Los Angeles Hit-And-Run Incidents: What Can You Do When The Driver Disappears?

In this article, you can discover…

• What qualifies as a hit-and-run incident under California law.
• The importance of reporting your incident, even if the other driver flees.
• How to pursue compensation after a hit-and-run, and how an attorney can help.

What Qualifies As A Hit-And-Run Incident Under California Law?

The main elements we look for to determine whether an incident was a hit-and-run are contact with the other vehicle (or else contact with an item or debris from that vehicle), and the other driver not stopping to exchange information.

For example, say you were driving behind a pickup truck hauling plywood, and a piece of that plywood comes loose and strikes your vehicle. The other driver begins to pull over, but then leaves the scene without exchanging information with you. This would count as a hit-and-run.

How Does A Hit-And-Run Injury Claim Differ From A Standard Car Wreck Case?

The main difference in many hit-and-run claims is that you often do not have the other party’s insurance information, making it impossible to seek compensation from them. In some cases, if you are able to notice and record the vehicle’s license plate number, you can track down the driver, get their insurance information, and seek damages through their carrier.

In other cases, though, if you have no way to ID the vehicle, you will be pursuing damages through your own uninsured motorist coverage.

Should I Report An Incident To The Police Even If The Driver Fled?

Yes, you should always report the incident to the police and ensure that everything that occurred and caused your injuries is documented. Insurance companies and most insurance policies will require you to report a hit-and-run incident to the proper authorities.

This way, you have a second set of independent eyes that can confirm your vehicle was struck on a certain day, at a certain place, at a certain time. Even when the other party doesn’t stay and therefore cannot corroborate anything, having law enforcement confirm that the incident happened will make the claims process much smoother.

Can I Pursue Compensation Through My Own Insurance After A Hit-And-Run?

Yes, and this is why you pay every month for uninsured motorist coverage. When you’re caught in a hit-and-run incident, and you’re not at fault, this coverage can prevent your insurance premiums from increasing. In fact, you can only use uninsured motorist coverage for these exact situations.

As a result, it is incredibly important to carry uninsured motorist coverage to protect yourself, as it will be your only way forward if the driver of the other vehicle can not be identified.

How Can A Personal Injury Attorney Help With A Hit-And-Run Claim?

There are a lot of moving parts in any auto incident claim, especially ones where you don’t have a way to identify the person who caused your injuries. This is the type of claim that insurance carriers and adjusters will examine very, very closely with a fine-tooth comb, and it’s important to have an experienced legal advocate on your side.

You will need an attorney who has seen numerous hit-and-run incidents before and who can zealously represent you to make sure the insurance company is paying you what they owe.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on hit and run incidents in Los Angeles, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (818) 337-5214 today.