Hit and Run Injury Lawyer in Los Angeles - Adamson Ahdoot

What To Do After Suffering an Injury in a Hit-and-Run Accident

Injuries After a Hit-and-Run Accident

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Hit-and-Run Accidents Can Be Recovered: Contact Us to Get the Compensation You Deserve

A hit-and-run accident with an injury – when a driver who caused an accident flees the scene – can leave victims in a challenging legal position. It can also be incredibly frustrating for victims to not be able to identify the person who caused them harm. Sadly, hit-and-run accidents are on the rise in California and across the country. Contact a legal expert today if you have been injured in an accident where the driver fled the scene. At Adamson Ahdoot, we understand how frustrating this situation can be. We understand that victims may not know how to proceed. With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys can help you get the justice you deserve.

Call us today at (800) 310-1606 or submit your inquiry online for a free case review. Let us help you find out who is responsible for your accident injuries.

“Hit and run crashes in the United States are trending in the wrong direction.”

Dr. David Yang, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

Why Would a Hit-and-Run Driver Flee the Scene of an Accident?

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a hit-and-run crash occurs approximately every 43 seconds in the U.S. The most recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that more than 737,000 hit-and-run incidents occurred in just one year. Of those accidents, over 2,000 tragic fatalities occurred. This represents the highest number of fatalities on record for hit-and-run crashes.

It may seem unthinkable to flee the scene of an accident after hitting another driver or pedestrian, but in most cases, the act of fleeing is almost always intentional. Although there are rare situations where a driver does not realize he or she struck someone or an object, in most cases, a driver is fleeing because they don’t want to be caught. Some of the most common reasons a hit-and-run driver may leave the accident scene are:

When a hit-and-run driver flees after striking the vehicle, the victim suffers physically and financially. Although hit-and-run cases can be difficult to litigate, it may be possible to recover compensation for damages associated with a serious injury. But what can you do to increase your chances of obtaining financial recovery? Read on to learn how to recover expenses related to injuries and damages from a hit-and-run accident.

Don’t Leave the Accident Scene

Although it may be tempting to pursue the driver who hit you, do not leave the scene of the accident. According to California Vehicle Code Sections 20002 and 20001, leaving the scene of an accident that results in property damage, personal injury, or death is a criminal offense. Even if you are the victim of the accident, it is against the law to leave the crash scene.

First, ensure everyone involved is okay and has received medical attention. Next, call the police to report the accident. Give the authorities as much information as you can. Also, it’s important to remember that if you think you could suffer an injury, do not refuse medical help.

Gather as Much Information as Possible

We know it can be hard to stay calm after an accident, especially if there are injuries. Do your best to stay calm and take a moment to collect your thoughts. Then, if you can get up and walk, we recommend writing down as much information as you can remember. Do you remember the driver’s license plate number or perhaps the car’s model? Do you remember how the driver drove away or what the driver was wearing? Write down anything you can remember about the driver, the vehicle he or she was driving, and any other information related to the accident.

If a third party is involved in the accident, get their name, number, address, and insurance information. Getting the third party’s policy and insurance information is also important. Get a copy of the police report, or at least get the report number to get a copy later.

Talk to Eyewitnesses

If there were eyewitnesses, talk to them and make a note of what they saw or how the crash happened. If you notice any surveillance cameras in the area, take pictures of their location. Take pictures of the damage sustained by your car and the accident scene.

Is it Possible to Track Down the At-Fault Driver?

In some cases, it may be possible to locate the at-fault driver. Each state has a different reporting system for hit-and-run accidents, so it’s hard to know exactly how many cases go to resolution. However, rough data from accident statistics across the country show that the at-fault driver can never be found or identified in many cases.

How Can I Get Compensation if the At-Fault Driver Can’t Be Found?

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If the driver responsible for the accident cannot be found, how can the victim get compensation for personal injury? In cases where the driver is never identified, you can seek compensation from your insurance company. Remember that the recovery you receive from your insurance company is often limited by your policy limits. In other words, the compensation you receive from your insurance company may not be enough to cover your losses.

In some cases, you may be able to get compensation from a third party. For example, if your injury was made worse by a faulty airbag or you were driving a company vehicle when the accident occurred, you may be able to get compensation from a third party. As you can see, there may be more than one avenue for seeking damages. Experienced injury lawyers like the team at Adamson Ahdoot are critical in a hit and run case. Our experts will explore every possible avenue to ensure you receive successful compensation.

Our goal is to obtain the maximum compensation possible. With more than 100 years of legal experience, we have a proven track record of very successful results, helping our clients recover millions in personal injury compensation.

The Role of Insurance Companies in Hit-and-Run Accidents

In the unfortunate event that the hit-and-run driver cannot be found, your own insurance policy may help cover medical expenses and property damage. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Uninsured Motorist Coverage: This coverage can help pay for injuries caused by a hit-and-run driver.
  • Collision Coverage: This can cover damage to your vehicle regardless of who was at fault.
  • Medical Payments Coverage: This can help cover medical costs for you and your passengers.
  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This can cover medical bills, lost wages, and other related costs.

Legal Assistance in Hit and Run Cases

Navigating the legal landscape after a hit and run can be daunting. At Adamson Ahdoot, we offer comprehensive legal services to help you through this challenging time. Our law firm is dedicated to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve through your insurance company or other means. We have a good chance of securing a favorable outcome for you.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Hit and Run Accident

  1. Stay at the Scene: Never leave the scene of the accident. It’s important to remain where the incident occurred until the local police department arrives and gathers all necessary information.
  2. Check for Injuries: Ensure you and passengers are not severely injured. If there are injuries, call emergency services immediately.
  3. Document the Scene: Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, your vehicle, and any visible injuries. Capture details such as license plates, bumper stickers, and nearby stop signs.
  4. Speak to Witnesses: Collect phone numbers and statements from any eyewitnesses. Their accounts can be crucial in filing your insurance claim and accident report.
  5. Call the Police: Report the hit and run to the local authorities. Ensure you get a copy of the police report or at least the report number.
  6. Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident. They will guide you through the process of filing a claim.
  7. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to get checked by a healthcare professional to document any potential bodily injury.

Preventing Hit-and-Run Accidents

Preventing hit and run accidents is a community effort. By understanding and addressing the common reasons why these accidents occur, we can work towards creating safer roads. Here are some strategies to help prevent these incidents:

  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the legal consequences and moral implications of fleeing an accident scene can discourage potential hit and run drivers.
  • Increased Law Enforcement: More frequent patrols and traffic stops can deter reckless driving behaviors, often leading to hit and run accidents.
  • Improved Road Infrastructure: Well-lit streets, clear signage, and maintained road surfaces can reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring.
  • Community Reporting: Encouraging community members to report suspicious driving behaviors and providing channels for anonymous tips can help identify repeat offenders.
  • Technology Integration: Technology such as dash cams, surveillance cameras, and license plate readers can help identify hit and run drivers and provide evidence for law enforcement.

By taking these steps, communities can work together to reduce the incidence of hit and run accidents and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

How Can Adamson Ahdoot Help You in a California Hit-and-Run Case?

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Injured in a hit-and-run collision? Don’t suffer any more than you already have. Our team of attorneys knows you may be under a lot of stress, so we want the legal process to go as smoothly as possible. Working with our extensive network of legal experts, we can accurately assess the extent of your injuries. In doing so, we will ensure that you recover the maximum amount of money for your injuries:

  • Doctor visits
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgeries
  • Medication
  • Physical pain
  • Lost income from not being able to work
  • Personal care costs
  • Emotional anguish
  • Physical disfigurement and scarring
  • Wrongful death

Contact Adamson Ahdoot Today

Don’t let the stress of a hit and run accident overwhelm you. Reach out to our legal team at (800) 310-1606 or submit a contact form right now. We’ll schedule a time for you to discuss your case in private. There’s no fee for the initial consultation. Adamson Ahdoot is here to provide you with expert legal counsel, so you can focus on recovery for you and your family during a stressful and difficult time.

Get a Free Consultation: (424) 392-7649

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