Eason & Tambornini, A Law Corporation

Call for a FREE Consultation: (916) 438-1819 or (800) 391-8219
Hablamos Español Мы говорим по-русски

Call for a FREE Consultation:
(916) 438-1819 or (800) 391-8219
Hablamos Español
Мы говорим по-русски

Why does a driver leave the scene of a hit and run accident?

A hit and run accident is defined as: “Being or involving the driver of a motor vehicle who leaves the scene of an accident, especially one in which a pedestrian or another vehicle has been struck.” Under state law, if someone is injured, the person who caused the injury is required to provide relevant insurance information and call for emergency services. If they fail to do so, especially in cases involving innocent pedestrians or cyclists, they can be punished to the extent of the law.

There are many reasons drivers may leave the scene of an accident. They could be an undocumented alien or lack proper car insurance. They could also be intoxicated or just scared. Hit and run accidents are a very serious offense and usually result in a conviction, a fine, and damages paid to the victim for injuries and property damage. If a victim dies in the accident, it can be considered a felony.

Trauma from a hit and run often leaves victims unable to recover completely and resume their daily tasks. Quality of life many go down and the victim’s ability to provide for their family may be compromised. Injuries may include: broken bones, spinal cord injuries, head trauma and neck and back injuries.

So, what should you do if you are a victim of a hit and run? First, you should try and identify the driver. If you can, write down their license plate number. Identifying the make, model and color of the car helps law enforcement authorities track down the offender. It also helps insurance adjusters determine the extent of damage caused by the particular vehicle.

If you cannot identify the driver, it will not be possible to recover damages from their insurance company. If the accident involved two vehicles, you can recover the cost through your insurance company under your uninsured or underinsured motorists’ coverage.

Next, you should notify the police within 24 hours of the collision. Then, file a police report. Once the police have the accident on record, then speak with an attorney who can file a claim with your insurance company. It’s important to give as much detail as you can about the hit and run accident. Finally, get your car fixed. It can be done by the certified shop that gave you your estimate or from a shop of your choice. Be sure to show the mechanic the estimate from your insurance company.

Hit and run accidents are multi-faceted and laws vary from state to state. Our hit and run attorneys at Eason and Tambornini, A Law Corporation, are familiar with the complexities of these accidents and have helped our clients negotiate fair settlements with insurance adjusters even if the offender is never identified.