A hit-and-run accident is one of a driver’s most frustrating and overwhelming experiences. Usually, those who become victims of these types of accidents aren’t sure what to do next. If you’re in this position, you’re not alone. In fact, in Riverside, California, countless victims are left to handle property damage and extensive medical costs that are caused by negligent drivers who flee the scene rather than face the consequences. Our firm has extensive experience handling accidents in Riverside, CA and throughout Riverside County, where accidents are unfortunately common and can result in serious injuries. At Dordick Law Corporation, we are dedicated to helping car accident victims in Riverside recover the compensation they deserve. Our Riverside hit and run accident lawyer knows what you’re going through. We’re here to help you fight for the maximum compensation you deserve, even if the driver remains unidentified.
Our qualified hit-and-run accident attorneys in Riverside have deep local expertise as a lawyer serving Riverside CA and Riverside County. We will investigate your accident, work to identify the driver when possible, and pursue all available legal options to recover compensation from the appropriate sources. Don’t fight this battle alone. Understand your rights and use our attorneys as leverage in your claim. Call us today at (310) 341-7176 or contact us online for a consultation about your case.
Why You Need a Riverside Hit-and-Run Attorney
The law in California is clear and very strict about hit-and-run accidents. It is illegal to flee the scene of an accident, especially if you caused it. Yet often, the at-fault party drives away and remains unidentified, even after law enforcement does everything they can to investigate and bring them to justice.
Unfortunately, when it comes to hit-and-run accidents, it is up to the victim to provide the information about the driver, even when no one else can discover their identity. If no driver is located, insurance companies can easily delay or deny your claim. This is precisely where you should lean on someone else’s experience with the law. Hiring an experienced Riverside car accident attorney from a reputable law firm is critical after this type of accident because:
- They know how to investigate the accident and gather evidence.
- They can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
- They understand the legal deadlines and requirements for filing a claim.
- They can represent you in court if necessary.
Choosing a law firm or law firms with experienced hit and run accident lawyer in Riverside gives you the best chance at a successful outcome in your hit-and-run case.
They can handle complicated investigations
A thorough investigation is vital since identifying the driver is critical in pursuing them for criminal actions. Documenting the accident scene and collecting evidence, such as photos, videos, and details of the conditions, is an essential first step. A lawyer can strategically investigate, review surveillance footage, speak with witnesses, and work with law enforcement and experts to build a case. In addition, accident reconstruction and police reports are used to establish the facts of the case, determine liability, and support injury claims. A skilled attorney has the resources to conduct this investigation while maintaining evidence.
They’ll protect your right to compensation
When the hit-and-run driver is not identified, a lawyer can still help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A lawyer can assist you in filing claims through uninsured motorist coverage, which provides protection when the at-fault driver lacks insurance or cannot be identified. They do this through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, your health insurance coverage, or other avenues.
If an insurance company refuses to pay or offer a fair settlement, a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
They’ll handle the insurance companies
Insurers are historically not on your side. An experienced car accident lawyer who regularly handles car accident claims and personal injury claims understands the tactics insurers use to protect their bottom line, even if that means you suffer more. A lawyer can combat the insurance companies’ tactics and fight for your right to receive fair compensation without being taken advantage of when you’re vulnerable.
Having a car accident lawyer on your side is crucial when negotiating with insurance companies to ensure your interests are fully protected.
They’ll work to maximize your compensation
A skilled attorney with extensive experience handling car accident cases and personal injury cases knows all the venues through which you can recover compensation after a hit-and-run accident. They will handle the complicated legal process and determine the best ways for you to obtain the compensation you deserve. This can include present bills as well as future projected costs.
If you are suffering from injuries and damages left after a hit-and-run accident, you don’t have to face the insurance companies alone. In fact, it’s better if you don’t. Hiring a hit-and-run attorney who knows the laws in California can be the difference between you receiving compensation or not. Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis and are dedicated to maximizing compensation for their clients in every car accident case.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Riverside
After a hit-and-run accident, victims are often left feeling vulnerable and confused. After all, what is there to do when you can’t collect the other driver’s insurance information? There are a few steps you should take immediately to help build your case:
- Call Law Enforcement: Follow whatever directions they give you, and make sure you’ve done your part in informing law enforcement about the incident.
- Seek Medical Help: Even if you think your injuries are minor or you have no immediate symptoms, you should still seek medical attention and medical treatment promptly. Seeking medical treatment right away helps ensure that any accident related injuries, including those that may not be immediately apparent, are properly diagnosed and documented. This creates a record of your medical care that can support your claim.
- Document the Scene: Take pictures of the scene, including your injuries and any damage to the road. If there are witnesses around, gather their contact information as well.
- Get a Copy of the Police Report: This is an essential step for insurance claims, as it creates evidence that can be used to show that an accident occurred and may provide clues to the identity of the at-fault party. Be sure to obtain the official accident report and gather your medical records, as both are crucial pieces of evidence to support your claim.
- Call a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in Riverside: Speak to a lawyer and tell them the details of your case. They’ll help direct you in your next steps and can also fight for compensation for you.
Remember that the more information you collect immediately after the incident, the stronger your case will be. Gathering even the most minor details, like what color the car is and what direction they fled in, can help your law enforcement and your lawyer track down the at-fault driver. It can also help your lawyer create a strong case for an uninsured motorist claim.
Your Legal Options After a Hit-and-Run
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you need to know that even if the driver can’t be found, there are options for you to recover damages. Victims of hit-and-run accidents may have sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious injuries, severe injuries, or even a catastrophic injury or catastrophic injuries. In addition to physical harm, you may suffer emotional distress or develop post traumatic stress disorder as a result of the traumatic event. These injuries can lead to significant future medical bills and future lost wages due to ongoing treatment and inability to work. In tragic cases where a loved one dies, wrongful death claims may arise, allowing families to seek compensation for their loss.
Insurance Companies
The first and most critical option to look into is your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This is optional coverage that is included in many insurance policies. It covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses when the at-fault party is uninsured or unidentified. Talk to your insurance company and see if your policy includes this coverage.
If you can identify the driver, you have a more straightforward option. You can file an insurance claim with their insurer or a personal injury lawsuit against them, just as you could with any other car accident. Look for any resource possible to identify the driver, including surveillance footage of nearby establishments or even ring cameras, ask witnesses who saw the accident if they saw any details that can help determine the driver’s identity, and report the incident to the police so that they can investigate.
Other Options
In California, you may also claim compensation through crime victim compensation programs (CalVCB). These funds don’t replace the compensation you’d receive through other venues, but they can help fill the gap. Check for eligibility through California directly by visiting the CalVCB information page.
In any case, having the right legal counsel on your side is essential. That’s because they can help you get the most compensation and fight the tactics insurance companies and drivers will use to deflect blame.
Damages You Can Recover
Hit-and-run accidents lead to many expenses, like hospital bills, auto shop bills, and the inability to earn the money needed to cover these expenses. You might be wondering, what can you expect to recover if you’re suffering as a result of one of these accidents? You can recover many types of compensation, such as:
- Medical Expenses: This includes everything from emergency care to long-term rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: This covers the obvious time off work and the loss of future earning capacity.
- Property Damage: Your car and personal belongings can be repaired with the compensation allotted in this compensation, including costs for vehicle repairs.
- Pain and Suffering: This can include physical and emotional trauma, such as physical pain, that resulted from the accident.
- Other Out-of-Pocket Costs: Should you need transportation, childcare, or other costs due to the accident, these can be added to your claim.
Just because you were the victim of someone’s negligence doesn’t mean you should have to swallow all these costs alone. Whether or not you can identify the driver, exercise your legal options, and stand up for justice. Our firm also handles fall accidents, including slip and fall cases, and other types of personal injury claims.
We Handle All Types of Hit and Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents involve many types of vehicles and sometimes other types of transportation. At Dordick Law Corporation, we’ve represented victims in a wide range of cases, such as:
- Truck accidents where a commercial driver flees the scene.
- Motorcycle accidents that can be more dangerous due to the lack of protection.
- Pedestrian accidents which are usually the most devastating injury cases.
- Bicycle accidents that have become increasingly common at busy intersections.
- Multi-vehicle accidents where liability may be disputed and thrown around at multiple other drivers.
Our Riverside car accident lawyers are knowledgeable about California law regarding hit-and-run cases. We know how to build strong and compelling cases, combat insurance companies, and fight for justice.
How Dordick Law Corporation Can Help
If you choose our law firm to fight for you, you are choosing:
- A Thorough Investigation: Our personal injury lawyers in Riverside will gather surveillance footage, witness statements, and other evidence to recreate the accident and build your case.
- Skilled Insurance Negotiators: We understand the tactics an insurance company will use to deny your claim. Because we understand them, we know how to fight them.
- A Proven Legal Strategy: We always prepare as if your case is going to trial. This shows that we mean business, often leading to higher settlements without a trial.
- A Legal Team that Cares: You’ll have a team of attorneys by your side every step of the way. We will answer all your questions and care for your case with compassion so you can focus on recovery.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. The sooner you speak to a hit-and-run accident lawyer in Riverside, the better your chances of maximizing your compensation. Contact our Riverside hit and run accident attorneys today for your free consultation. Dordick Law Corporation works on a contingency fee basis, so we won’t ask you to pay a dime unless we win your case. Call us at (310) 341-7176 and schedule with our online form for a time to review the details of your unique hit-and-run case.
