Being involved in a hit-and-run accident in Rancho Cucamonga can be a stressful and unexpected event. Not only are you dealing with potential injuries and vehicle damage, but the absence of the at-fault driver adds another layer of complication to the situation.
Here at Krasney Law Accident Attorneys, we understand the challenges you face. Our experienced Rancho Cucamonga hit-and-run lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
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What To Do After a Hit And Run Accident
The immediate aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be a confusing time. Here are the crucial steps to take to protect yourself and your rights:
- Ensure Your Safety: The first priority is always your safety and the safety of others involved. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately to request medical attention.
- Move to a Safe Location: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location off the road to avoid further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights.
- Call the Police: File a police report with the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department. A detailed report is essential for documenting the accident and starting the investigation to find the hit-and-run driver.
- Gather Evidence: While waiting for the police, try to gather as much evidence as possible from the scene. This may include:
- Take pictures Of the damage to your vehicle, the surrounding area, any debris left behind by the hit-and-run driver, and any visible injuries.
- Witness statements: If there were any witnesses, ask for their contact information and a brief description of what they saw.
- Note down details: Write down the time and location of the accident, the direction in which the hit-and-run driver was traveling, and a description of the vehicle (make, model, color, license plate, if possible).
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company immediately. They can advise you on coverage options and guide you through the claims process.
- Seek Legal Counsel: An experienced Rancho Cucamonga hit-and-run lawyer can advise you of your legal rights and explore all avenues of recovering compensation for your damages.
How The Hit and Run Lawyers at Krasney Law Accident Attorneys in Rancho Cucamonga Can Help You
Hit-and-run accidents can be incredibly stressful, leaving you with injuries, vehicle damage, and the added difficulty of an unidentified driver.
At Krasney Law Accident Attorneys in Rancho Cucamonga, we understand the complexities of these cases. We are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for your deserved compensation. Here’s how our experienced hit-and-run lawyers can assist you:
- Thorough Investigation: We’ll work diligently to gather all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and any debris left at the scene. Our goal is to identify the hit-and-run driver and hold them accountable.
- Maximizing Recovery: We’ll explore all possible avenues of compensation, including your own insurance policy (uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage), to ensure you receive the maximum amount you’re entitled to for medical bills, lost wages, car repairs, and pain and suffering.
- Skilled Negotiation: Dealing with insurance companies after a hit-and-run accident can be frustrating. Our experienced attorneys will negotiate aggressively to secure a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your damages.
- Trial-Ready Representation: We are prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights before a judge and jury.
Don’t face this challenge alone. Contact Krasney Law Accident Attorneys today for a free consultation to discuss your case and understand your legal options. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
California Hit and Run Laws
California has strict laws in place to deter hit-and-run accidents and protect victims. Leaving the scene of an accident, also known as “evading responsibility,” is a crime under California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 20002. The severity of the penalties depends on whether the accident resulted in property damage, injury, or death.
Here’s a breakdown of the relevant California Hit and Run Laws:
- Property Damage Only: If a driver is involved in an accident that only causes property damage and fails to stop and exchange information with the other driver, they are guilty of a misdemeanor. Penalties can include up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and a suspended driver’s license.
- Injury or Death: If a hit-and-run accident results in injury or death, the crime becomes a felony. Penalties can include significant jail time (2, 3, or 4 years), a fine of up to $10,000, and a suspended driver’s license.
Hit and Run Accidents Statistics
Hit-and-run accidents are a growing problem on our roads, leaving victims with physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Here’s a breakdown of the alarming rise in these accidents:
Sharp Increase: Fatal hit-and-runs surged by 89.4% between 2012 and 2021. In 2012, there were 1,469 such accidents, which jumped to 2,783.
More Common Than You Think: The percentage of deadly crashes involving hit-and-runs also rose significantly. In 2012, 4.7% of fatal crashes were hit-and-runs; by 2021, that figure reached 7.0%.
State Variations: California has the dubious distinction of having the highest share of deadly crashes involving hit-and-runs (10.1%) between 2012 and 2021. Other concerned states include Nevada (8.5%) and New Mexico (7.8%).
Common Types of Hit and Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents can take many forms. Here are some of the most frequent occurrences:
Rear-End Collisions
These are the most common types of hit-and-run accidents. A driver following too closely or distracted may rear-end your vehicle and flee the scene.
Parked Car Accidents
Unfortunately, parked cars are also vulnerable. A driver may strike your parked car and leave without leaving any information.
Sideswipe Accidents
These accidents can occur when drivers change lanes or merge without proper caution and hit another vehicle, then flee the scene.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Sadly, hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists are also common. These accidents can result in severe injuries or even death.
No matter the type of hit-and-run accident you experience, the impact can be devastating. Krasney Law Accident Attorneys stands ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
How To Identify Hit and Run Drivers
Hit-and-run accidents leave victims feeling violated and helpless. But don’t lose hope! Here are some ways to identify the driver who fled the scene:
Witness Testimony:
The most crucial element in identifying a hit-and-run driver is witness testimony. Immediately after the accident, seek out anyone who might have seen what happened. Get their contact information and ask for detailed descriptions of the vehicle and the driver.
Security Cameras:
Technology can also be a powerful tool. Public or private security cameras in the area may have captured the incident. Filing a police report and requesting that officers investigate nearby cameras is essential.
Vehicle Debris:
In the moments of impact, pieces of the hit-and-run driver’s vehicle may have broken off. Look for fragments like paint chips, trim pieces, or even glass left at the scene. This debris can be crucial evidence, helping investigators match it to a specific vehicle model and color.
Tire Tracks:
Tire tracks left at the scene can also be valuable clues. Police can take measurements and examine the tread patterns, which can be compared against known vehicle types.
Digital Evidence:
In today’s world, dashcams and doorbell cameras are becoming increasingly common. Police may be able to track down footage from these devices that captured the accident.
Trace Evidence:
Law enforcement may also utilize trace evidence collected from your vehicle. Hair, fibers, or fingerprints left behind can be analyzed for potential DNA matches, which could lead to the driver’s identification.
Types of Compensation in a Hit and Run Case
Even if the driver is never identified, you may still be entitled to compensation for your damages through your own insurance or a civil lawsuit. Here’s a breakdown of what you might recover:
Medical Expenses
Covers past, present, and future medical bills related to the accident.
Lost Wages
Compensates for income lost due to missed work or reduced earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Reimbursement for physical and emotional pain caused by the accident.
Property Damage
Covers repairs or replacement of your damaged vehicle.
Loss of Consortium
Compensation for loss of companionship or intimacy due to your injuries.
Wrongful Death (if applicable)
If a loved one was tragically killed in the hit-and-run, compensation may be available for funeral expenses, lost future income, and emotional distress.
Proving Liability in a Connecticut Hit-and-Run Case
Since the hit-and-run driver is absent, proving liability in a Connecticut hit-and-run case requires a different approach than a typical car accident. Here’s what you can expect:
- Police Report and Evidence
- Traffic Camera Footage
- Witness Testimony
- Accident Reconstruction Experts
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage
How Long Will It Take to Settle My Case?
Hit-and-run cases can be more complex and take longer to settle than traditional car accidents due to the difficulty of establishing fault.
While there’s no guaranteed timeframe, hit-and-run cases can take several months to a year or more to settle. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate the complexities of your case and work towards a swifter resolution.
Rancho Cucamonga Hit and Run Lawyer FAQs
What should I do after a hit-and-run accident?
- Call 911: Your safety is paramount. Ensure medical attention for yourself and anyone else injured.
- Report the Accident: File a police report, providing as much detail as possible about the accident, the hit-and-run driver, and any witnesses.
- Document the Scene: Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, the accident scene, and any debris left behind.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident immediately.
- Seek Legal Counsel: An experienced Rancho Cucamonga hit-and-run lawyer can advise you on your legal options and protect your rights.
Can I recover compensation if the driver is never found?
Even if the hit-and-run driver remains unidentified, you may still be entitled to compensation through:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): If you have UM coverage on your auto insurance policy, it can compensate for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by the accident.
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): If the at-fault driver has minimal insurance coverage that doesn’t cover all your damages, UIM can help bridge the gap.
What damages can I recover in a hit-and-run case?
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for past, present, and future medical bills related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to missed work or reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional pain caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Covers repairs or replacement of your damaged vehicle.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for loss of companionship or intimacy due to injuries.
How can a Rancho Cucamonga hit-and-run lawyer help?
A lawyer specializing in hit-and-run accidents can:
- Investigate the accident to gather evidence and identify any potential leads.
- Handle complex legal matters and negotiations with insurance companies.
- Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Rancho Cucamonga, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified attorney to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Client Testimonials
Here’s what past clients have to say about their experience working with Krasney Law after a hit-and-run accident:
Having someone on my side to help walk me through the process, especially being so scared by my first car accident, was such a blessing. Initially, I attempted to do this independently but was lost with where to start! Once I hired Krasney Law, a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I appreciate all your help!!! – Kimberly Morales
If you’ve been injured in a similar situation, contact Krasney Law today for a free consultation and see how their expertise and dedication can help you, too.
Contact the Rancho Cucamonga Hit and Run Attorneys at Krasney Law Accident Attorneys Today!
Don’t let a hit-and-run driver leave you with the burden of their actions. Krasney Law Accident Attorneys is here to fight for the compensation you deserve. We offer a comprehensive range of services specifically tailored to hit-and-run accidents, including:
- Free Consultation: Discuss your case with an experienced attorney and understand your legal options.
- Thorough Investigation: We’ll work tirelessly to gather evidence, identify potential witnesses, and build a strong case on your behalf.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Krasney Law will handle all communication with insurance companies, ensuring you receive a fair settlement.
- Taking Your Case to Court: If necessary, we are prepared to represent you and fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
Be sure to seek legal counsel. California has a time limit for filing personal injury lawsuits, so acting quickly is crucial. Contact Krasney Law today for a free consultation and let our experienced Rancho Cucamonga hit-and-run attorneys fight for you.