Santa Monica Hit and Run Car Accident Lawyer

Santa Monica hit and run car accident attorney

Whenever a driver causes a car accident in California, state law requires them to remain at the scene of the crash until first responders arrive and for them to take responsibility for the damages they caused. If they flee the scene, it is a hit and run, a violation of state law that carries severe penalties. If you have been injured in a hit and run accident, a Santa Monica hit and run car accident lawyer can be an invaluable resource for helping you recover.

Legal Counsel for Victims of Hit and Run in Santa Monica, CA

The attorneys at Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, have years of professional experience representing all types of personal injury cases in Santa Monica, including those filed in response to harm caused by illegal activity. When a hit and run driver has injured you, it can be frustrating and distressing to see their attempt to avoid liability for the harm they have caused.

Our firm will provide ongoing support and responsive communication throughout all the recovery efforts you pursue in the aftermath of your accident. We can coordinate with local police to ensure the at-fault driver is held accountable for their actions, and regardless of what recovery efforts you must pursue, you can rely on our firm to help maximize your final case award.

Filing a Civil Suit for Hit and Run in Santa Monica

The state follows the fault rule for resolving vehicle accidents. This means that whoever causes an accident absorbs liability for the resulting damages. When an accident happens, the drivers involved are expected to remain at the scene of the crash until responding police officers arrive and allow them to leave.

Hit and run occurs when an at-fault driver flees the scene of an accident or if they hit a parked vehicle and do not leave a note for the owner of the struck vehicle. If you have experienced either form of hit and run, an experienced attorney can help gather the evidence needed to identify and locate the at-fault driver so you can hold them accountable for your damages.

Claiming Compensation for a Hit and Run

Recovery from a car accident usually starts with an auto insurance claim, but when insurance alone cannot compensate you for your damages, you will need to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. A successful personal injury case may yield compensation for your vehicle repair costs, medical expenses, and lost income that the defendant’s insurance can’t cover. You will also have the right to claim pain and suffering compensation.

Because the defendant in your case broke the law, they are likely to owe you punitive damages and/or restitution along with your claimed civil damages. Your Santa Monica hit and run car accident lawyer can be invaluable for the help they can provide in navigating all the proceedings following your hit and run accident.

Ultimately, you may be able to recover far more compensation than you may have initially expected if you have the right attorney handling your claim. The attorneys at Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, excel at resolving complex personal injury claims and will do everything in our power to streamline your recovery. The sooner you consult our firm, the sooner we can get started building your case.

FAQs About Santa Monica, CA Hit and Run Car Accident Laws

Does Insurance Cover the Hit and Run of a Parked Car?

Whenever a driver causes an accident, their auto insurance will pay for the resulting damages. If your car was parked when a driver hit it and then fled the scene, you will need to locate the at-fault driver before you can recover any compensation. Their insurance may pay for your vehicle repair costs, but any outstanding damages that cannot be claimed through insurance can be cited in a personal injury suit.

Will a Hit and Run Driver Go to Jail?

It’s likely for a driver responsible for a hit and run to face jail time as one of their penalties once convicted. This is especially likely if they caused a hit and run accident resulting in great bodily harm or death. Conviction of a misdemeanor hit and run can lead to up to six months in jail, and a felony hit and run conviction can result in up to four years in state prison.

What Makes a Hit and Run a Felony?

Most hit and run offenses are misdemeanors. When a hit and run only results in property damage, the at-fault driver will likely face a misdemeanor charge. However, if the accident caused great bodily harm, permanent injury of any kind, or death, they are more likely to qualify for felony prosecution.

Why Should I Hire a Santa Monica Hit and Run Car Accident Lawyer?

Hiring legal counsel that you can trust will significantly improve your chances of success with all the recovery efforts you pursue in response to a hit and run accident in Santa Monica. Your attorney can ensure the at-fault driver is held appropriately accountable for their actions and guide you through all your recovery efforts. Your attorney can help maximize an auto insurance claim payout and secure maximum compensation with a personal injury claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?

If you plan to file a personal injury suit against any other party, you have two years from the date of the incident in which to file your claim. This might sound like more than enough time, but it is always advisable to start the claim filing process as soon as you can after any accident. This helps ensure the reliability of evidence you may need to prove fault.

Contact Us

The attorneys at Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, can provide compassionate legal representation for your hit and run accident in Santa Monica. Our firm has years of experience helping clients recover from all types of car accidents, and we are ready to put this experience to work in your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Santa Monica hit and run car accident lawyer.