Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

You feel panicked and worried after a hit and run accident, as you have no idea how to hold the liable motorist accountable for the incident since they have already driven away. At this point, take a deep breath and try to remain calm.

Call the police and, within days of the incident, reach out to a Los Angeles hit and run accident lawyer who can provide insights into your legal options. The Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys team has recovered millions in damages for our clients.

A car accident lawyer in Los Angeles is available to evaluate your case, explain what you can do to identify the motorist responsible for your collision, and help you request damages from this individual. Schedule a consultation with our legal team.

Hit and Run Claims Can Be Challenging to Handle on Your Own

Hit and run accidents present unique legal challenges that make pursuing compensation more difficult than typical car accidents.

The absence of an identified at-fault driver means you’ll need to rely on alternate sources of compensation, such as your uninsured motorist coverage or other available policies.

However, even these options require substantial evidence and help from a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer to build a strong case.

Challenges include:

Proving Liability Without a Driver

Without the at-fault driver present, it becomes your responsibility to prove that the accident occurred and was caused by another party. This requires gathering detailed evidence, such as:

• Police Reports: Official documentation of the accident can serve as critical evidence in your case.
• Witness Statements: Eyewitness accounts can provide valuable insight into the events leading up to the crash.
• Surveillance Footage: Traffic cameras, security systems, or even cell phone videos may capture the incident and help identify the fleeing driver.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often exploit the complexities of hit and run cases, using tactics to minimize your payout. They might argue that your injuries are less severe than claimed, challenge the validity of your UM claim, or delay the process in hopes you’ll settle for less.

Timely Action

California law imposes strict time limits on filing claims. Delays in reporting the accident, gathering evidence, or filing a claim can harm your ability to recover damages.

Our Los Angeles hit and run accident attorneys have extensive experience in handling hit and run cases, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and ensuring our clients are treated fairly.

The Role of Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage provides essential protection for victims of hit and run accidents. In California, if the at-fault driver cannot be identified, your UM policy can step in to cover important costs. This coverage may include:

• Medical Expenses: From emergency room visits and surgeries to physical therapy and ongoing care
• Lost Wages: Compensation if your injuries prevent you from working or reduce your ability to earn income
• Pain and Suffering: Reimbursement for the emotional and physical impact the accident has had on your quality of life
• Property Damage: Costs for repairing or replacing your vehicle and other damaged personal property

Although UM coverage is designed to help, insurance companies may undervalue your claim, delay payments, or deny coverage altogether. This can add stress to an already overwhelming situation.

A hit and run accident attorney in Los Angeles can help protect your rights and handle the insurance process for you, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. We work tirelessly to ensure our clients are treated fairly, providing you with the support you need to focus on your recovery.

Injuries and Their Impact on Your Case

Hit and run accidents often result in serious injuries, such as:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: These soft tissue injuries can cause chronic pain and limit mobility.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even mild TBIs can lead to long-term cognitive and emotional challenges.
• Broken Bones: Severe fractures may require surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.
• Spinal Injuries: These can lead to partial or full paralysis, significantly altering your life.

The severity of your injuries can impact the compensation you receive. Our personal injury attorneys work with medical experts to ensure your claim reflects the full scope of your damages.

Criminal Charges for Hit and Run Drivers

California takes hit and run accidents seriously, with offenders facing either misdemeanor or felony charges. If a driver leaves the scene of an accident, they could face:

• Misdemeanor: Up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000
• Felony: Up to three years in prison and fines up to $10,000

Convictions may also result in probation and other penalties that can impact the offender for years.

If you’re the victim of a hit and run, reporting the incident promptly improves your chances of identifying the at-fault driver. A personal injury attorney can explain the car accident lawsuit process, help you gather evidence, and work to recover damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and more.

Will My Insurance Go Up After a Hit and Run Accident?

Whether your insurance rates increase after a car accident depends on various factors, including your policy, fault determination, and state regulations.

In California, if the accident isn’t your fault, your rates shouldn’t automatically increase. However, insurance companies sometimes raise premiums even if you file a claim under your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.

To protect yourself:

• File a Police Report: Documenting the hit and run helps confirm you were not at fault.
• Provide Evidence: Photos, witness statements, or surveillance footage can support your claim.
• Consult Your Insurance Policy: Check if your UM coverage includes rate protection for no-fault claims.

If your insurer unfairly raises your rates, a hit and run accident lawyer in Los Angeles can advocate for you, ensuring you’re treated fairly and guiding you through the claim process.

Damages You Can Recover in a Los Angeles Hit and Run Accident Lawsuit

You could receive economic and non-economic damages in your lawsuit. A Los Angeles hit and run lawyer can provide insights into the two types of compensatory damages. They will encourage you to ask for damages for many reasons, such as:

Car Repairs or Replacement

Your auto repair or replacement property damage costs can be significant. Before you file your lawsuit, share receipts with your attorney that show how much you have had to pay to fix or replace your car. Your lawyer can include these vehicle damage costs in your request for compensation.

Medical Bills

You require medical assistance at the accident scene and long-term care and support. What you pay in medical bills can put you in a tough spot financially. Thankfully, your lawyer can account for your current and future medical expenses as they craft an argument in your lawsuit.

Loss of Income

If your injuries are substantial, you could be forced to miss an extended period of time at work. In one of the worst-case scenarios, your injuries could keep you from returning to your job.

Your lawyer accounts for your lost earnings and can help you prove to a judge or jury that a liable motorist should be required to cover these.

Pain and Suffering

The pain and suffering you endure as a result of a hit and run can affect you long into the future. If you experience physical, emotional, and psychological trauma due to your accident, tell your lawyer about these issues.

In this scenario, your attorney can get insights into your trauma and determine how much you could request for damages based on your pain and suffering.

Work with a personal injury law firm that has experience with hit and run cases. This gives you access to an attorney who can calculate your property damages and other losses.

Your lawyer can share details about the average settlement for a personal injury case and look for ways to prove you deserve the most compensation possible.

Evidence You Can Use in a Hit and Run Collision Case

A Los Angeles hit and run attorney can discuss three important things you must know about gathering evidence for a PI case and other legal topics with you. They will work diligently to collect a wide range of critical evidence that could help compel a judge or jury to rule in your favor.

Proof you can use in your case against a liable motorist can include:

• Accident scene photos and videos
• Surveillance footage
• Witness statements
• Police reports
• Medical records
• Pay stubs

Hit and run accident attorneys understand the value of evidence. If you have an abundance of proof, a judge or jury may provide a financial award of 100% of the damages you request to assist you with your crash recovery. Your body of evidence could also lead the defendant in your case to propose a fair settlement.

When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit

California has limited deadlines to sue someone based on a bodily injury. The statute of limitations for an injury lawsuit is two years. This time frame will not be extended, and if you choose not to file a lawsuit against a hit and run driver, you will be held responsible for your accident-related losses.

A hit and run law firm can help you decide if now is the ideal time to sue for damages. If so, an attorney can conduct an investigation, identify the at-fault party, and submit a claim for compensation from them. They will prioritize your accident claim and put you in an excellent position to recover fair compensation.

Filing a lawsuit does not guarantee you will get damages. Fortunately, your attorney offers reasonable assistance with your legal matters.

We can evaluate your car repair costs and other accident-related expenses, find potential witnesses who will speak on your behalf, and take other measures to help you show a judge or jury that you should be awarded damages.

Settling a Hit and Run Accident Case

In some cases, a hit and run driver may offer a settlement to avoid the risk of going to trial and being ordered to pay maximum compensation. If this happens, it’s crucial to review the offer with your attorney to decide whether to accept, reject, or counter it.

Your lawyer will help you evaluate the settlement offer carefully. Accepting a low settlement could leave you covering accident-related expenses out of pocket. On the other hand, rejecting an offer allows you to continue pursuing your claim through the legal process.

If you’re unsure how to proceed, consult your attorney. We can answer questions, such as who pays the settlement after a car accident, and guide you through your options.

Submitting a Hit and Run Wrongful Death Claim

Losing a loved one in a hit and run collision is a heartbreaking and overwhelming experience. A Los Angeles hit and run accident lawyer can provide compassionate support and legal guidance during this difficult time.

If the driver responsible for the accident is identified, you may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. Meeting with an attorney can help you determine your legal options and address any concerns or questions you have.

A wrongful death lawsuit allows you to seek justice and compensation for the loss of your family member. Your lawyer will manage the legal process, giving you and your loved ones the space to grieve and care for one another.

With our assistance, you can hold the at-fault driver accountable and pursue financial relief for medical expenses, funeral costs, and other damages.

Contact a Los Angeles Hit And Run Accident Law Firm Today

After a hit and run accident, liable parties may go to great lengths to avoid accountability. Meanwhile, victims are left dealing with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial challenges caused by the accident. Don’t let an at-fault driver escape responsibility—partner with a skilled lawyer who can help you pursue justice.

At Omega Law Group, we have decades of experience handling hit and run cases and other personal injury claims. We will help you seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost income, vehicle repairs, pain and suffering, and more.

You don’t have to face this challenging time alone. Let us guide you through the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can assist you.