Monterey Hit & Run Accident Lawyer
Car crashes happen every day. When they happen, we are required to stop and provide the other drivers with our name and insurance information. When a person is involved in a car accident and fails to stop at the scene, they can be charged with fleeing the scene, or hit and run.
If a person leaves the scene and is later caught by police, they can face criminal charges. For property damage, they can face misdemeanor charges. If someone was seriously injured or killed, then they can face felony charges.
If you have been a victim of a hit and run accident, Allen Law Firm can assist you with liability issues so you get the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced lawyer today.
What is a Hit and Run?
A hit and run involves all of these elements:
- The driver was involved in a car accident.
- The crash caused damage to someone else’s property.
- The driver was aware that they caused property damage.
- The driver failed to stop immediately at the accident scene or provide the car or property owner with their name and address
Causes of Hit and Run Accidents
Drivers have a legal and moral responsibility to stop at the scene of accidents n that result in property damages or personal injuries. Unfortunately, situations in which at-fault drivers leave the scene are all too common. According to the California Office Of Traffic Safety (OTS), more than 200 hit-and-run accidents in Monterey County happen each year. Leaving the scene of an accident increases costs for victims while delays in notifying police or other emergency responders increase the odds that personal injuries will prove fatal.
Why would a driver leave an accident scene without stopping? Here are some reasons:
- The driver was drunk. A drunk driver can face DUI charges, so they will flee an accident scene to avoid getting caught. A driver with a previous DUI conviction will be even more likely to leave the scene.
- The driver was uninsured. When a driver has no auto insurance, they can face fines and other penalties. They may leave the accident scene to avoid a citation.
- The driver has a warrant. If a driver has a warrant for their arrest, is on parole, or has other related legal issues, they will likely leave the scene to avoid the penalties.
- The driver panics at having been involved in a crash;
- They have concerns about their immigration status.
Defenses to Hit and Run
A hit and run accident would technically not occur in the following cases:
- The driver did not realize an accident occurred. If an accident is so minor that the driver did not even know if it happened, then they cannot be charged with hit and run.
- No damage occurred. If you bumped into a gate, for example, and your vehicle was not damaged, then you cannot be held liable.
- Damage only occurred to the driver’s car. If nothing else was damaged in the crash, then you technically did not have to stop and you cannot be charged with hit and run.
What To Do If You Are The Victim Of A Hit And Run Car Accident In Monterey
When a motor vehicle accident happens, drivers are required to remain on the scene. Unfortunately, many opt to flee instead, in the hopes of avoiding responsibility and any liability in a claim. Hit-and-run car accidents in Monterey are unfortunately common. Find out some of the causes and what to do in the event this type of crash happens.
In the event of a hit-and-run car accident, or any type of crash for that matter, the Monterey County Sheriff’s office advises calling 911 immediately. Get a description of the other vehicle involved, the driver, and their license plate number, if possible. If the driver does flee the scene, seek legal help from our Monterey hit-and-run accident lawyer as soon as possible. The first 24 hours are crucial in solving the case. Actions we can take to locate the driver so that they can be held accountable include:
- Making sure an all-points bulletin or BOLO (Be On the Lookout) is issued by law enforcement for the driver;
- Working with police to solicit tips from the general public;
- Conducting interviews with witnesses to obtain additional details about what happened;
- Obtaining surveillance footage from nearby buildings or traffic signals;
- Canvassing the neighborhood and speaking to local mechanics, who may have encountered the driver or the vehicle.
Once the driver is identified, they can face criminal charges. They also face civil liability and can be made to pay for medical costs, lost wages, and other damages you suffered as a result of their actions.
Contact Allen Law Firm Today
Hit and run accidents can result in a lot of damage as well as serious injuries. A person who flees the crash scene can face criminal charges.
Allen Law Firm has 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases. We can help with liability issues after a hit and run accident. Contact our experienced Monterey hit & run lawyers today for a free consultation. Call our office at (831) 901-3901 or fill out the online form.
