Hit-and-run car accidents in San Diego make an already challenging situation much more complex. Victims are often left struggling to figure out how to pay for their injuries and car repairs without a party to hold them accountable. A trusted car accident attorney can work with you to help ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact CaseyGerry today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Having someone on your side from the beginning to help you is critical. An experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer in San Diego will have the experience and resources necessary to work with the police and also investigate the crash themselves in an attempt to find the at-fault party. They can speak to eyewitnesses, search for video footage, hire accident reconstruction experts, etc. They will also help you navigate the claims process and will deal with the insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you recover fair compensation.
Victims of hit-and-run accidents are entitled to hold the at-fault driver accountable for their injuries and related losses. If the driver is located, a claim can be filed with their insurance company to pay for medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, etc.
If the hit-and-run driver is uninsured, your only options are to sue them personally or file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. In California, uninsured motorist coverage will help pay for medical bills but will only pay for vehicle repairs if the fleeing driver is identified.
However, in some cases, it can take months or even years for law enforcement to identify the at-fault driver, or they may never be found. As a result, you may have to rely on your own auto insurance company to cover the expenses no matter what, but it will still depend on whether you carry optional forms of insurance. For example, collision coverage will pay for the damage to your vehicle, and MedPay will cover medical bills up to policy limits. Keep in mind that you will be responsible for your deductible. If you only carry the minimum amount of insurance required by law, you may have to pay for your losses related to the hit-and-run accident out-of-pocket until the at-fault driver is found.
You may be left in a state of shock when a driver hits your vehicle and then flees the scene, but the steps you take next can have a significant impact on your potential claim:
Notify law enforcement right away to locate the driver as quickly as possible. They will also arrive on the scene to create an accident report and look for evidence that points them to the driver who fled.
Unless you are transported to the hospital, stay at the scene to take photos of as many details about the accident as you can, including the damage to your vehicle, the surrounding area, and your injuries. Write down any information you can about the vehicle and its driver. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information and if they will make a recorded statement on your phone.
See a doctor as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Medical documentation establishes that your injuries are related to the hit and run.
An insurance adjuster can advise you on the types of coverage you carry and whether you can file a claim.
If the at-fault driver is identified, you can file a claim directly with their insurance company.
Consult a car accident attorney right away for advice on your legal options for obtaining compensation.
We offer free consultations and will help you obtain the compensation you are warranted. Call or message us online after getting hurt in a hit and run car accident in San Diego.
