Seeking Justice For Hit-And-Run Accidents In The Bay Area

A car accident is always a shock and can leave you with painful injuries and the stress of property damage. However, it’s even worse when the driver who caused it callously flees the scene. Despite the initial uncertainty, you should know that you still have legal options for recovery. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you evaluate your situation and protect your rights during this difficult time.

Founded in 1985, our attorneys at Bowles & Verna LLP have provided trustworthy legal representation to clients in Walnut Creek and throughout the Bay Area for decades. We approach every case with the dedication and diligence required to secure multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts. Our legal team is prepared to work on your hit-and-run case, no matter how complex it might be. We are here to fight on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.

How Common Are Hit-And-Run Accidents?

Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are common on California roads. Studies consistently show that California has one of the highest rates of hit-and-run crashes in the nation. This includes incidents resulting in fatalities, serious injuries and significant property damage. Hit-and-runs are particularly common at night, and they frequently involve pedestrians and bicyclists.

The sheer volume of traffic in the Bay Area and surrounding communities, including Walnut Creek, contributes to the high numbers of these incidents. Often, the driver who flees is uninsured, unlicensed or driving under the influence. If you have suffered injuries in a hit-and-run accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you file a hit-and-run injury claim.

What Should You Do After A Driver Flees The Scene Of A Car Accident?

After any motor vehicle accident, the most critical step is to protect your safety and health. If you or your passengers have injuries, call 911 immediately. Some additional steps that can protect your ability to recover compensation include:

• Call the police: Call the police right away to report the hit-and-run accident. In order to utilize your uninsured motorist coverage, you have to report the accident within 24 hours.
• Remain at the scene: Stay at the scene until the police arrive and file an official report. Even if they don’t locate the driver immediately, the report creates an official record of the incident.
• Document the scene: Documenting evidence includes taking photos of the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, the accident location and any debris left by the fleeing vehicle. Look for evidence that might identify the driver, such as a license plate number, a description of the car’s color, make and model, or any distinguishing features or damage on their vehicle.
• Document witnesses: If anyone else witnessed the crash, get their names and contact information.

You should never try to chase the driver. Leave that to law enforcement. Once you seek medical care, keep copies of all medical bills and records related to your injuries. Gathering this crucial evidence helps our accident lawyers build the strongest possible hit-and-run injury claim for you.

Who Pays For The Damages Caused In A Hit-And-Run Accident?

California law requires insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, and you likely have it unless you specifically waived it in writing. UM coverage applies when an at-fault driver is uninsured or cannot be identified, like in a hit-and-run. This coverage can pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

For any hit-and-run property damage, you can file a claim under your collision coverage. This coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle regardless of who was at fault. However, you will likely have to pay your deductible first. If the driver is later identified, our hit-and-run accident attorneys can file a claim against them to recover the compensation owed to you. Our car accident attorneys can help you evaluate your best options.

What Kinds Of Damages Can You Recover After A Hit-And-Run Accident?

Even though a hit-and-run case presents unique challenges, you can still recover the same types of economic and non-economic damages available in a typical personal injury claim. These include:

• Medical expenses, like emergency room visits, hospital stays, physical therapy and any future medical care needed for your injuries.
• Lost wages, including compensation for the income you lose because of your injuries.
• Property damage such as the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and other property damaged in the collision.
• Non-economic damages such as compensation for physical pain, emotional distress and the loss of enjoyment of life.

Our hit-and-run accident attorneys’ job is to investigate all avenues of compensation. They start with your own insurance policies, and if the driver is found, through a civil lawsuit against them. We aim to recover all economic and non-economic damages that you have suffered. Our lawyers know how to effectively negotiate with insurance companies, and their record of achieving multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts shows they are prepared to go to court if necessary.

Contact A Walnut Creek Hit-And-Run Accident Attorney

Coping with a hit-and-run accident can leave you with financial uncertainty while recovering from serious injuries. However, our hit-and-run accident lawyers are ready to help you pursue justice.

Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery. To schedule a free initial case evaluation and consultation, call us at 925-478-5763 or contact us through our website.