In a hit and run accident, the other party runs off before you or the police have a chance to identify them and/or obtain insurance information. These types of accidents are unfortunately very common, especially in California.
If you are the victim, expenses may quickly add up. The problem is: who pays?
Why Drivers May Leave the Scene of a Crash
In the immediate aftermath of a car crash, a driver scared of the repercussions of causing an accident may flee the scene. Common reasons include:
- Driver's license suspension
- Expired driver's license
- No auto insurance
- Driving a vehicle without permission
- Driving a stolen vehicle
- Warrant out for the driver's arrest
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or other chemical substance
- Driver is in the country illegally
These are not the only reasons. For some people, they may have a genuine fear for their safety. Commercial drivers may fear the loss of their commercial driver's license (CDL). Whatever the reason, the problem for you is that they left the scene of the accident.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Crash in California
Victims who have been hit by a driver who sped off should
- Stay calm
- Stay at the scene, but in a safe place
- Call the police
- Look for any witnesses who saw the crash and get their contact information
- Take photos of the scene of the accident
- Make notes of the car and/or driver, any details could be useful later
Victims should not try to follow the driver. The odds of tracking them down are extremely slim, and leaving the scene could make it more difficult to prove that there was a crash, at all.
Personal Injury Claims Involving Hit and Run Drivers
Because the driver fled the scene, tracking them down is the first step in a personal injury claim. If the person is found, you can then go ahead and proceed with filing a personal injury lawsuit. Through this lawsuit, your attorney will negotiate a settlement in your favor or pursue trial if that's in your best interest.
There are many different methods that can be used to track down the driver but they're specific to each case. There may have been cameras or eyewitnesses that can help lead to the car and/or driver. The police are following up on leads, too, and we communicate directly with the police, as appropriate.
If the hit and run vehicle and driver are not found, there are other options. For example, one option could be to pursue your own UM (uninsured motorist) coverage, similar to the case where the driver at fault had no insurance. This is another reason why the importance of having UM/UIM coverage cannot be stressed enough. As attorneys who have had experience dealing with many hit and run cases, we will identify what those potential options might look like, and if it is through your own insurance company, we will work with the insurance adjuster directly. As stated before, insurance companies are for-profit entities, so even if it is your own insurance company, it does not mean your insurer has your best interests front and center. As strategic negotiators, our attorneys will counter any attempts to pay you less than what you deserve.