If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Los Angeles, you may be angry that the other driver left the scene, and rightfully so. You are also probably worried about paying the medical bills and being out of work. By working with an experienced Los Angeles car accident attorney, you can obtain justice and compensation.
Saeedian Law Group is a leading personal injury law firm serving clients in Los Angeles and throughout all of California. Lead attorney Michael Saeedian has the knowledge and experience to handle your hit-and-run accident claim and the determination to see your case through to a successful conclusion.
Our lawyers regularly collaborate with experienced private investigators to identify and locate hit-and-run drivers and hold them accountable. You may still be able to recover damages even if the driver is not found. Contact our office today so we can get to work immediately.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident in Los Angeles occurs when a driver collides with another vehicle or hits a pedestrian and flees the scene. Under California law, leaving the scene of a car accident in which someone has been injured is illegal. All drivers in the state are required to stop and remain at the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving injuries and/or property damage.
In addition, drivers must exchange identification and insurance information with the other driver(s), call law enforcement, and remain at the scene until police arrive. These offenses that do not result in injury can lead to misdemeanor charges. However, an accident involving serious or permanent injury or death is punishable by up to 4 years in prison, fines, and victim restitution and is classified as a felony.
Reasons for Hit and Run Accidents in Los Angeles
Although leaving the scene of a car accident is illegal and never justifiable, drivers often flee accidents because they are (1) under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, (2) driving with a suspended license, or (3) don’t have automobile insurance.
Given the fact that surveillance cameras are commonly placed at traffic lights, intersections, commercial buildings, and private homes, law enforcement now has a good chance of apprehending hit-and-run drivers.
Furthermore, there are steps you should take after a hit and run accident. First, try to get even a partial license plate number of the vehicle that hit you. Second, contact the police immediately. Even if the driver is not caught, the police report will be important evidence in your accident claim.
How a Lawyer at Saeedian Law Group Can Help
If the hit and run driver is apprehended, we will file a personal injury lawsuit against that person. You can still recover damages even if the driver is not convicted, as long as we collect enough evidence to prove your claim. The potential amount of your claims depends on several factors, not the least of which is whether the at-fault driver is insured. Our experienced hit-and-run accident attorney will fight to help you obtain all the compensation you deserve. This includes:
- Lost wages (past and future)
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If the hit and run driver is convicted, you may also be awarded punitive damages, which are designed to punish that person for fleeing the accident scene and discourage others from similar misconduct.
Insurance & Other Options in Los Angeles When a Hit-and-Run Driver Cannot Be Found
If the driver is not caught, you need to use your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage because hit-and-run drivers are considered uninsured drivers under the law. Insurance companies are required to offer policyholders UM coverage as an option. Hopefully, you chose this coverage when you purchased your automobile policy.
Your UM coverage must be at least equal to the minimum liability coverage amounts in California; currently $15,000 for injury/death to one person and $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person.
There are strict deadlines for filing UM claims. If you fail to file on time, your claim will be denied. Our attorneys can assist with filing your UM claim and make sure the insurance company honors the terms of the policy.
Contact An Experienced Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit and run accident, turn to Saeedian Law Group. Our legal team has a proven history of achieving successful outcomes in hit-and-run claims and will work strategically to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
We understand that being injured in a car accident can be overwhelming and even more so when the accident was caused by a hit-and-run driver. You can depend on us to provide you with compassionate, skilled legal representation and stand by you every step of the way. We offer free consultations and there is never a fee until we recover for you. Contact a lawyer today to get started.
