Tips for Dealing with a Hit and Run

Dealing with a hit and run can be really frustrating! If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident in California, you may feel angry, hurt, and overwhelmed. Hit and run accidents can leave you with property damage, injuries, and medical bills, and it can be difficult to know what to do next. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. Here are some helpful tips to help you deal with a hit and run accident in California.

Review Your Insurance Policies

The first thing you should do after a hit and run accident is to review your insurance policies to see if you have uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage can help you pay for damages and medical bills if the other driver does not have insurance or cannot be identified. In California, uninsured motorist coverage is optional, but it is a good idea to have it if you can afford it. Additionally, if you have UIM coverage, you may also be able to recover compensation if the other driver had insurance but the policy limit was not enough to cover your damages.

It’s also a good idea to review the insurance policies of any relatives who live with you to see if they have uninsured motorist coverage. UIM coverage applies to resident relatives, so you may be able to recover compensation under their policy even if you were not driving their vehicle at the time of the accident. Read more about the benefits of UIM insurance in this blog article.

Consider if the Accident Was Work-Related

If the hit and run accident occurred while you were working, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits can help you pay for medical bills and lost wages while you recover from your injuries. However, it’s important to note that workers’ compensation benefits are generally limited to on-the-job injuries, and it can be difficult to prove that the accident was work-related if you were not driving a company vehicle or performing a work-related task at the time of the accident. More information about Workers Compensation is available on the Department of Industrial Relations website.

Contact the Police

California law requires drivers to stop at the scene of an accident and exchange information with the other driver. If the other driver does not stop or cannot be identified, it is considered a hit and run accident. If you are involved in a hit and run accident, it’s important to report the accident to the police as soon as possible. Even if the other driver is long gone, the police can still help you. They can take statements from witnesses, gather evidence from the scene of the accident, and file a report that can be used as evidence in your insurance claim or lawsuit. Make sure you give the police as much information as possible, such as the make and model of the other vehicle, the license plate number, and any other details you remember.

Gather Evidence

If possible, try to gather as much evidence as you can at the scene of the accident. Take pictures of the damage to your car and any other property that was damaged in the accident. If there were any witnesses, ask them for their contact information and ask if they would be willing to provide a statement to the police or your insurance company. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be if you need to file a claim or lawsuit.

Seek Medical Attention

It’s important to seek medical attention after a hit and run accident, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, such as whiplash or traumatic brain injuries, may not be immediately apparent, and it’s important to get a medical evaluation to ensure that you receive the treatment you need.

Take timely action

You have a limited amount of time to file a claim or lawsuit after a hit and run accident in California. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is generally two years from the date of the accident, but there may be exceptions depending on the specific circumstances of your case. It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines.

Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney

Dealing with a hit and run accident can be stressful, and it can be difficult to know what steps to take next. If you have been injured in a hit and run accident, you may want to consider consulting with a personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Additionally, an attorney can help you navigate the complicated legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Anderson Franco Law is available to give you free, no obligation, information. Contact information is available here.

If you have been involved in a hit and run accident in California, it’s important to take steps to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. Review your insurance policies, consider whether the accident was work-related, contact the police, gather evidence, and consider consulting with a personal injury attorney. By following these tips, you can navigate the complicated legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to under the law.

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