At Maison Law, we have diligently handled many car accident claims for victims of Delano car accidents over the years. In Kern County, car accidents are a reality every single day and we understand how overwhelmed you may be feeling if you have sustained injuries. As you deal with the insurance company and try to hold another party liable for your claim, you may find that there are many complexities in a car accident claim. Contact an attorney that you can trust for representation during these difficult times.
Delano hit-and-run accidents happen a handful of times every year, causing severe damages and injuries in some cases. In the entirety of 2022, the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) estimated that a total of 22 felony or misdemeanor hit-and-run accidents happened in Delano. Out of these accidents, 30 people sustained injuries. If you have been injured in a life-altering hit-and-run collision, it is imperative that you seek legal help as you move forward.
Understanding California Vehicle Code 20001, Felony Hit-and-Run
California charges hit-and-runs as either misdemeanor or felony crimes depending on the circumstances. When a hit-and-run accident causes only property damages, it is typically charged as a misdemeanor. When it causes injuries or fatalities, it will usually be charged as a felony under California Vehicle Code 20001.
If somebody fled the scene of an accident and they are later apprehended by police, it is likely that the evidence will lead to charges. These charges can be incredibly helpful when it comes to proving liability and finding out how much you are owed in damages.
Why Do Many Hit-and-Run Accidents Take Place?
There are many reasons why hit-and-run drivers flee the scene of an accident, even though it is never a good idea to leave an accident scene. In many cases, a driver could be aware of the fact that they were breaking the law at the time of the accident. They might know that they were driving under the influence when they caused the accident, or that they did not have a valid license or insurance information.
Even though a driver is aware that dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be a time of turmoil, they should never flee the scene under any circumstances. As a driver, you could be risking the lives of everybody else involved in the accident and the penalties for fleeing the scene will be much worse.
Steps to Take Immediately Following a Delano Hit-and-Run
When a hit-and-run accident occurs, there are some steps that you can take to protect your rights as you move forward. These include some of the following:
- Make sure that everybody is safe and call emergency services
- Move your car to safely so that no further accidents occur
- Call police so that your accident is reported
- Remain at the scene of the collision
- Gather evidence, including from witnesses
From the moment that you have been involved in an accident with a hit-and-run driver, it is crucial that you begin collecting any evidence that you possibly can. You want to protect your rights and well-being at all costs, even when the other driver fled the scene and did not take your well-being as seriously.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage in California Hit-and-Run Cases
California drivers are typically unaware of uninsured motorist coverage and what it does. A large percentage of California insurance policies include this type of coverage, which will protect you in the midst of a hit-and-run accident. In these cases, you will file a claim against your own insurance company to cover a wide array of financial aspects for you.
You may find that you are eligible to receive support for the following types of damages:
- Property damages, including the cost of your damaged vehicle
- Medical expenses that you have suffered, as well as those in the future
- Lost income and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation and medical equipment costs
Never Delay Seeking Help After a Delano Hit-and-Run Accident
You should never delay seeking assistance after a hit-and-run accident in Delano. In California, there is a two-year statute of limitations on claims. This means that you have two years from the time that you discovered your injuries to file a personal injury claim against at-fault parties. If you wait too long and file your claim after the statute of limitations, you could be barred from bringing a claim in the future. This means that you could miss out on opportunities for damages, which is why you should act immediately following your accident.
Contact a Delano Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Today
The aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be a difficult and complex thing to face. As you work on your physical recovery, you may be hounded by medical expenses and miss out on crucial time in the workplace. As the bills keep piling up, it is not unusual to question where you will turn in the weeks or months to come.
At Maison Law, we are here to assist you if you have sustained serious injuries and other damages in a hit-and-run car accident. Speaking with a Delano car accident lawyer can ensure that your rights are being protected and that your claim is being taken seriously from the beginning. Contact us for your confidential and free consultation. You should not have to worry about upfront fees when you are working on healing.
