should be a priority after crashes.

What If The Passenger In My Vehicle Was The Only Person Injured?

Drivers have a duty to stop and render aid when there is an injury or property damage. This duty does not only extend to other drivers and pedestrians. It also applies to passengers in their vehicles. Drivers must stop, report the accident, and get medical attention for their passengers. The passenger being the only injured victim doesn’t excuse drivers from their duties. For guidance on the process of pursuing a claim as an injured passenger, speak to a car accident lawyer in California.

Can I Sue For A Hit-And-Run In Los Angeles?

If you have a valid claim, you can sue a hit-and-run driver in a civil case once they are found. The recovering victim or the surviving family can take legal action to hold the driver responsible. These claims are filed against the driver’s insurance company. The at-fault driver might also face criminal charges and be arrested for their actions.

Do I Need A Car Accident Lawyer In California?

Yes, you may need a car accident lawyer in California if you were injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence. The law says that a motorist not at fault for a collision in this scenario can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. That also makes California an at-fault state, which affects how your claim is handled. You can seek compensation from a settlement or, if necessary, a lawsuit.

What Can A Car Accident Lawyer Do For Me?

Arash Law understands how difficult hit-and-run cases may be for victims. You might be under stress due to your inability to locate the driver, in addition to dealing with physical injuries, expensive vehicle repairs, and mental distress.

Our Los Angeles hit-and-run lawyers can investigate your case and, if you’re eligible to pursue compensation, file insurance claims on your behalf. We handle the legal aspects while you focus on your recovery.

Your Lawyer Helps Establish Fault And Liability

Car accident cases in California rely on the concept of fault. Among the important things Los Angeles car accident lawyers can do for you is to help establish fault and liability. You might assume the car that hit you is automatically at fault, but that isn’t necessarily the case. It is vital to establish whether the driver operated the vehicle with due care and whether a lack of care was the primary cause of the crash.

When establishing fault, we will look at the driver’s actions. Examples of when a driver is at fault for a collision include:

• Speeding.
• Driving too fast for the conditions.
• Fatigued driving.
• Failure to use signals.
• Failure to yield.
• Illegal passing.
• Driving on the sidewalk.
• Running a stop sign or red light.
• Distracted driving.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

If the driver who struck you made any of these errors, they may be held responsible for damages and losses. Establishing liability is an essential step in pursuing compensation.

Unfortunately, not all car accidents are clear-cut regarding fault. Therefore, evidence is critical to a car insurance claim. Our California car accident attorneys have decades of experience deposing and interviewing witnesses, as well as collecting evidence such as surveillance and dash cam footage, to support our clients’ car accident cases.

Your Lawyer Can Estimate The Value Of Your Injuries

Another important aspect of your claim is evaluating your damages, including medical expenses and lost income. However, there are other losses you can potentially seek compensation for. Our Los Angeles hit-and-run lawyers have experience calculating accident loss, even for intangible damages. Here are some common non-economic losses:

• Physical impairment
• Anxiety
• Physical pain
• Disfigurement
• Embarrassment
• Mental suffering
• Inconvenience

These are subjective, and the insurance company may not accurately evaluate these losses. A lawyer can help identify the available damages, estimate the potential worth of your claim, and pursue compensation on your behalf.

Your Lawyer Can Negotiate A Fair Settlement With The Insurance Company

Reaching a settlement with an insurance company after a car accident can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with California laws, insurance policies, and the claims process. You may receive early settlement offers that do not fully reflect the extent of your injuries or long-term needs. A personal injury lawyer can help by considering all your provable losses when evaluating the potential value of your claim, gathering and presenting supporting evidence, and negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf.

Legal reviews of these offers could help you decide how to respond to them. If you choose to counter, we could help you negotiate a settlement that may more closely align with the potential value of your claim. If so, you can call our experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.

Why Work With A Car Accident Lawyer In California

There are a few reasons you can consider seeking assistance from a car accident lawyer in California. If you have a valid claim, your car accident lawyer can:

• • Review relevant insurance policies to find potential avenues for seeking compensation. We could also talk to the insurance company to help prevent any misunderstandings or misinterpretations of your coverage.
  • Investigate the crash and potentially help police locate the driver.
  • File an insurance claim or lawsuit pursuing compensation if the driver is located.
  • Help you avoid any mistakes that can potentially damage your claim. Staying off social media is one tip we may give, among others.
  • Estimate the value of your claim. Doing so involves reviewing your current and future losses, as well as your insurance policy.
  • Negotiate with the insurance company for a settlement. We will work to agree on an amount that considers the extent of your damages.
  • File a lawsuit if a settlement cannot be reached. Remember, a lawsuit does not automatically lead to a trial. There are many actions and scenarios where you can settle before reaching trial. Lawsuits might put you in a better position to negotiate.

• Our car accident lawyers will work to pursue other available avenues for seeking compensation if the driver cannot be identified or located, depending on the specifics of your case and evidence.
• Handle the entire claims process. We can preserve evidence, file paperwork, and track relevant deadlines. We will aim to prepare all necessary documents to reduce the risk of unnecessary delays or case dismissal.
• Answer your questions, whether about your case or how to handle your medical bills. Our staff is here to address any legal concerns you may have during the claims process.
• Coordinate with medical providers to facilitate proper evaluation and treatment for your injuries, obtain necessary documentation, and support your injury claim with accurate evidence of your medical expenses.
• Work with a private investigator to locate the runaway driver.
• Represent you in court if the need arises.

Arash Law’s hit-and-run accident lawyers also work on a contingency fee basis. This means that clients won’t need to pay for our services upfront. Instead, they only pay our attorneys if their claim resolves with compensation. However, some other case-related costs may apply. We work to clarify these with them during the onboarding process so they fully understand this arrangement before we start working on their claim.

Schedule A Consultation With Our Hit-and-Run Lawyers In California

Accident victims may be looking for legal guidance after a hit-and-run accident. If you’re among them and would like to learn more about your potential options, you can consult the California hit-and-run lawyers from Arash Law.

Our team can guide you through the process of filing a claim and, if you have a case, help pursue compensation for your injuries and related losses. We offer a free initial consultation. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means clients won’t pay any attorney’s fees unless compensation is awarded. Please note that they may still be responsible for certain case-related costs. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.