Why You Need a Lawyer After a Hit-and-Run in California
A hit-and-run accident can be especially stressful because the driver responsible for the crash may disappear before you can obtain their information. You may be left dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, medical bills, and lost income while trying to figure out what to do next.
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident in California, speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.
Whether your accident happened in Coachella, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, El Centro, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Mecca, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Thermal, Thousand Palms, or elsewhere in the Coachella Valley, taking the right steps after a hit-and-run can make a significant difference.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without stopping to provide required information or assistance.
Hit-and-run accidents can involve:
- Another vehicle hitting your car
- A driver striking a pedestrian
- A bicyclist being hit by a vehicle
- A parked vehicle being damaged
When the responsible driver cannot be identified, recovering compensation can become more complicated.
Why Hit-and-Run Claims Can Be More Complicated
In a typical car accident, you may have the other driver’s name, insurance information, license plate number, and contact information. A hit-and-run can leave you without any of these details.
An attorney can help investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and determine what insurance coverage may be available to you.
1. A Lawyer Can Help Investigate the Accident
Finding the driver responsible for a hit-and-run may require a detailed investigation. An attorney can help identify and preserve evidence such as:
- Surveillance camera footage
- Traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Photos from the accident scene
- Vehicle debris
- Nearby business records
- Police reports
Evidence can disappear quickly, so investigating the accident as soon as possible can be important.
2. A Lawyer Can Help You Deal With Insurance Companies
If the driver cannot be located, you may need to look to your own insurance policy for coverage. Depending on your policy, uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation for certain losses caused by a hit-and-run driver.
Insurance companies may still question the circumstances of the accident or the extent of your injuries. An attorney can communicate with the insurance company and advocate for your interests.
3. A Lawyer Can Help Document Your Injuries
Medical evidence is critical after a hit-and-run accident. Your attorney can help ensure that your injuries and treatment are properly documented.
Important records may include:
- Emergency room records
- Doctor evaluations
- Diagnostic imaging
- Physical therapy records
- Prescription records
- Medical bills
Prompt medical attention can also help establish a connection between the accident and your injuries.
4. A Lawyer Can Help Calculate Your Damages
A hit-and-run claim may involve more than the cost of repairing your vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, you may have damages related to:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Other accident-related losses
An attorney can review your circumstances and help determine which damages may be available under California law and your insurance policy.
5. A Lawyer Can Protect You From Low Settlement Offers
Insurance companies may offer a settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or future expenses. Accepting a settlement too quickly can potentially leave you responsible for costs that arise later.
Before accepting an offer, consider having an attorney review it and explain your legal options.
What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run?
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, take steps to protect your health and preserve evidence.
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention for your injuries
- Take photographs of your vehicle and the accident scene
- Write down everything you remember about the other vehicle
- Look for witnesses and collect their contact information
- Identify nearby businesses that may have surveillance cameras
- Notify your insurance company
- Keep copies of medical bills and other accident-related records
- Speak with a personal injury attorney before accepting a settlement
What If the Hit-and-Run Driver Is Never Found?
You may still have legal options even if the driver responsible for the accident is never identified.
Your own insurance policy may provide uninsured motorist coverage that can apply to certain hit-and-run accidents. The specific coverage available depends on your policy and the facts of your accident.
An attorney can review your insurance coverage and help determine what options may be available.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Important evidence can disappear with time. Surveillance footage may be overwritten, witnesses may become difficult to locate, and physical evidence from the crash may no longer be available.
Getting legal guidance early can help preserve evidence and ensure important deadlines are not overlooked.
Contact DG Law Group After a Hit-and-Run
If you or a loved one was injured in a hit-and-run accident, you do not have to navigate the insurance and legal process alone. DG Law Group can help investigate your accident, review your potential insurance claims, and explain your legal options.
Call DG Law Group today: (760) 863-1800
Contact us online: Visit our contact page
Areas We Serve
DG Law Group serves clients in Coachella, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, El Centro, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Mecca, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Thermal, Thousand Palms, and throughout the Coachella Valley.
A hit-and-run does not necessarily mean you have no way to recover compensation. Understanding your insurance coverage and legal options can be an important first step toward protecting your rights.
