What To Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in California

The last few years have been challenging for many people across the country. In addition to health concerns, people have experienced major financial difficulties, especially those living in metropolitan areas. Not surprisingly, this economic downfall has led to an increase in crime rates. In major cities such as Los Angeles, this means more theft, vandalism, and an influx of drunk drivers on the road. As we know, drunk drivers are notorious for fleeing the scene of an accident. Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do to avoid it, nor should crime prevention be your job, but if you've been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you should contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible. Car accident cases are complicated enough already—why deal with the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident on your own?

California Hit-and-Run Laws

Of course, drunk driving is not the only situation where a suspect flees, but whatever their reason, a hit-and-run driver has committed a crime and you shouldn't be responsible for someone else's negligence. According to California traffic laws, the driver of a vehicle involved in a collision resulting in injury to another person or property damage must immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident. Failure to do so can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges if the suspect is caught; otherwise, recovering damages isn't always possible, as it depends on the type of coverage you have. Relying on insurance companies to help might not get you very far—what you need is an advocate who knows how to protect your rights. Any reputable personal injury law firm will have at least one dedicated car accident attorney specializing in hit-and-run cases. Make sure to consult with a legal professional before filing a car accident claim with your insurance company.

Collecting Evidence

The best form of evidence for any accident is solid proof, such as a photograph or camera footage. If circumstances allow, make sure you or one of your passengers takes note of the license plates or snaps a photo before the suspect has a chance to drive off. Afterward, safely pull over to the side of the road and call the police. Once the police arrive, they can help injured victims receive immediate medical attention before they begin writing a report. Also, keep an eye out for witnesses who may have seen the accident and kindly ask them for their contact information if they can't stay until the police arrive. Keep in mind that nearby businesses may have surveillance cameras that can provide footage of the accident, so check your surroundings for any details that might be useful. This also applies to property damage in a hit and run accident when the victim is not present. By law, a driver must leave a note with their contact information if they hit a parked car or damage other property, such as a mailbox. Nearby residents or businesses could have cameras installed, but in most cases, the footage is only available for a short period of time. It's crucial to act quickly and retrieve any available footage as soon as possible.

Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers

This all may seem a bit overwhelming, and in reality, it very well could be. Further, if you've sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment, the last thing you want to do is play detective. Car accidents can be physically, mentally, and even financially draining—why suffer more than you already have? If you're the victim of a hit and run accident, consult with a local car accident attorney who can help you navigate the legal landscape. If you try to file a car accident claim on your own, you may not receive the compensation you're entitled to. As we briefly mentioned earlier, your insurance company is not going to fight for your rights or give you the proper legal advice you need.

Yepremyan Law Firm has been a trusted legal advisor since 1998. We represent clients all over Southern California and provide 24/7 support. Contact our office to speak with a Los Angeles car accident attorney today. We offer free case evaluations and work on a contingency basis for all personal injury matters.

*No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. These materials have been prepared for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal advice pertaining to any particular legal matter. Use of and access to this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and Yepremyan Law Firm and any of its attorneys, employees, or associates.