According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the United States sustains 6 million motor vehicle collisions annually. Those 6 million traffic crashes impact an enormous number of motorists across the country, more specifically, 3 million drivers suffered some type of injury and 2 million suffered permanent damage. Clearly, the state of motor vehicle travel throughout the nation needs serious improvement.
While accident injuries are certainly a major concern, many of the motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. are minor. When these types of accidents occur, the central concern typically surrounds the collisions aftermath. Accident victims must take care of a number of critical things in order to recover properly from a physical, emotional and monetary standpoint. This recovery includes speaking with insurance companies, paying for medical bills, property damage repair, and dealing with the pain and suffering that many crashes bring.
Unfortunately though, hit and run accidents have become a growing problem in the United States. In these situations, the aforementioned recovery becomes increasingly more challenging to pursue. In the state of California, all motorists must have some kind of liability insurance in order to legally navigate our roads. California drivers must carry proof of this insurance while operating a vehicle at all times, regardless of travel distance, varied drivers, etc.
When an accident occurs and a California motorist does not have proof of insurance or they have been drinking, they are often tempted to flee the scene of the crash. Hit and run situations create many complications; however, with guidance from Arnold Law Firm, accident victims will have a much better chance of recovering from their losses.
To speak with a hit and run lawyer from Arnold Law Firm, please complete our Free Case Review form on this page.
California Hit & Run Accidents
Every motorist in California is aware of the basic rules of the road. These drivers understand that pulling over after an accident is the law. In the state of California, hit and run offenses can be either a misdemeanor or a felony. The requirements of a misdemeanor in a hit and run offenses are as follows:
- Leaves the accident scene
- Driver does not identify themselves to the other party involved
- Property was damaged as a result of the collision
A felony for a hit and run differs slightly, which is given when any type of injury is suffered as a result of a hit and run crash. California motorists must understand the serious nature of being involved in a hit and run accident. Drivers who choose to flee an accident do so for a number of reasons. The following are some of the most commonly seen causes of hit and run collisions:
- The driver is in trouble with the law
- The motorist is uninsured
- A bicyclist or pedestrian was hit
- Driver does not have a valid California license
- Driver is an illegal alien
- Motorist was driving under the influence of drugs / alcohol
If you have been involved in a hit and run collision in Sacramento, our personal injury lawyers are here for you. Utilizing the advice of a legal professional is critical in these types of crashes, as quite a bit of research and investigation will be necessary.
To hear from a personal injury attorney today, please fill out a Free Case Review above.
Common Hit and Run Injuries
When a hit and run crash occurs, accident victims are often overwhelmed and unable to think clearly. Knowing this, California motorists must have a basic idea of what they should do if the at-fault party flees the scene. First and foremost, make sure that everyone inside of your vehicle is okay. Then, if it is possible, try to jot down the make and model of the vehicle that is fleeing. While the license plate number would be most helpful, this is often difficult to take down during such a chaotic moment.
Next, contact the local police to report the accident. Try to remember every detail as it relates to the crash, as the more information that you can provide to law enforcement, the better the chances of catching the criminal. If you or your passengers feel any types of injuries, even slightly, you must seek medical attention immediately.
Some of the most common hit and run injuries include but are not limited to:
- Broken Bones
- Head Injury
- Brain Damage
- Disfigurement
- Loss of Limb
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Internal Injuries
- Paralysis
- Death
No victim should have to stress knowing that the at-fault party of their crash is unknown. If you or a loved one have been involved in a hit and run accident, contact our motor vehicle collision lawyers at your earliest convenience for a free, no-obligation consultation.
California’s Hit & Run Accident Attorneys
Arnold Law Firm has been providing aggressive representation for the injured for many, many years. The team of personal injury attorneys at Arnold Law Firm have come to understand exactly what it takes to be successful in the court room. Utilizing our expert resources, unmatched dedication to investigation and research, and a shared passion for the law, our Sacramento law firm has built a reputation throughout the state of California.
Our fees are always based upon a percentage of any recovery we make for you. This contingent fee agreement ensures that we only win when you win. Through this mutually beneficial relationship, our clients can trust that we will pursue justice aggressively. Our objective is to achieve the maximum compensation possible for our clients.
To get started today, simply complete a Free Case Review above.