A hit and run accident occurs when a driver does not stop after a collision with another driver, cyclist, pedestrian or object. Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal in all 50 states. Unfortunately, hit and run accidents are all too common in California. Careless drivers believe they can get away from the scene and leave their victims to deal with the aftermath.

Drivers who cause hit and run accidents are negligent and deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Victims also should pursue a civil claim against these drivers to obtain monetary compensation for their injuries.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit and run driver, it is important that you seek legal counsel right away. A Los Angeles hit and run accident lawyer will help you fight for the compensation that you deserve.

What Is a Hit and Run Accident?

In California, there are three scenarios that are considered as a hit and run:

There are a number of reasons why a driver might choose to leave the scene of an accident including fear of being caught for another offense, as well as drunk driving, distracted driving, and other forms of reckless driving. All of these are forms of negligence which may result in significant criminal penalties for the driver.

Under California Vehicle Code 16025, after an accident has occurred both parties are required to remain on the scene, provide each other with insurance information, and call the police. The only instance in which a party is permitted to leave the scene is to obtain emergency medical care.

California Hit and Run Accident Statistics

Although, hit and run drivers can face significant penalties in California for leaving the scene of an accident, it is not uncommon. According to a recent study conducted by the AAA Foundation, roughly 20 percent of all pedestrian deaths in the country involve hit and run drivers.

They are also a major cause of accidents in California, especially in Los Angeles. Each year, the LAPD reports around 20,000 hit and run accidents. According to a report from the California Highway Patrol:

Unfortunately, many hit and run accident victims feel that there is nothing that they can do. If it has been difficult to locate the driver who caused your accident or the driver is refusing to take responsibility for your injuries, you do in fact have options.

Obtaining Victim Compensation for a Hit and Run Accident Claim

Bridgewater Law Group will help you go after the driver who is responsible for your injuries in order to pursue a civil claim so that you can obtain monetary damages for your hit and run accident. Hit and run vehicle accident victims may be entitled to financial compensation for pain and suffering, loss of income, reduced earning capacity, property damage, medical bills, and more.

Furthermore, many hit and run accident victims worry that their insurance rates might go up as a result of the accident. However, under Proposition 103, California insurance carriers are only permitted to raise rates for an accident in which the victim was found to be at fault. If the hit and run accident is no fault of your own, despite the insurance company's claims, we will fight this issue on your behalf.

What some hit and run accident victims do not realize is that the insurance companies are not on your side. They are committed to paying you as little compensation as possible for your injuries. As a result, you need an experienced Los Angeles hit and run lawyer who understands the business practices of the big insurance companies so that you can claim the damages that are rightfully yours.

If you would like to have a Los Angeles hit and run accident attorney review your case, contact us today at (626) 733-4100 to schedule your free consultation.