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What to Do If You’re in a Hit-and-Run Accident in Los Angeles

What to Do If You’re in a Hit-and-Run Accident in Los AngelesIn California, a hit-and-run accident is considered a serious offense. So, what should you do if you’re involved in one? The quick answer is: it’s best not to chase the driver who hit you and fled. By doing so, you’d be leaving the accident scene, which could harm your case in various ways, as we’ll discuss in more detail in this article.

If you’ve been hit and injured, you deserve compensation for your damages. With the help of car accident attorney Mi Abogado Mark, you can seek the maximum compensation allowed by law. Repair or replace your car, recover lost wages, cover medical bills, and secure many benefits for you and your family. Get a free consultation today at (866) 721-5808.

Steps to Follow in a Hit-and-Run Accident

If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, the most important thing is to stay calm and follow these steps at the scene:

  • Stay at the scene: Don’t leave, even if you’re not injured. It’s crucial to remain there to speak with witnesses and the police. 
  • Call 911: If you’re able, call 911 immediately. 
  • Report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. The police will file an accident report, which can be very helpful for your claim. You can request a copy of the accident report online. 
  • Do not chase the driver: It’s dangerous and could put you and others at risk. Plus, you might miss important witness information or complicate the police investigation. 
  • Gather information: Take note of as many details as possible about the vehicle that hit you, including the make, model, color, or any distinctive features. It’s also essential to note the direction the vehicle was headed, take photos of the damage to your car, and record the location, date, time, and cause of the accident. 
  • Talk to witnesses: If there are witnesses, ask if they can provide more details about what happened. Write down their names and contact information so the police can reach them. 
  • Contact a car accident attorney: Before even speaking with your insurance, seek assistance from car accident lawyers. If you don’t speak English, you can hire Mi Abogado Mark, who will communicate with you in your language and explain every aspect of your case.

Additional Tips

Your safety is the priority: Don’t put yourself at unnecessary risk. Collect information: The more information you have, the easier it will be for the police to identify the fleeing driver and help with your insurance claim. Cooperate with the police: Provide the police with all the information you have and answer their questions honestly. Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel hurt, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any hidden injuries and document your physical condition at the time of the accident.

How to File a Claim If You’re in a Hit-and-Run Accident

If the police can’t find the driver who fled or if that driver is uninsured, you may still file a claim through your own car insurance. There are a few options for these situations. Medical Payments (Med Pay) coverage, for example, reimburses you for medical expenses due to a car accident.

Another optional coverage is Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. This covers injuries caused by a driver who has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover all damages. If the fleeing driver can’t be located, Uninsured Motorist coverage will apply.

It’s important to remember that these coverages are optional. If you only have the minimum auto insurance coverage required by law, you may not receive any compensation through your own policy. Review your insurance carefully with your car accident attorney to ensure you have the right coverage.

Will My Insurance Be Affected If I File a Hit-and-Run Claim?

Medical Payments and UM/UIM coverages are considered “no-fault” protections, meaning they don’t depend on your responsibility for the accident. Therefore, Med Pay or UM/UIM claims generally shouldn’t cause an increase in your auto insurance premiums. Nonetheless, it’s wise to check with your insurer about the impact of a no-fault claim (like Med Pay or UM/UIM) on your policy. If you do, we recommend doing so with your attorney or consulting them first.