Car accidents happen every day in Modesto and throughout the rest of Stanislaus County. A percentage of these accidents are hit-and-runs, which can lead to catastrophic harm in those involved. In 2022, the California Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) confirmed that 199 hit-and-run accidents occurred in Modesto altogether. Out of these collisions, 254 people were injured. Many victims of hit-and-run accidents wonder where they can turn for recovery.
At Maison Law, we have aggressively fought to protect the rights of victims involved in Modesto hit-and-run accidents. We understand how overwhelming these accidents can be, especially because liability is not always certain and injuries can be life-altering. During these complex times, speaking with a Modesto car accident lawyer can be in your best interests.
Following a Modesto Hit-and-Run Accident
California takes hit-and-run accidents very seriously. Under California Vehicle Code 20001 VC, the law states that it is illegal for an individual to flee the scene of a collision where another person has been injured or killed. The responsible party could be charged with a felony hit-and-run due to this statute.
To better protect your rights and the future of your claim, it is important that you collect as many details as possible regarding your accident. The more information you can give officers, the higher the chances are that they will catch the responsible party who caused your accident. Having witnesses to your accident can also be beneficial, as they may have seen things that you did not in the event of your crash.
Injuries Present in Hit-and-Run Accidents
There are many injuries that occur in the event of a hit-and-run collision, such as the following:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Disfigurement
- Death in the most severe cases
Because of the nature of a hit-and-run collision, many individuals will have delayed medical treatment. This means that their injuries could be more severe than in other types of accidents where medical treatment occurs right away. Protecting your health and well-being after a hit-and-run accident is crucial, which is why you should never delay in seeking necessary medical attention.
Options for Recovery in a Hit-and-Run Claim
If you have been involved in a Modesto hit-and-run accident, you may wonder what options you have for financial recovery. Many individuals do not know that there is an option for recovery even if the hit-and-run driver has not been found by police. This is known as uninsured motorist coverage, which covers you financially if you have been hurt in an accident involving a driver who does not have insurance.
If the hit-and-run driver is later apprehended by police, you have another choice: bringing a personal injury claim against the liable party for your damages. No matter the circumstances of your claim, a hit-and-run driver can be held fully liable for damages such as medical expenses you incurred, lost wages due to missed work, pain and suffering, and more.
Filing a personal injury claim or a wrongful death claim can sometimes help you receive a better reward than settling with the insurance company. The insurance company may throw a low offer at you in an attempt to get you to settle quickly but you should be informed that this offer might not cover all of your damages for now or in the future. Speaking with a legal advocate can ensure that your rights are protected at this time.
Contact a Modesto Car Accident Lawyer Today
Hit-and-run accident claims in Modesto are incredibly complex matters where many considerations must be made. There are strict deadlines that you must comply with, as well as liability determinations that may seem impossible to make on your own. Luckily, speaking with a Modesto car accident lawyer can put your claim into perspective and help you answer any questions you may have.
Our attorneys at Maison Law can help you deal with the insurance company and provide you with necessary resources to successfully move forward with your Modesto hit-and-run accident claim. Our attorneys are determined to help you maximize your compensation as much as possible. Please contact us today to find out what we can do for you.
