Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Accidents: Legal Support and Compensation
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a pedestrian hit-and-run accident in California, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and options.
Our experienced pedestrian hit and run attorneys at Bisnar Chase have been championing the cause of hit-and-run victims, including pedestrians, for over 45 years. We are committed to ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
Pedestrian hit-and-run accidents are particularly heinous, often resulting in severe or even life-threatening injuries. The failure of drivers to stop and provide assistance exacerbates the trauma and can lead to critical delays in medical attention.
Our team at Bisnar Chase is dedicated to supporting victims of these distressing incidents. Our top-rated pedestrian hit and run accident lawyers have recovered almost a billion dollars.
Legal Obligations and Consequences in California
In California, the law mandates that drivers involved in any accident causing injury or death must stop immediately at the scene. This legal requirement is outlined in California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) and 20003. These codes specify the responsibilities of drivers, including providing their information and assisting injured victims, such as calling 911.
Unfortunately, pedestrian hit-and-run incidents are alarmingly common, particularly in urban areas like Los Angeles, which has been labeled the “Hit & Run Capital of the World.”
The consequences for drivers who flee the scene can be severe, ranging from hefty fines to significant prison time, depending on whether the incident is classified as a misdemeanor or felony.
Seeking Compensation as a Pedestrian Victim
When a pedestrian is injured in a hit-and-run, the path to compensation can be complex, especially if the driver is not identified.
However, victims have legal options. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you may be eligible for compensation through your insurance provider.
Our pedestrian hit and run attorneys at Bisnar Chase are skilled in navigating these challenging scenarios and can guide you through the process of securing the compensation you need for medical bills, rehabilitation, and other related losses.
Contact our Pedestrian Hit and Run Lawyers
Please get in touch with us for a free case evaluation if a pedestrian hit-and-run has affected you. Our track record speaks for itself, with over $850 million won for our clients.
Whether you were walking, jogging, or simply crossing the street when the incident occurred, we are here to represent and support you. Contact us at 800-561-4887 for a compassionate and comprehensive legal consultation.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
Under California law, all motorists who are involved in an accident that results in an injury or death of a person must immediately stop at the scene and remain there until authorities arrive.
California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: “The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.”
Also, under Vehicle Code 20003, drivers involved in an injury accident must give the information to the police officer including name, current address and registration number of the vehicle. Most importantly, motorists are required to do what they can to provide assistance to the injured victims.
This could be something as simple as calling 911. A number of hit-and-run victims suffer fatal injuries because they do not get the medical attention they need right away. In most cases, they are left to die on the street.
Hit and Run Punishments
While many people who are involved in car accidents flee if the opportunity presents itself, such as no witnesses, or an unconscious victim, the punishments can be quite severe.
Depending on whether the hit and run situation is ruled as a misdemeanor or a felony, heft fines and jail time are both usually a reality for the culprit. Many times people hear misdemeanor and think of it as a minor offense, but in the case of a misdemeanor hit and run, it can land the person in jail for a year and a significant fine up to $5,000.
With felony hit and runs, a fine of up to \$20,000 and 15 years in prison can be given.
Seeking Compensation in a CA Hit-and-Run Case
Following a California car accident, the at-fault driver can be held accountable for the victim’s medical bills, suffering and other related damages. This process becomes more complicated when the driver flees the scene of the crash.
The authorities are not always able to track down and apprehend the at-fault driver, which leaves fewer legal options for the victim and the victim’s family.
Victims of California car accidents may file an injury claim against the at-fault driver to receive financial compensation for their significant losses. Typically, it is the victim and his or her family that suffers after a hit & run collision.
They go through tremendous emotional and financial pressures in the aftermath of such an incident. Ideally, the negligent driver’s insurance will cover the victim’s medical bills and other financial, physical and mental losses.
There are, however, legal options available when the at-fault driver is not apprehended or has not been found. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you may be able to pursue compensation from your own insurance provider.
Call 1-800-561-4887 for a free consultation with an experienced California hit and run lawyer.
