If you’ve been hurt in a hit-and-run accident, it’s important to talk to a car accident lawyer in Burbank to help you get justice and fair compensation.
Can You File a Claim Against a Hit-and-Run Driver Who Has Disappeared?
Yes, you can file a claim even if the hit-and-run driver has disappeared. If involved in a hit-and-run accident, you can access funds for injuries or vehicle damage in a couple of ways:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If you have this type of coverage, it can cover your medical bills and vehicle repairs resulting from the hit-and-run accident.
- Identifying the Driver: If the hit-and-run driver is later identified, you can claim against their insurance policy or file a lawsuit for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It is a good idea to talk to an auto accident lawyer who knows a lot about hit-and-run cases. The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti is a top-rated accident law firm with decades of experience. We can help you understand your options and work to get you the most money possible for your injuries and damages.
Can You File an Insurance Claim Against a Hit-and-Run Driver if You're Uninsured?
In California, if you're in a hit-and-run accident without insurance, you may worry about claiming damages. Typically, Proposition 213 prevents uninsured individuals from collecting for non-economic damages. However, there are some important exceptions to the rule.
If the hit-and-run driver was intoxicated or stole the vehicle, and they are convicted of either of those crimes, you still may be able to make a claim for full damages.
It's important to talk to a personal injury attorney who knows California laws. The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti can help you understand your options and how to file a claim, even if you don't have insurance. Make sure to call us as soon as possible after the accident to know your rights and what to do next.
What Information Should You Collect at the Scene of a Hit and Run Accident?
If you were just involved in a hit and run accident, put your cell phone down and start collecting the following information:
- Vehicle information: The first thing you should do is take photos or video of the fleeing vehicle. If you are not able to do that, write down the license plate, as well as the make, model, and color of the vehicle. Then text this information to a trusted friend as a back up just in case your phone was damaged in the accident.
- Witness information: Collect witness information at the scene. But here's a pro tip: Text the witness right there on the spot to make sure the number they gave you was accurate. Better yet, take a video of them explaining what they saw or heard in the accident.
- Injures: Take photos of damage to your car and any physical injuries you have.
If you find yourself involved in a hit-and-run accident, it's important to gather as much information as you can at the scene and then get legal assistance ASAP.
What Hit and Run Laws Do you Need to Know About?
There are civil laws and criminal laws last may affect your car accident claim:
The Criminal Consequences of a Hit and Run Accident
In California when a driver flees the scene of a car accident it is a crime. It is punishable as a felony if the driver causes personal injury or death to another individual. California Vehicle Code 20001. If there is only property damage, however, the crime is usually only considered a misdemeanor.
California law mandates that all drivers stop after an accident. The driver must remain at the scene until authorities arrive, exchange vital information, and, if possible, assist any injured parties.
The Civil Consequences of a Hit and Run Crash
If at-fault driver crashes into your car and then flees the scene, you have the ability to file claim for monetary compensation against them. If the insurance company does not treat your fairly, you can file a civil lawsuit to get fair compensation.
In rare situations where the driver was extremely reckless, you may be able to get punitive damages against them.
Common Injuries After a Hit and Run Accident in Burbank
When someone is involved in a hit-and-run accident, they can experience severe injuries. Here are some common types:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These injuries can range from mild, like a concussion, to very serious brain damage. They can make it hard to think clearly and affect how a person lives their life.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can cause pain that lasts a long time and may make moving certain parts of the body difficult. This can make everyday tasks much harder.
- Back Injuries: Injuries to the back can also lead to chronic pain and movement issues, making it challenging to carry out daily activities.
- Broken Bones: Many people suffer from broken bones, especially in their legs or hips. Healing from these injuries can take a long time and sometimes leads to lasting problems, making it tough to do normal things or work.
- Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD: Being in a car accident can lead to serious emotional problems, affecting mental health and daily life. Many victims need help from mental health professionals to cope with these feelings.
- Long-lasting Emotional Pain: Unlike physical injuries that may heal, emotional trauma can stick around even after physical wounds are better. This makes recovery harder and can cause more stress.
Cycle of Pain: Ongoing physical pain from injuries can make emotional distress worse, creating a tough cycle that affects quality of life. Because of these challenges, it’s important to seek compensation that covers both physical and emotional pain. A skilled accident lawyer can help victims navigate these issues and work toward getting the full compensation they need for healing and a better future.
Compensation You Can Expect to Get After a Hit and Run Accident
Hit-and-run accident victims in Burbank may be able to get to various forms of compensation. These include:
- Property Damage: Coverage for the costs of repairing or replacing damaged vehicles.
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for both past and future treatments, such as emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital bills, and physical therapy.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Reimbursement for income lost during the recovery period, along with compensation for future earnings caused by any long-term or permanent disabilities.
- Pain and suffering: This form of compensation recognizes the negative impact on your quality of life due to the injuries you sustained.
- Emotional Distress: This compensation is for the trauma from the hit-and-run accident.
The Process of Filing an Accident Claim
Experiencing a hit-and-run accident is stressful and can cause both emotional and physical pain. It's essential to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your losses. Here’s a quick guide on what to do and why having a lawyer is important.
- Call a Lawyer: Talk to a hit-and-run accident attorney who can help you understand your case and figure out the legal system.
- Collect Evidence: - Gather photographs of the accident scene. - Get medical reports and witness statements. - Obtain the police report.
- Report the Accident: Call law enforcement to create an official record of the incident.
- Contact Insurance: If possible, inform the at-fault driver’s insurance company to start the claims process.
- Insurance Coverage: If the responsible driver is not found, your own insurance may pay for medical bills, property damage, and emotional destress.
- Negotiating with Insurers: Insurance companies often try to minimize settlements. Having an experienced lawyer can help ensure you receive a favorable outcome.
What a Burbank Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Can Do For You
The experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Adrianos have a track record of success. We have secured millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. Our legal team can help you with the entire legal process. We can:
- Offer you a no cost, no obligation initial consultation
- Uncover crucial evidence, find witnesses, and go after the responsible party
- Document your injuries, and make sure you your medical care needs are taken care of so that you get maximum compensation
- Initiate the claims process and build a strong case
- Send a demand letter to the insurance company
- Negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement.
- File a personal injury lawsuit when the insurance company's adjusters try to minimize your claim
Burbank Hit and Run Accident Statistics
Hit-and-run accidents are still a big problem in Burbank, with a 10% increase reported in 2024 compared to the same time in 2023. Last year, there were 171 hit-and-runs, and as of October 2024, there have already been 161. This means the total for 2024 could end up being even higher. These accidents are dangerous because drivers leave the scene, and victims are left to deal with the damage on their own. If you were the victim of this kind of crime, you need to hire an experienced Burbank hit and run accident lawyer to protect your legal rights.
What Much Does a Burbank Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Charge?
Our law firm does not charge any money up front. Instead, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that we only get paid a percentage if we win. If we don't, you owe us nothing. It's that simple. There's no risk to you. All the risk is on us.
Don't delay because the statute of limitations for car accident injury claims is only two years.
Also, uninsured Motorist (UM) Claims have strict deadlines, and missing them could affect your compensation.
Our Hit and Run Lawyers in Burbank Have you Covered
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti have handled over 1000 accident claims and for decades. Hit and run claims are extremely serious and require expert legal help.
Give us a call and we can start helping you today.
