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Hit & Run
Accidents
Now What?
Start by understanding your options
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Not Every Driver Who Leaves Commits a Hit & Run
Many people assume that every driver who leaves the scene of a crash has committed a hit & run. In reality, whether an accident is legally considered a hit & run depends on the circumstances and whether the driver fulfilled certain legal responsibilities after the collision.
In general, a hit & run accident may affect:
◉ Another driver
◉ A passenger
◉ A pedestrian
◉ A bicyclist
◉ A motorcycle rider
Regardless of the type of accident, what happens immediately after a collision can have important legal consequences. All drivers have legal responsibilities to:
◉ Stop at or as close to the scene as safely possible
◉ Exchange identification and insurance information with the other parties involved
◉ Call for help or render reasonable assistance to anyone who has been injured
◉ Report the accident to law enforcement when required by law
Failing to fulfill these responsibilities may result in the accident being treated as a hit & run.
What Not to Do After a Hit & Run Accident
After a hit & run accident, it's natural to feel frustrated, confused, or even angry. Before making important decisions, avoid actions that could unintentionally affect your ability to recover compensation.
Avoid:
◉ Assuming there is no case simply because the driver left the scene
◉ Delaying medical treatment if you have been injured
◉ Accepting an insurance settlement before understanding what rights you may be giving up
◉ Assuming your insurance policy does not provide coverage without reviewing it carefully
◉ Waiting too long to gather information or ask questions about your options
Every hit & run accident is different. The decisions you make early on may have a lasting impact on your claim.
A Police Investigation Isn't Always the End of the Story
Many people assume that once a police report is completed, the investigation is over. In reality, that may not be the case.
Law enforcement's primary responsibility is to determine whether a crime occurred and, when possible, identify the driver responsible, pursue criminal charges, and help bring that person to justice. Depending on the circumstances, the available evidence, and department resources, there may be practical limits on how far that effort can go.
Even if the at-fault driver is never identified, there may still be options for recovering compensation.
Looking Beyond the Police Report
A police report is an important part of a hit & run case, but it isn't always the end of the investigation.
At the Law Offices of Garret A. Lungin, we take the time to evaluate the details, determine what additional information may still be available and obtainable, and help our clients understand what options may exist for recovering compensation based on the facts of their case.
Every hit & run accident is unique, and sometimes the smallest details can make the biggest difference.
Not Every Investigation Ends the Same Way
In some cases, the efforts of law enforcement, together with the work performed by our office, lead to identifying the at-fault driver, making it possible to pursue a claim through that driver's insurance.
Many drivers carry uninsured motorist coverage without realizing it until after an accident occurs. Depending on the circumstances, it may be only one of several insurance coverages that could help provide compensation. Determining what benefits may be available often begins with a careful review of the insurance policy.
Whether a particular policy provides coverage depends on the specific facts of the collision, the terms of the insurance policy, and other legal requirements.
Don't Miss Important Deadlines
Time matters after a hit & run accident.
Different deadlines may apply depending on the type of insurance coverage involved, the circumstances of the collision, and whether your claim involves a government entity or another special situation. Insurance policies may also require certain claims to be reported within specific timeframes.
Waiting too long could affect your ability to recover compensation or limit the options available to you.
Understanding the deadlines that apply to your situation is often one of the first steps toward protecting your rights.
Unfortunately, GPS still doesn't have a "Find the Hit & Run Driver" button.
Whether a hit & run accident happens in Sherman Oaks, elsewhere in Los Angeles, or anywhere in California, understanding your options often begins with knowing where to look for answers.
Every case deserves careful attention to detail, a thorough review of the available evidence, and a careful evaluation of the insurance coverage that may apply.
Free Consultation. No Pressure. Get answers before making important decisions.
