It is not only irresponsible to leave the scene of a traffic accident, but it is also illegal. In California, if a hit-and-run driver’s negligence has resulted in damage to your property, that driver may be found guilty of a misdemeanor. If that driver’s actions caused you serious injury, she or he is most likely guilty of a felony. If you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries in a hit and run accident, it will be more complicated to collect damages than it would be in a more typical collision. As a hit-and-run accident victim, you need sharp, knowledgeable legal counsel if you are to collect the substantial compensation you deserve. Throughout California, victims of such misconduct have been assisted by the powerful car accident attorneys at Compass Law Group, LLP.
We know you are overwhelmed and traumatized by what you have been through. It is devastating to feel so helpless and out of control. Once you get in touch with our hit-and-run accident attorneys, however, you will experience the relief of having a powerful legal team on your side.
Our Hit and Run Accident Attorney Can Help
Once you look at our website and have an initial consultation with our personal injury attorneys, you will quickly become aware of the many benefits Compass Law Group provides to our clients, including:
- Excellent training and credentials
- Strong national peer recognition
- Well-earned reputation for personal, compassionate service
- Track record of meaningful settlements
Even with the added challenges inherent in hit-and-run car accidents, our lawyers have the in-depth knowledge and keen tactical skills to bring your case to a successful conclusion. Furthermore, we never charge you any attorneys’ fees until we win your case.
Finding the Culprit
In spite of the difficulties inherent in locating a hit-and-run driver and holding that individual accountable for your expenses and your misery, modern science has made such tasks much easier than they were decades ago. Tracing car parts, paint colors, DNA, and other forensic evidence has become a sophisticated branch of criminal investigation and the professionals at Compass Law Group are experienced in connecting with experts in such matters. Also, the almost ubiquitous cameras that dot our storefronts and roadways often make locating the culprit much simpler than it used to be.
At Compass Law Group, we are adept at thoroughly investigating the accident site for car parts or paint chips from the car that hit you, following up with witnesses who may be able to pinpoint the make, model, type or color of the car, or remember at least part of the license plate number.
Even if the driver who did you harm is never located, we have effective strategies to obtain compensation from your own insurance company to see you through.
Why do people hit and run?
Although you may be picturing the person who hurt you and left you helpless as a horrible monster motivated by cruelty and hate, it is far more likely that the offending driver was terrified because he or she:
- Had no license or was driving with a suspended or revoked one
- Feared losing his or her license and primary means of transportation
- Was frightened about the consequences of damaging his/her reputation
- Had no insurance on the vehicle
- Already had too many moving violations (points) on his/her license
- Was impaired by alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident
- Was driving while distracted (e.g. by an electronic device) when the accident occurred
- Worked as a commercial driver whose livelihood would be jeopardized by an accident
- Was in the country illegally and afraid of being deported
- Had a criminal record or was a fugitive fearful of being incarcerated
No matter what the reason for the hit and run, leaving you stranded while injured is indefensible. Whether the hit-and-run driver is criminally prosecuted or not, our hit-and-run attorneys will fight hard and long to hold her or him accountable for such intolerable behavior. We believe you should not have to pay the price for an accident that was someone else’s fault.
The Elements That Make Hit-and-Run Car Accidents a Crime
The fact that a hit-and-run driver left the scene of the accident is indisputable, though the driver may state that he was racing off to get help or that she was unaware that anyone had been hit. The criminal elements of a hit-and-run car accident are [1] leaving the scene without providing information to the other driver or the police and [2] not attempting to assist anyone who has been injured. You can be sure that Compass Law Group’s personal injury attorneys will fight aggressively to see to it that, if found, the driver who hurt you is held liable for all you have suffered.
Damages You Are Entitled To Receive After
Our legal representatives are equally comfortable negotiating with insurance companies and opposing law teams as we are litigating in a court of law. We always keep our eye on the ball — remaining focused on our goal of winning your case and providing you and your family with the resources you need for:
- Medical and rehabilitative expenses
- Damaged or destroyed property
- Lost income (present and future)
- Alterations to make your home accessible
- Home healthcare and nursing
In addition, we will calculate just compensation for your:
- Physical pain
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disability
- Long-term care
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In hit-and-run accidents, we are more likely to be able to prove egregious misconduct on the part of the driver who left you (perhaps dying) in your car or on the pavement. If we are, the court may offer you an award of punitive damages over and above the monies itemized above.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage in California
Because hit-and-run drivers are less likely to be sufficiently insured than other drivers, it is best that you opt for uninsured or underinsured insurance coverage (UM/UIM) when your insurance company offers it to you. Having this type of insurance means that our capable hit-and-run car accident attorneys will have an avenue to pursue if the driver who caused your accident is not located or does not have sufficient (or any) insurance to meet your personal injury needs.
Although uninsured or underinsured insurance coverage (UM/UIM) is optional, insurers are required to offer it to drivers and drivers are wise to take advantage of this option. It should be noted, however, that before we can file a claim using your UM/UIM policy, we must exhaust any liability insurance the other driver has. Also, we may not be able to make a claim if you were hurt while swerving to avoid being hit, rather than during an actual collision.
We will work diligently to win you the significant resources you deserve to restart your life and restore your sense of justice. Contact us now for a consultation regarding your case.
