Few accidents are more difficult for personal injury than a hit and run accident in California. Not only do these accidents leave you vulnerable and in need of care if your accident injuries are serious, but it can also be difficult to track down the fleeing driver and pursue legal compensation for injuries post-accident.
In past blogs, we have written about the hit and run epidemic involving California accident victims living in large cities like Los Angeles, with Southern California having the highest percentage of hit and run accidents in the entire country.
This alarming statistic is a sad reminder that too many accident victims in Newport Beach and Southern California will be left wondering what to do after suffering from a hit and run. Here are a few key aspects of hit and run accidents to keep in mind.
Hit and Run Drivers Are Violating California Law
Fleeing the scene of an accident is a criminal offense in California. Depending on the severity of the fleeing driver’s negligence, choosing to hit and run will constitute either a misdemeanor or felony offense. If only property damage is caused, engaging in a hit and run is a misdemeanor in the state. However, if a hit and run causes injury or death to another person, then driving away from the accident is a felony offense.
While these laws do not involve personal injury compensation, it is an important reminder that the negligence involved in a hit and run rises to a criminal, not just civil, offense. As such, it is essential that law enforcement and your personal injury lawyer do everything possible to locate the perpetrator of a Newport Beach hit and run accident.
Locating a Hit and Run Driver
Law enforcement will use an array of tactics to locate a hit and run driver, including:
- Witness reports
- Vehicle license plate numbers and/or descriptions
- Traffic camera footage
In addition to law enforcement’s search for the suspect, your lawyer may be able to help the investigation as well by discussing the case with witnesses and law enforcement. At The Ledger Law Firm, we are a national law firm that puts our resources to work for victims of hit and run accidents in order to find the perpetrator. Victims of a hit and run accident will not receive the justice and maximum compensation they are owed until and unless the negligent driver is found.
As such, the best thing you can do is choose a Newport Beach accident lawyer who has earned your trust and will guide you through complex processes like identifying the insurance coverage that may be available to you after a hit and run accident.
Talk to Ledger Law After a Hit and Run Accident
If you are ready to discuss your hit and run accident case and right to compensation for your injuries, a dedicated Newport Beach personal injury attorney at Ledger Law is ready to help. Contact us online for a free case evaluation to protect your rights as an accident victim today.
