Turlock 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 Turlock Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers Offer Clear Guidance To The Injured
Facing a hit-and-run accident could add more challenges to an already complex situation. If you’re unsure of your next steps, our Turlock hit-and-run accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options. For years, we have helped victims pursue claims for their injuries and losses following a hit-and-run. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
As the second-largest city in Stanislaus County, Turlock is conveniently located at the intersection of State Routes 165 and 99. As the city expands, fueled by a surge in retail and housing developments along Highway 99, the risk of traffic accidents, including hit-and-run incidents, grows along with it.
In most jurisdictions, including California, leaving the scene of an accident (hit-and-run) is a criminal offense and can result in criminal charges. However, victims injured by their actions can also file a civil claim against them. Our hit-and-run accident attorneys in Turlock are committed to helping you navigate the claims process and potentially seek compensation for your losses. We have handled a wide range of hit-and-run cases and advocate for the rights of our clients through negotiation and litigation.
Does v. California Farm (confidential) –settlement for a group of farmworkers who were killed when the car they were transported in to work flipped over in Merced County.– BENNY KHORSANDI
Why Bring Your Case To Our Turlock Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers?
In an accident where the at-fault party is not found, you may need the assistance of an experienced attorney to help you gather evidence in building your case. Even if the hit-and-run driver isn’t found guilty in criminal court, you may still be able to sue them in a civil case. Our attorneys have the necessary experience in litigation and can assist with this process.
Our dedicated Turlock hit-and-run attorneys can assist you with the following after a hit-and-run:
- Investigating the Accident — We’ll work to identify the driver, gather witness statements, and review any available video footage.
- Evaluating Your Damages — We’ll assess your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages to estimate the potential value of your claim.
- Handling Insurance Claims — We’ll communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf and review settlement offers thoroughly.
- Negotiating a Settlement – We focus on reaching a settlement with the driver’s insurance company without going to court.
- Taking Your Case to Trial – If a settlement isn’t possible, our hit-and-run accident attorneys in Turlock could represent you in court and advocate for your rights.
Hit-and-run cases are challenging to solve. They can leave victims wondering who to hold accountable if the driver remains unidentified. Navigating these legalities can be done with an experienced personal injury attorney. Learn how our car accident lawyers can help you explore other potential avenues for pursuing compensation after a hit-and-run. Call us or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form here.
California Hit-And-Run Laws
California’s hit-and-run laws can affect your options for pursuing compensation, such as by influencing how uninsured motorist (UM) insurance works. If you can’t identify the driver who caused the damage, you may be able to file a claim for bodily injuries through your own UM policy. However, the unidentified driver could additionally face harsh penalties depending on the severity of the incident.
For property damage alone, the driver could face up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine. If someone gets injured, the penalty increases to one year in prison or jail and a fine ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. The most severe consequences, two to four years in prison or a $10,000 fine, apply to drivers who cause death or permanent injury in a hit-and-run.
Additionally, California Vehicle Code Section 20002 states that when a car accident damages property, like another vehicle, the driver must immediately stop at a safe spot that doesn’t block traffic. They need to find the owner and share their contact details. If the owner’s not there, the driver should leave a note with their name, address, and a brief description of the accident on the damaged property. Also, they must report the incident to the police promptly.
Whether the authorities catch the hit-and-run driver or not, the complexity of these cases may require legal assistance. Our attorneys can help you address the challenges surrounding hit-and-run incidents and assist you in seeking accountability for your damages.
Common Causes Of Hit-And-Run Accidents
There are several reasons why drivers commit hit-and-runs and risk facing severe consequences instead of just stopping. These could apply regardless of the severity of the incident.
Here are some of the most common causes of hit-and-run crashes:
- Drunk Drivers — Fleeing the scene may seem preferable to facing DUI charges, especially for repeat offenders. Some may wait for the alcohol to metabolize before reporting the offense, hoping to lessen the penalties.
- Uninsured Drivers — Fear of fines and criminal charges for driving without insurance might motivate some to leave the scene.
- Drivers With Warrants or Tickets — Outstanding warrants or a history of traffic violations could lead to arrest or license suspension, causing some to flee.
- Drivers With Other Legal Issues — Individuals facing deportation, parole violations, or other legal complications may experience heightened fear and anxiety about incurring more serious penalties or even incarceration.
- Panicked Drivers — Shortly after a collision, some drivers with clean records may panic and flee due to a natural “fight-or-flight” response. They may later turn themselves in when the reality of the situation sinks in.
Been hit by a vehicle and then left behind? Let our Turlock hit-and-run accident lawyers assist you. We offer free initial consultations to review your claim. Call us at (888) 488-1391.
What To Do After A Hit-And-Run Accident
The actions after a hit-and-run accident may impact your immediate safety and the outcome of a potential claim. This can include the following steps:
- Contact the Police — The authorities have a better chance of catching the driver while the trail is still fresh. Remember, reporting hit-and-run accidents is mandatory in California.
- Seek Medical Attention — Even if you feel okay, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries have delayed symptoms, and immediate care can help support your case if you’re able to pursue compensation later on.
- Consult a Lawyer — Hit-and-run claims are challenging, but our Turlock hit-and-run accident lawyers can offer legal clarity and help you decide what to do next. We could also deal with all insurance matters on your behalf.
How Do You Pursue Compensation After A Hit-and-Run Accident In Turlock, CA?
There are several avenues for accident victims to seek compensation after being injured in a hit-and-run collision. However, even with clear car damage and diagnosed injuries, you and your lawyer may find it tough to pursue compensation if the at-fault driver can’t be located or identified. Nevertheless, several options may be available, depending on the facts of your case:
- Filing an Insurance Claim — Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage often applies in these situations, but even collision coverage can offer some protection. Contact your insurance company to discuss your specific policy and coverage details.
- Exploring MedPay — This add-on coverage could help cover medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident.
- Conducting an Investigation — Our hit-and-run accident lawyers in Turlock can help in investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and potentially identifying the hit-and-run driver.
- Considering Other Potential At-Fault Parties — If factors like road conditions, faulty equipment, or even reckless actions by a bystander contributed to the accident, you might have grounds to hold a third party accountable.
While having the right insurance can help, seeking compensation after a hit-and-run accident remains an uphill battle in many cases. For example, the absence of the defendant may cause issues during negotiations.
Our hit-and-run accident lawyers in Turlock can help identify alternative avenues for pursuing compensation and assist you in navigating the claims process.
Common Compensatory Damages In Turlock Hit-and-Run Cases
Victims who got injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run case may be able to seek various types of compensation for their losses. Our Turlock hit-and-run accident lawyers are focused on helping you pursue a fair outcome to the full extent of the law.
After an accident, you may be eligible to pursue two types of compensatory damage claims, depending on your circumstances.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are all about the tangible financial losses you’ve suffered. They’re the concrete costs, not the emotional or physical pains, which is why it is crucial to document your expenses clearly. Here are some examples:
- Medical Bills — Past and future costs of treatment, including hospital stays, medication, and therapy.
- Lost Wages — Income you couldn’t earn due to the accident, including missed workdays and reduced earning capacity.
- Property Damage — Repair or replacement costs for damaged belongings.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses — Other expenses directly related to the accident, like transportation to medical appointments or childcare due to injury.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are intangible losses that vary greatly from case to case. Our Turlock hit-and-run accident lawyers work to help document all your losses.
Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Emotional Distress — The invisible burden of anxiety, fear, and trauma.
- Pain & Suffering — The physical and psychological agony caused by your injuries.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life — The inability to participate in activities that once brought you joy.
- Loss of Consortium — The impact on your personal relationships and intimacy, primarily in the context of marriage.
Morales v. Construction Group Staffing (settled on 7/23/2020) – settlement involving a client who was catastrophically injured when he fell from a height of 4 stories down a shaft. This is a record breaking California Workers’ Compensation settlement. Read more about this case on Yahoo! Finance News– TINA ESHGHIEH
Negligence And Liability In California
Under California law, negligence occurs when someone’s actions or inaction deviate from what a reasonably careful person would do in the same situation. Simply put, being negligent means either doing something a prudent person wouldn’t do in those circumstances or failing to do something a reasonable person would.
To seek damages in a personal injury case based on negligence, the plaintiff must demonstrate several key elements:
- Duty of Care — The defendant owes the plaintiff a legal obligation to act with reasonable care.
- Breach of Duty — The defendant failed to fulfill their duty of care by acting or failing to act in a way that deviated from reasonable standards.
- Causation — The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
- Damages — The plaintiff suffered actual harm, such as physical injury, financial loss, or emotional distress, as a result of the defendant’s negligence.
Additionally, there is a legal principle called comparative negligence that assigns blame for accidents and injuries based on each party’s contribution. It helps determine whether a plaintiff can sue for damages and how much they may be able to seek from the defendant.
California is a pure comparative negligence state. This means plaintiffs may be allowed to sue for damages even if they share the blame, but their compensation will be proportionally reduced by their degree of fault. For example, if a jury awards $100,000 in damages but finds the plaintiff 40% at fault, the plaintiff can only recover $60,000 from the defendant.
Have you or someone close been injured in a hit-and-run accident? Our Turlock hit-and-run accident lawyers can guide you through your case and explain your legal rights.
Statute Of Limitations For Hit-and-Run Accident Claims In Turlock, CA
While California grants accident victims a two-year window to file claims (with exceptions applying in certain scenarios), it can be beneficial to file sooner rather than later. Building a well-supported case relies on gathering evidence and reports, which becomes increasingly difficult with time. This urgency is amplified in scenarios involving hit-and-run or uninsured drivers.
Turlock Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics
California’s congested roads are notorious for a high frequency of car accidents, with many crashes resulting in significant property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. In 2019, statistics from the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System revealed there were 269,031 injuries and 3,737 deaths from car accidents. While preliminary estimates for 2022 show a slight decrease in injuries (221,559) and a worrying increase in fatalities (4,030), the issue remains critical.
Further, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reported that Turlock, California, saw over 428 total casualties from vehicle accidents in 2020, including 34 hit-and-run cases. If you have sustained injuries as a result of a motor vehicle collision, including hit-and-run accidents, our Turlock hit-and-run accident lawyers stand ready to assist you.
Schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explore potential compensation options. We operate on a contingent fee basis, meaning clients do not pay attorney fees unless they’re able to collect compensation. They may still be responsible for certain case-related costs, which are charged separately, regardless of how their case resolves. Any questions you may have regarding this can be addressed during your initial consultation and before signing any agreement.
Reach Out To Our Hit-and-Run Attorneys In Turlock
Feeling overwhelmed after a hit-and-run accident in Turlock is understandable. Many injured victims accumulate medical bills, lost wages, and a lengthy recovery period.
However, you may be able to take legal action if you were injured by someone else’s recklessness. Even if the driver fled and can’t be identified, you may still be able to seek compensation, potentially from your own insurance. Let our experienced Turlock hit-and-run accident lawyers help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses after a collision.
Our attorneys provide clear legal guidance to our clients and work to build well-supported cases tailored to their unique needs. We also serve the neighboring communities of Turlock, like Hatch, Montpelier, Cortez, Ballico, Denair, Keyes, Monterey Park Tract, Cowan Tract, and Delhi, as well as other cities and counties throughout the rest of California. Contact us at (888) 488-1391.
