Who Pays for Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Accident Injuries?

A hit-and-run accident can be extremely stressful. Not only are you left to deal with the damage and injuries of the incident, you have no idea who is ultimately responsible for these financial burdens. If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may be questioning how you will be compensated for your injuries.

Under California law, hit-and-run is defined as an incident in which a driver is involved in a vehicle accident where another individual is injured, but fails to immediately stop at the scene. The law requires drivers to stop, provide contact information, and also render reasonable assistance to injured parties.

Seeking compensation for hit-and-run injuries

If you are able to identify the driver, compensation should be sought from his or her insurance company, but many hit and run victims have no way to identify the party who injured them. Under these circumstances, Southern California residents may have the option of collecting hit-and-run compensation from the uninsured motorist coverage or collision coverage within their personal automobile insurance policy.

Unfortunately, securing payment from your own insurance company may prove just as difficult as seeking compensation from the at-fault driver. Insurance claims representatives may use tactics to deny or unreasonably delay your claim. Underpayment is another challenge when negotiating with your insurance company.

What to do if you were a victim of a hit-and-run

If you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident, the top priority is your safety. Make sure that you and your passengers are okay, and secure medical assistance as needed. Here are some other tips that may prove helpful in your claim for compensation:

• Try to get a description and license plate number of the car that hit you. Even a partial plate number can prove helpful.
• Collect contact information from any witnesses.
• Jot down your recollection of the events. Try to include as much detail as possible. Memory fades, and it is best to record this information while it is still fresh in your head.
• Call the police. Law enforcement may have the ability to identify the driver through investigative measures.
• Contact a knowledgeable Los Angeles vehicle accident lawyer before contacting the insurance company. One wrong statement to an insurance agent can completely derail your claim. It’s best to let your attorneys do the talking for you.

If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, contact the lawyers of Taylor & Ring for comprehensive legal representation you can trust. Call our office at 310-776-6390 or complete our contact form today.