What to Do in a Hit and Run Car Accident in California?

Getting into a car accident with someone who then leaves the scene can be scary and confusing. Unfortunately, this kind of situation happens frequently. Knowing what to do in a hit and run car accident in California can make a big difference in keeping you safe while protecting your legal rights. A professional Los Angeles car accident lawyer can guide you through the steps you need to take and represent you if you choose to pursue legal action to recover damages.

Understanding What to Do in a Hit and Run Accident

If someone hits you and then drives away, it is important to stay cool and take specific steps to protect yourself while gathering essential information from the scene. These steps will help keep you safe, assist the police, and back up your insurance claim.

• Ensure safety and seek medical attention: After a car crash, the most important thing is to make sure that everyone is safe. Check to see if you or your passengers are hurt. If someone is hurt, call 911 right away to get medical help.
• Get to a safe place: Move your car to the side of the road or somewhere safe if you can and it’s safe to do so. This will help stop more accidents. Put on your hazard lights to let other cars know you’re there.
• Call the police: It is very important to call law enforcement, even if the other driver has already left the scene of the accident. The police will write up a formal report about the accident, which is needed for insurance claims and possible legal action.
• Gather information and evidence: Try to get as much information as you can about the car that is speeding away, such as its make, model, color, and license plate number. Look for people who might be witnesses and get their contact information. Take pictures of the accident area, your car, and any injuries or damage.
• Notify your insurance company: Tell your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Give them all the information you have gathered, along with the number of the police report. Your insurance company will show you the next steps.

Legal and Insurance Considerations

Understanding the legal and insurance implications of a hit and run accident is essential for protecting your rights and securing compensation. Here are key considerations:

• Legal effects for the offender: Leaving the scene of an accident in California without communicating information or helping wounded persons is unlawful. The hit and run motorist may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the degree of the accident, pay large fines, and maybe be imprisoned. Quick reporting of the occurrence helps to identify and punish the criminal.
• Uncovered motorist policies: State law mandates that, as part of their auto insurance policy, insurance companies provide coverage for uninsured motorists. Should the at-fault motorist remain unidentified or uninsured, this coverage can help cover medical bills and losses. It’s a vital protection that can help with financial recovery following a hit and run collision.
• Declaring to the DMV: If there are injuries, deaths, or major property damage (more than $1,000), state law mandates you contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in addition to notifying the police. This report is to be sent in 10 days after the accident. Ignoring this law could cost you fines and complicate your insurance claim.
• Payback and rehabilitation: Should the hit and run motorist be found, their insurance allows you to seek damages reimbursement. Should the driver still be unknown, your uninsured motorist policy can assist with costs. Sometimes, personal injury protection (PIP) coverage can also offer extra financial help. Working closely with your insurance company will help you to better grasp your coverage and the claims procedure.
• Preventive and defensive driving: Although you have no influence over the behavior of other drivers, defensive driving can help lower the likelihood of collisions, including hit and run accidents. Always obey traffic rules and signals, keep alert, and keep a safe distance from other cars.

Defensive Driving to Prevent Rear-End Collisions

Practicing defensive driving can significantly reduce the risk of rear-end collisions. Here are some tips to help protect yourself on the road:

• Maintain brake lights: Ensure your brake lights are working correctly to signal stops to the following drivers.
• Avoid sudden stops: Stop gradually and avoid unnecessary braking.
• Signal turns: Use your turn signals to indicate your intentions well in advance.
• Keep a safe distance: Maintain a safe following distance from the car in front of you to allow ample time to react to sudden stops.

FAQs About California Hit and Run Car Accident in

What Should I Do in a Hit and Run Accident?

After ensuring safety, call 911 to report the accident and get medical help if needed. Gather as much information as possible about the fleeing vehicle and any witnesses. Take photos of the scene and damages, then report the incident to your insurance company. Additionally, you must file a report with the DMV if there are injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage.

What Happens in a Hit and Run Car Accident?

In a hit and run accident, the at-fault driver flees the scene without providing contact information or assisting injured parties. The police will investigate the incident, and the fleeing driver can face criminal charges. Victims can seek compensation through their uninsured motorist coverage or, if the driver is identified, through the driver’s insurance.

Do You Have to Report a Hit and Run in California?

Yes, you must report a hit and run accident to the police immediately. Additionally, you need to file a report with the DMV within ten days if the accident resulted in injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage (over $1,000). Reporting is essential for legal and insurance purposes. An experienced attorney can help you through this entire process.

Does Insurance Cover Hit and Run Parked Cars?

Yes, insurance can cover damages from hit and run incidents involving parked cars. Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage can help pay for repairs if the at-fault driver is not identified. Comprehensive coverage may also cover damages, subject to your policy’s terms and deductibles. Be sure to contact your insurance carrier to understand the specifics of your policy and what it covers.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney

Experiencing a hit and run accident can be overwhelming, but knowing the proper steps to take can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the necessary support. Always prioritize safety, report the incident to the police and your insurance company, and gather as much information as possible.

Understanding your insurance coverage options, including uninsured motorist protection, can also provide financial relief in these situations. Stay informed and practice defensive driving to minimize the risk of accidents on the road. If you or a loved one has been in a hit and run accident, contact our attorneys at Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, to schedule a consultation.

California Hit and Run Car Accident Resources:

• California Car Accident Statistics
• Common Types of Car Accidents in California
• Someone Hit My Parked Car and Left in California. What Do I Do?
• Average Car Accident Settlement in California