Sacramento Hit and Run Lawyer

Penalties for Hit-and-Run in California

Here are some penalties for hit-and-run drivers in California:

• Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run (Property Damage Only):
  • Legal Reference: California Vehicle Code § 20002
  • Penalties:
    • Up to 6 months in county jail
    • Fines up to $1,000
    • Restitution to the victim for property damages
    • Assignment of 2 points on the driver’s California DMV record
• Felony Hit-and-Run (Injury or Death):
  • Legal Reference: California Vehicle Code § 20001
  • Penalties:
    • If prosecuted as a misdemeanor:
      • Up to 1 year in county jail
      • Fines between $1,000 and $10,000
    • If prosecuted as a felony:
      • State prison sentence of 2, 3, or 4 years
      • Fines between $1,000 and $10,000
      • Restitution to the victim for medical expenses and other related costs
      • Assignment of 2 points on the driver’s California DMV record

The penalties for hit-and-run accidents can be severe, making it important to know your rights and the consequences for the at-fault driver.

Statistics of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Sacramento

Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common in Sacramento. Here are some important statistics to consider:

• Fatalities (2018-2022): Nearly 140 people were killed in hit-and-run crashes in Sacramento County during this period.
• Overall traffic fatalities (2023): The city of Sacramento recorded 55 fatal collisions on its streets and freeways in 2023.
• Pedestrian fatalities (2018-2022): The Sacramento area had an average annual pedestrian death rate of 3.15 per 100,000 residents between 2018 and 2022.

These statistics highlight the importance of having the right legal support if you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Sacramento

If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, take immediate action. The steps you take can greatly impact your ability to recover compensation and ensure your legal rights are protected.

A few key actions to take right after a hit-and-run accident include:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

The first thing to do after any accident, including a hit-and-run, is to seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel hurt right away, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not show up immediately.

By seeking medical care, you also create documentation of your injuries. This is essential for both your health and any future legal claims. Medical bills and treatment records are key when seeking compensation from the at-fault driver or your insurance company.

Don’t delay in getting treatment — your health and the strength of your claim depend on it.

Call 911 and File a Police Report

After a hit-and-run accident, call 911 immediately. The police will respond to the scene, gather details, and file an official accident report. This report is essential for documenting the accident and helping investigators locate the responsible driver.

Provide as much information as possible to the police, such as the description of the car, the license plate (if possible), and the direction it was headed. The police report will serve as a vital piece of evidence if the driver is found or if you need to file a claim with your insurance company.

Always cooperate fully with law enforcement and provide factual information to aid their investigation.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you’re physically able, gather as much evidence as you can at the accident scene. Take pictures of any damages to your vehicle, the surrounding area, and any injuries you may have sustained. Try to get the make, model, and color of the other vehicle involved, along with the license plate number if you can see it.

If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information and statements. Their testimony could help identify the hit-and-run driver. Collecting evidence at the scene helps build a stronger case, whether the driver is located or if you’re pursuing compensation through your own insurance policy.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Once you’ve received medical care and reported the accident to the police, contact your insurance company. Inform them about the hit-and-run accident and provide all the details you’ve gathered. Your insurance company may cover certain damages, especially if the at-fault driver is not found.

If the responsible driver is not identified, your own insurance policy may provide coverage for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other damages through your uninsured motorist coverage. Be sure to review your insurance policy to understand what’s covered, and consult with your insurance provider for guidance.

How a Sacramento Hit-and-Run Lawyer Can Help

If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, an experienced Sacramento criminal lawyer can help you through the legal process. They will fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Here are ways a lawyer can assist you after a hit-and-run accident:

Investigating the Accident

One of the first things a hit-and-run lawyer will do is investigate the accident. They will gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and review police reports. This thorough investigation can help identify the responsible driver or strengthen your case if the driver is not found.

Your lawyer may also work with accident reconstruction experts and other professionals to gather critical information. This detailed investigation ensures that all angles are explored, which can improve your chances of recovering compensation for damages and injuries.

Filing Insurance Claims

A hit-and-run lawyer can help you file claims with your own insurance company, especially if the at-fault driver remains unidentified. If the driver is caught, your lawyer can also work with their insurance provider to ensure that you receive fair compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and any other damages.

The claims process can be complicated, especially if you have to deal with uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. A skilled lawyer will guide you through the process, ensuring that you don’t miss any critical deadlines or steps.

Pursuing Legal Action

If the responsible driver is identified but does not have sufficient insurance or refuses to cooperate, your lawyer can pursue legal action. They can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover compensation for your injuries, property damage, lost wages, and other damages.

In cases where the hit-and-run driver is not found, your lawyer can help you explore other legal options, such as suing your own insurance company. They will fight for your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for the harm caused by the accident.

Compensation Available for Hit-and-Run Victims

If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages. Understand the types of compensation you can seek in these cases.

Some compensation available for hit-and-run accident victims are:

Medical Expenses

One of the main forms of compensation available after a car accident is for medical expenses. This includes the cost of emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, and any future medical care required as a result of the accident.

If the hit-and-run driver is caught, their insurance company may cover these expenses. However, if the driver is not found, your insurance policy, such as uninsured motorist coverage, may provide compensation for your medical bills. Keep all records of your medical treatment to ensure you can recover these costs.

Lost Wages and Future Earnings

In addition to medical expenses, you may also be entitled to compensation for lost wages if the accident caused you to miss work. If your injuries are severe and you cannot return to work for an extended period, you may also seek compensation for future lost earnings.

Your lawyer can help calculate the total lost income, taking into account how the injuries affect your ability to work and earn in the future. Lost wages and future earnings are important components of your car accident claim, especially if the injuries have long-term effects.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering are non-economic damages you may be able to recover after a hit-and-run car accident. This includes physical pain from your injuries, emotional distress, and the repercussions on your quality of life.

Pain and suffering compensation can vary depending on the severity of the injuries and the effects on your daily life. Your lawyer will help quantify these damages and ensure that you seek fair compensation for the emotional and physical toll the accident has taken on you.

Property Damage

If your vehicle or property was damaged in a hit-and-run accident, you can seek compensation for the repair costs or replacement value. Property damage claims cover the costs of repairing or replacing your car if it was totaled.

Your insurance company may cover these expenses, but if the responsible driver is found, their insurance provider may be held accountable for these costs. It’s essential to document the damage and provide the necessary evidence to support your claim.