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Average Hit and Run Compensation in California

hit and run accident in california

The average compensation for victims of hit-and-run accidents in California can range from $10,000 to $75,000. However, these settlements can also reach millions of dollars. The actual amount can vary significantly based on factors such as the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, and the legal strategies employed to pursue compensation.

Some notable auto settlements we’ve recovered for our clients:

  • $2,500,000: Back injury in Orange County
  • $1,312,500: Wrongful death in Los Angeles
  • $1,200,000: Brain injury in Los Angeles

What is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without fulfilling their legal obligations. In California, legal obligations include stopping immediately at the scene of the accident, providing contact and insurance information to the other party, and offering reasonable assistance to anyone injured.

Types of Hit-and-Run Incidents

Hit-and-run accidents can be in various forms:

  • Direct Crashes: These involve direct collisions between vehicles, where one party leaves the scene without exchanging information.
  • Brushes: Minor incidents where a vehicle lightly brushes against another, causing auto damage, and the driver fails to stop.
  • Sideswipes: When a vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle, often resulting in significant damage, and the responsible driver flees.

Methods of Fleeing the Scene

Hit-and-run accidents can occur in various ways, each involving the offending driver leaving the scene without fulfilling their legal obligations. Understanding these methods can help victims and authorities identify and pursue the responsible parties effectively.

  1. Immediate Departure: This is the most straightforward method of fleeing the scene. Immediately after the collision occurs, the at-fault driver chooses to drive away without stopping or checking on the well-being of those involved. 
  2. False Stop and Departure: In some instances, the at-fault driver may briefly stop their vehicle as if intending to comply with legal requirements. They may even exit their vehicle and approach the victim’s vehicle. However, instead of exchanging contact information or providing assistance, they quickly return to their vehicle and speed away. 
  3. Failure to Provide Information: After a collision, drivers are legally obligated to provide their contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details to the other party involved. Unfortunately, some drivers neglect this responsibility altogether. 
  4. Obstructing Identification: In more severe cases, drivers may take deliberate actions to obstruct their identification. This can include tampering with or removing license plates, altering vehicle appearance, or abandoning the vehicle altogether. Such deliberate efforts to evade responsibility can significantly hinder law enforcement investigations and increase the difficulty of holding the responsible party accountable.

 

If any of the above situations apply to you, contact a Torrance pedestrian accident lawyer today for a free consultation.

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I was Involved in a Hit and Run Accident, What Should I Do?

Experiencing a hit-and-run accident can be disorienting, but taking immediate action can safeguard your rights and enhance the likelihood of receiving compensation.

Steps to Take:

  1. Call the Police: Report the incident immediately. The police report serves as crucial documentation for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
  2. Gather Evidence: Collect as much information as possible, including the make, model, color, and license plate number of the fleeing vehicle. Take photographs of the scene, damage to your vehicle, and any visible injuries.
  3. Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor or nonexistent, it’s essential to undergo a medical evaluation. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not manifest symptoms immediately.
  4. File an Uninsured Motorist Insurance Claim: If the hit-and-run driver cannot be identified or is uninsured, your uninsured motorist coverage can compensate for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
  5. Consult with a Skilled Car Accident Lawyer: An experienced attorney specializing in personal injury law can guide you through the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and ensure you receive fair compensation.

What Compensation Can I Get for a Hit and Run Accident?

Victims of hit-and-run accidents in California may be entitled to various types of compensation to cover their losses and damages resulting from the incident. Understanding these compensatory avenues can help you pursue justice and recover from the financial and emotional impact of the accident.

Types of Compensation:

  • Compensatory Damages: These include economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress).
  • Punitive Damages: In cases where the at-fault driver’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Documenting all economic and non-economic damages thoroughly is essential for calculating the compensation you deserve after a hit-and-run accident. A skilled personal injury lawyer can assist in evaluating these damages, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if litigation becomes necessary. At Feher Law we ensure that all aspects of your losses are considered. We maximize your chances of obtaining fair and just compensation for your hardships caused by the accident.

The settlement takes into account how the accident affects your daily life and relationships. Having an attorney can improve your chances of a fair settlement by negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary.

What Affects My Settlement Amount?

Several factors influence the potential settlement amount for a hit-and-run accident case:

  • Severity of Injuries: The extent and seriousness of your injuries directly impact the compensation you may receive.
  • Property Damage: Costs associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident.
  • Insurance Coverage Limits: The coverage limits of your insurance policies, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, can affect the maximum compensation available.
  • Legal Representation: Having a skilled personal injury lawyer advocating for your rights can increase the likelihood of achieving a favorable settlement.

Additional reading: can I sue someone for a hit and run in California

How Do I Know What My Claim is Worth?

Determining the value of your claim is a critical step in seeking compensation after a hit-and-run accident. Several factors contribute to assessing the worth of your claim:

  1. Medical Expenses: Calculate all medical costs incurred due to injuries sustained in the accident. This includes emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation therapies, and any future medical treatments related to your injuries.
  2. Lost Wages: If your injuries have prevented you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes income you would have earned if not for the accident, as well as any diminished earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future.
  3. Property Damage: Determine the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident. Obtain repair estimates and documentation of the damage to support your claim.
  4. Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages such as physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from the accident are also compensable. These damages are harder to quantify but are based on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and emotional suffering endured.
  5. Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries have affected your ability to participate in activities or hobbies you enjoyed before the accident, you may be eligible for compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life.

Understanding what your claim is worth involves a thorough evaluation of all economic and non-economic damages resulting from the hit-and-run accident. By documenting your losses, seeking appropriate medical treatment, and consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can strengthen your claim and increase the likelihood of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and hardships endured.

How long do I have to file a hit-and-run accident claim in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including hit-and-run accidents, is generally two years from the date of the incident. It’s advisable to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the statutory deadline.

Navigating the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Feher Law, our team of personal injury lawyers are committed to helping victims of hit-and-run accidents in California seek justice and obtain the compensation they deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let us advocate for your rights.

Call (866) 646-6676

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