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With the availability of dashboard cameras and smartphones, one might think that hit and run accidents are no longer an issue. Unfortunately, that is not the case. It is estimated that a hit-and-run car accident occurs once every 43 seconds in the United States.

The cost of these hit-and-run accidents is tremendous and includes:

• Wage and productivity losses
• Medical care and expenses
• Property damage to motor vehicles
• Administrative expenses
• Employers’ uninsured costs

The cost of motor vehicle damage alone, when no injuries are reported, is nearly $6,000 per vehicle. Most people simply do not have access to this type of cash to cover these expenses. If you’re involved in a hit and run, you could be left holding the bill for damages and/or injuries that were not your fault.

If you have been injured in an incident on a California roadway where another party fled the scene, contact a hit and run lawyer in California who can help you pursue the car accident compensation you need. At Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers, we understand that every case is unique. We use our expert knowledge and experience to navigate your case and get you the justice you deserve.

What Happens After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

If you’re ever in one, you’ll want to review how to report a hit and run.

It can be a difficult situation: A simple trip to the store or commute to work and you’re struck by another motorist who flees the scene, leaving you stranded, possibly injured, and shouldering the burden of wreck-related costs.

Immediately after the incident, use your smartphone to take pictures of the accident scene. If possible, gather witnesses (other motorists who have stopped, pedestrians, etc.) and collect their information. Ask them if they have any information about the vehicle that hit you, and write down or record their statements on your cell phone.

Call the police to file a report immediately at the scene. File a hit and run police report and cooperate with the police as they investigate the accident scene. If you or another party has been injured, seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 if you need an ambulance.

Most importantly, do not attempt to chase the vehicle that hit you. This could result in further injuries, damages, and may involve breaking the law.

Lastly, contact a hit-and-run attorney from the scene of your accident. An attorney can ensure you remember the steps you need to take to collect evidence and can advise you on how to proceed to protect your interests.

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Hit and Run?

With a hit and run, you will likely be subjected to different legalities than you would if the party that hit you had not fled the scene of the accident. A hit-and-run lawyer has a clear understanding of state-specific statutes in personal injury law. They can handle the legal work for you, giving you time to recover from any injuries and/or focus on getting your car repaired or replaced.

If the hit-and-run driver has been found, your California car accident lawyer can find out whether or not they are insured, and proceed with assisting you in filing a claim with the driver’s insurance carrier. If they have not been located or do not have insurance, your attorney can help you file a claim with your own insurance carrier.

Some accidents result because of our own negligence. California has a pure comparative negligence rule. That means that even if you’re found to be partly at fault, you may still be eligible for financial compensation.

It is difficult to ensure you get the full economic and non-economic benefits to which you may be entitled without the help of an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney. In California, you cannot use uninsured motorist coverage to pay for vehicle damage if the other driver isn’t identified, which makes seeking the expert advice of a lawyer for hit and run accidents essential. An experienced attorney should know what evidence is needed to help identify a hit and run driver and demonstrate their fault by interviewing witnesses, requesting footage from closed-circuit cameras, and other sources.

Additionally, it can be frustrating to navigate your own insurance policy and ensure your carrier is being fair. If you aren’t sure if you can file a hit-and-run insurance claim, seek the advice of an attorney to review your policy and determine what benefits you could be entitled to post-accident.

A hit-and-run accident attorney can also help you in wrongful death cases. If a loved one was the victim of a hit-and-run incident, hiring a wrongful death attorney is essential to getting the compensation and justice they deserve. Hit and run fatalities are on the rise in the state of California. Knowing a reputable wrongful death attorney is part of the key to ensuring families are taken care of following this type of accident.

How Much Does a Hit-and-Run Lawyer Cost?

When you are injured in a hit-and-run accident, the last thing you want to think about is another expense. That’s why the attorneys at Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, leaving our satisfied clients with invaluable peace of mind. We only get paid if we secure compensation for your hit-and-run car accident claim, giving you the freedom to pursue your case with confidence.