Santa Cruz Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
When you are involved in a car crash, you reasonably expect the other driver to stop and take responsibility for the accident. However, many drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents choose to flee the scene, leaving the victim in a vulnerable position with untreated injuries. If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may have various legal options. An experienced car accident lawyer with Allen Law Firm can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents often occur for many of the common reasons as other types of motor vehicle accidents: driver impairment, speeding, distracted driving, etc. However, rather than stopping their vehicle, rendering aid, and exchanging information as required by California law, the driver flees the scene of the accident. This may be due to factors such as:
- The driver was drunk or driving under the influence of drugs.
- The driver was uninsured or driving on a suspended license.
- The driver is undocumented.
- The driver has a warrant for their arrest or was committing a crime at the time of the crash.
Sometimes, the driver may simply panic at the prospect of being held responsible for the accident.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, it’s important that you stay calm and take the following steps to protect your legal rights and health:
- Remain at the scene of the accident and contact the police.
- Give police a description of the other driver and their vehicle, including any portion of their license plate number you remember.
- Ask for an ambulance if you were injured.
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact information.
- Take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries.
Finally, contact an experienced car accident lawyer. Your lawyer can cooperate with police to try to locate the at-fault driver. They can also walk you through the process of filing an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance company.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
At Allen Law Firm, we understand the serious injuries and devastating damage that can happen after a hit-and-run crash. We can help uphold your rights and pursue the maximum compensation available for your claim. Our car accident attorneys have over 20 years of legal experience handling personal injury cases. Contact us online or call our office at (866) 892-2682 for a free consultation.