Hit-and-run accidents can cause significant property damage and catastrophic harm. People hurt in such collisions often feel as if they have no options for seeking redress. In many instances though, they may be able to recover compensation. If you or someone you love were the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you should speak to a knowledgeable Los Angeles car accident attorney to discuss what measures you can take to protect your interests.
Injuries Caused by Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents often cause critical injuries. The impact of the collision may cause fractures, traumatic brain injuries, soft tissue damage, and hemorrhaging. It can also lead to dislocated limbs, scarring, organ damage, spinal cord injuries, and in extreme cases, death. The injuries caused by hit-and-run crashes often require extensive treatment. This may include hospitalization, surgery, physical and occupational therapy, and the use of assistive devices. Many people injured in collisions also suffer psychological harm, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder that will require mental health treatment as well.
Insurance Benefits for Hit-and-Run Accidents
Under certain circumstances, people hurt in hit-and-run accidents may be able to recover compensation under their automobile insurance policies if they have underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. These coverage categories are designed to provide benefits for insured individuals who suffer harm in accidents caused by motorists with inadequate or absent insurance coverage. This includes hit-and-run drivers. The benefits available will depend on the specific facts of the case and the limits of the coverage provided.
Civil Liability for Hit-and-Run Accidents
In some cases, hit-and-run drivers may later be identified by the police, and if they are, they can be held accountable for the losses they cause. Generally, a person hurt in an accident will seek damages under a theory of negligence. Under California law, a plaintiff alleging negligence must show that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty and a breach of the duty owed. Duties may arise out of statutory law or may merely be the obligation to act as a reasonable person would in a similar situation. The plaintiff must then show that the defendant’s breach proximately caused the plaintiff to sustain actual harm. In cases arising out of hit-and-run accidents, proving causation and damages should be relatively easy; thus, the biggest challenge in pursuing civil claims following a hit-and-run collision is in locating the negligent motorist.
Speak to a Trusted Los Angeles Injury Attorney
Even if a motorist adopts safe practices, they may nonetheless suffer harm due to the careless actions of drivers who strike them and then leave the scene. If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, it is wise to speak to an injury attorney about your rights. At Los Angeles City Law, our trusted car accident lawyers are adept at helping people harmed by the negligent acts of others in the pursuit of damages. If hired, we will diligently pursue any compensation you may be able to recover. We frequently represent people in car accident cases in Los Angeles as well as in other cities in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. You can contact us through our form online or at (424) 317-9781 to set up a confidential and free meeting.
