Roseville Hit and Run Accident Attorney
Being injured in a hit-and-run accident is one of the most stressful and overwhelming experiences a person can go through. Instead of just dealing with injuries and medical bills, you’re left with uncertainty, anger, and questions about who caused the crash and how you’ll be able to recover damages if the other driver left the scene. While hit-and-run cases are uniquely challenging, you still have important rights and options under California law. Our Roseville accident attorney can help you with the steps to recover compensation after a hit and run accident.
What Counts as Hit-and-Run in California?
California law treats hit-and-run accidents very seriously. Understanding what truly qualifies as a hit-and-run under state law is helpful for anyone in this situation.
Crash Involving Injury or Death
If someone is hurt or killed in a crash, all drivers involved must stop immediately. You’re required to exchange contact and insurance information and offer reasonable aid to anyone injured. Leaving the scene without complying with these duties is illegal.
Property-Only Accidents
In cases where only property (like parked cars, mailboxes, or fences) is damaged, the law still requires drivers to stop and leave their information. Leaving the area without sharing your details still qualifies as hit-and-run.
(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to any property, including vehicles, shall immediately stop the vehicle at the nearest location that will not impede traffic or otherwise jeopardize the safety of other motorists. Moving the vehicle in accordance with this subdivision does not affect the question of fault. The driver shall also immediately do either of the following:
(1) Locate and notify the owner or person in charge of that property of the name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle involved and, upon locating the driver of any other vehicle involved or the owner or person in charge of any damaged property, upon being requested, present his or her driver’s license, and vehicle registration, to the other driver, property owner, or person in charge of that property. The information presented shall include the current residence address of the driver and of the registered owner. If the registered owner of an involved vehicle is present at the scene, he or she shall also, upon request, present his or her driver’s license information, if available, or other valid identification to the other involved parties.
(2) Leave in a conspicuous place on the vehicle or other property damaged a written notice giving the name and address of the driver and of the owner of the vehicle involved and a statement of the circumstances thereof and shall without unnecessary delay notify the police department of the city wherein the collision occurred or, if the collision occurred in unincorporated territory, the local headquarters of the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
Civil versus Criminal Action After a Hit-and-Run
Hit-and-run accidents may trigger criminal charges filed by the state, meant to punish and deter unlawful conduct. Separately, victims of a hit-and-run can file a civil lawsuit or claim seeking compensation for injuries or property damage. These are two separate matters – you can file a civil claim if you find the liable party, even if there is no pending criminal matter.
How To Recover Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Accident
After a hit-and-run accident in California, you might feel hopeless about getting money for your injuries or damaged car. Even if the driver who fled the scene is never found, the law offers a few strong options for financial recovery.
Locating the At-Fault Driver
If police or investigators can identify the driver responsible for your crash, you can file a lawsuit or make an insurance claim directly against that person and their insurer. This could pay for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and vehicle repairs once their identity and liability are proven.
Using Your Own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Policy
California drivers often have uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage as part of their own auto insurance policies. In many hit-and-run cases, your UM coverage can cover costs like medical care, lost income, or pain and suffering, even though the at-fault party fled.
Applying to the California Victim Compensation Board
For victims who have significant physical or emotional trauma and minimal insurance resources, the California Victim Compensation Board may step in. You may be eligible for reimbursement of medical bills, counseling costs, lost income, and certain other losses after documenting your situation and clearly showing a crime has occurred.
To figure out the best way to get what you’re entitled to, speak with a Roseville personal injury lawyer right away. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.