So called “Hit & Run” accidents are on the rise statewide and the issue has become severe in Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Oakland and Sacramento area. Hit & Run is a crime that can be charged as a misdemeanor or may be charged as a felony depending on the facts. It makes no difference if the driver who fled the scene was at fault or not, they are still guilty of a Hit-and-Run. All drivers have the responsibility to stop and exchange information or leave a clear note with that information. Any driver who fails to meet this standard is potentially guilty of a Hit-and-Run. If you’re in a Hit-and-Run, there are several steps you should take to better protect yourself:

• Note Identifying Information: If you are able, gather identifying information about the driver and their vehicle when you realize that they are leaving the scene. This includes the car’s color and make, unique features about the car, the driver’s appearance, and the license plate. Write this down as soon as you can. If you have the time and presence of mind to take a picture do that. The picture removes doubt and prevents mistakes.
• Move to a Safe Location: If the accident scene is unsafe, possibly blocking the road, you should move your vehicle to a safer location nearby.
• Call 911 and report the accident and any injuries that you, passengers, or others at the scene have sustained.
• Get Medical Care: When emergency medical services arrive, allow the medical technicians to deliver the care you need promptly. Even if you don’t think that you’re injured, get examined by a professional. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms that you notice for hours or days.
• Document the Accident: Take photos of the crash and your injuries. Possibly the two most important photos are the other cars license plate and the picture of the other driver. These situations can be volatile and your personal safety and the safety of your passengers is paramount.
• Find Witnesses: Eyewitnesses can be crucial in identifying the at-fault driver or providing supporting testimony. Get contact information for these individuals.
• Contact Your Insurance Provider: Report the accident to your insurance company, as well as any damages and injuries.

For many, the most stressful aspects of a Hit-and-Run accident is how to financially cover the costs of property damage, medical bills, and other losses. When and if the driver who left the scene is discovered, and they were found at least partly at fault for the accident, you can file with their insurance provider. Frequently, Hit & Runs happen when the other driver is at fault and knows that they do not have enough insurance coverage, do not have any coverage or are impaired in some manner. If they don’t have insurance coverage, you can file a civil claim against them. An identified Hit-and-Run driver will face criminal charges in addition to any civil claims filed by those they injured.

If the driver who left the scene was the driver who was at fault for the accident, you cannot file with their insurance provider unless they are identified. This does not mean that you are entirely out of options, however. You could recover compensation with your own insurance, such as through collision coverage or uninsured motorist protection coverage. This can help you recover a portion of the damages you are owed.

We represent people who are injured because of the careless and reckless acts of others.  At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. The reason that insurance companies have paid our clients in excess of $130,000,000.00 is that we get the facts and are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial when insurance companies fail to offer full compensation. We help with serious injuries that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth, LLP. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of experience specializing in only representing injured people. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 888-809-1075 or visit www.gblegal.com