Contact Bisnar Chase to hire our top-rated Orange County hit-and-run lawyers. A hit and run can result in catastrophic injuries and often prove fatal. Our team works with victims and their families to ensure justice is done.
We represent people who have been injured in hit-and-run accidents in Orange County. Bisnar Chase has spent the last 45 years helping Orange County residents recover maximum compensation for their injuries. Our plaintiff hit and run attorneys are outstanding trial lawyers who have collected over $750 million in verdicts and settlements.
Many people injured in hit and runs fail to call a lawyer after the accident because they believe it is pointless. But that is not always the case. A hit-and-run accident claim can be more difficult, but our attorneys are experts with an excellent track record.
Call our experienced Orange County injury attorneys today for a free consultation with no obligations if a hit and run driver has injured you or a loved one. Call (949) 203-3814 today.
Orange County Hit-and-Run Accident Resources
- What is a Hit and Run?
- Why Do Hit and Runs Happen in Orange County?
- Hit-and-Run Accidents are More Common Than You Think - Statistics
- Hit-and-Run Laws in California
- Steps to Take After a Hit and Run in Orange County
- How Do You Get Compensation for a Hit and Run?
- What is a UM (Uninsured Motorist) Insurance Policy?
- Orange County Hit-and-Run Lawsuit FAQs
- At What Point Should I Hire a Lawyer for My Hit-and-Run Case?
- How Much Will an Orange County Hit-and-Run Lawyer Cost?
- Contact the Best Orange County Hit-and-Run Attorney Near Me
What is a Hit and Run?
A hit and run is a type of accident involving the perpetrator causing an injury or property damage before leaving the accident scene. They will flee without waiting for police officers to attend, and without identifying themselves.
Hit-and-run accidents in Orange County typically involve at least one vehicle. This could be a car, van, truck, bus, motorcycle, or any other vehicle.
The at-fault driver will cause an accident before fleeing the scene. Typical examples include:
- A vehicle crashing into a pedestrian or cyclist
- Crashes between two occupied vehicles
- A vehicle crashing into a stationary object, such as a parked car, and fleeing
Our Orange County hit-and-run lawyers are plaintiff’s attorneys. For us to get involved in a hit-and-run case, there must be a victim who has suffered a physical injury. We fight to win compensation for the victim.
Why Do Hit and Runs Occur in Orange County?
Why do hit-and-run accidents happen? We can split the answer into two parts – why does the original accident happen, and why do people then flee the scene when they know they have done something wrong?
To start with, auto accidents are common in and around Orange County. The most common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless and careless driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driver fatigue
- Lack of visibility (this can be weather-related or a problem with a road or intersection)
- Mechanical fault
- Pedestrians and cyclists in blind spots or unexpected areas
Most accidents involving vehicles are not intentional or malicious. They are accidental acts of negligence. However, when a driver then flees from the scene, they make a choice. As a result, it is an intentional act and a criminal action.
There are many reasons why people who run down a pedestrian or are involved in an accident flee from the scene. Reasons include:
- Fear of getting into trouble with the law
- Having pre-existing records
- No insurance
- Not wanting to deal with the outcome of their actions
- A callous lack of caring
- Decision making is compromised by drug or alcohol use
The experienced Orange County hit-and-run attorneys at Bisnar Chase have seen and handled countless cases involving drivers leaving the scene. We make sure victims get the compensation they deserve, even when the driver did not care enough to stick around after an accident.
The following video is just one example of a deadly hit and run involving a pedestrian in Orange County.
Hit and Runs are More Common Than You Think - Statistics
Over 3.1 million people live in Orange County, and the area gets 50 million visitors every year. The roads are busy and congested, while some roadways and intersections can be extremely dangerous. They may be poorly lit or provide poor visibility.
But, as we have shown, that is no excuse for leaving the scene of an accident. Unfortunately, hit and runs happen far more than many people realize.
- 1 in 5 of all pedestrian fatalities are hit-and-run incidents.
- 60% of hit and runs involve pedestrians.
- Southern California has the highest percentages of hit and runs in the entire country.
- There were nearly 3,000 hit and runs resulting in fatalities in California from 2010 to 2019, causing 3,056 deaths.
- Individuals convicted of felony hit and runs causing injuries will face up to a year in prison, a $10,000 fine, and points on their DMV record.
Orange County Hit-and-Run Laws
In Orange County, a hit-and-run accident will fall under California law. According to California state hit-and-run laws, it is a felony to leave the scene of the accident.
California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) states that motorists must stop immediately, remain at the scene of the accident, exchange information with others, and assist injured victims.
If caught by the police, offenders are likely to face hit-and-run charges. These criminal charges are separate from the civil action that you would take with our civil plaintiff’s attorneys.
Steps to Take After a Hit and Run in Orange County
You should take several steps after being involved in a hit and run in Orange County to boost your chances of finding justice.
- Seek medical treatment: Many hit and runs result in serious injuries. Your priority should be your health. Call for help and take appropriate treatment steps, whether that means accepting emergency treatment or visiting a doctor as soon as possible.
- Write down any details you have of the offender: Auto accidents can happen in a flash, and it can be nearly impossible to take in all relevant information in that split second. But do your best. If you can remember the vehicle manufacturer or model, the type of vehicle, the color, can remember any of the license plate details, or got a look at the driver, write everything down while it is fresh in your mind.
- Contact the police: If the police were not called initially, make sure they are made aware of the incident. File a report and give officers any details you can.
- Collect evidence: In most hit-and-run cases, the police will conduct an investigation. But it does not hurt to think about evidence that you can provide to help a legal claim. Speak to any eyewitnesses and take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries. You could even ask local premises about their CCTV footage in case anyone captured the incident.
- Contact a lawyer: The police will work on your case from a criminal case point of view. But you will also need a civil attorney working for you to secure compensation. Contact our Orange County hit and run lawyers at Bisnar Chase before speaking to your insurance company to make sure you get the best possible guidance.
How Do You Collect on a Hit and Run in Orange County?
The fact that the offending driver left the scene and their identity is unknown complicates the legal process. But it does not mean you cannot recover compensation for your injuries. There are two ways to do so.
- The offending driver may be caught. Just because the person left the scene does not mean they will evade capture. After a hit-and-run accident, police officers will usually launch an appeal for information, releasing as many identifying details as possible. If police find the hit-and-run motorist, you may be able to file a claim against their insurance company for compensation, just as you would under normal circumstances.
- UM insurance claim. If the hit-and-run driver is not located, do not worry. You may still be able to secure compensation. With the help of an attorney, you can file a claim with your own insurance company under your UM – which stands for uninsured motorist – if you have this coverage as part of your insurance policy.
You should take precautions not to discuss the accident with your insurance company before consulting an Orange County hit-and-run attorney so that you may preserve your rights.
Insurance companies will typically work toward their bottom lines and do not have your best interests in mind. An experienced attorney who understands UM policies should guide the personal injury settlement process.
What is a UM Insurance Policy? (Uninsured Motorist)
The uninsured or underinsured coverage (referred to as UM/UIM) is a form of insurance that you pay for as part of your own policy. It protects you when the at-fault driver in an accident has no insurance, or their policy does not adequately cover the damages they caused.
If you cannot make a claim (or cannot recover all of the compensation you are due) through the negligent driver’s policy, you can instead claim through the UM/UIM portion of your own policy.
By ensuring that you have UM/UIM coverage in your policy, you also give yourself an avenue to claim compensation if you have sustained injuries in a hit-and-run accident.
In the case of a hit and run, whether as a pedestrian or in another vehicle, your UM coverage can cover medical costs and related expenses. Many people carry a UM clause in their insurance, but you should review the details of your policy to be sure. An attorney can help you review your policy and identify what you are entitled to.
You must ensure your own insurance company gives you a fair settlement. It is easy to assume that your own insurance company is always working in your best interest, but that is not always the case.
Remember, the insurance companies make money when they pay out fewer claims, so even if you are their customer, they’ll want to avoid paying the claim if possible. An Orange County hit-and-run attorney can help you with this. Bisnar Chase has represented hit-and-run victims, both in vehicle and pedestrian accidents, for over four decades.
Orange County Hit and Run Lawsuit FAQs
Read on for the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about hit and runs in Orange County. Our goal is to put your mind at ease and provide the guidance and superior representation you need after suffering an injury in a hit and run.
If you have unanswered questions, please get in touch with us for a free consultation with no obligations.
Yes – you need an Orange County hit-and-run lawyer on your side to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys will be able to help settle your case at maximum value, whether the offending driver is caught and can be sued or you have to deal with your own insurance company.
Sometimes, the police will be able to track down a hit-and-run driver, allowing you to make a claim against them. You will probably have to claim through your own insurance policy if the offender is not caught. You should be able to do so if you have uninsured motorist coverage within your policy.
You should look for the best hit-and-run attorney for your case right away. The law firm you choose will monitor any ongoing police investigation into the accident and assess your insurance policy for UM coverage. Our attorneys have handled plenty of hit-and-run cases across Orange County and will provide the superior representation that you need.
UM benefits are typically handled outside of a courtroom. A third-party arbitrator will decide the case, and there are generally no appeals. You, your insurance company, and the arbitrator will come to an agreement. You still reserve the right to sue the at-fault individual in court for your injuries (if they are located). However, if they have no assets or insurance that may be difficult.
At Bisnar Chase, we offer a free consultation and a no win no fee promise. This system allows us to help anyone, no matter how much money they have. We protect you from out-of-pocket expenses and only get paid if we win for you.
Contact the Best Orange County Hit and Run Attorney Near Me
Contact Bisnar Chase now to speak with our specialist intake team. We provide a free consultation that carries no obligations to proceed with us. Give us a call and get a feel for your options and whether our firm is right for you.
Being involved in a hit and run in Orange County can leave victims feeling frustrated and helpless on top of their injuries. But we are here to fight for the compensation you deserve, whether the perpetrator is caught or not.
Bisnar Chase is a premier personal injury law firm based in Newport Beach, Orange County. We have:
- A 99% success rate.
- Won more than $750 million for our clients.
- Unparalleled knowledge of the local courts and legal system.
- Experience with cases like yours.
- Dedication to providing the best possible customer experience.
- A no win no fee system, advancing all costs.
Do not suffer in silence or take on the insurance companies alone. If you have sustained a hit-and-run injury in Orange County, our team of experts is here to help.
Contact an Orange County hit-and-run lawyer nearby at Bisnar Chase today. Send us an email through our website and our team will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also use our 24/7 live chat, or call (949) 203-3814.
