California is an at-fault state in regard to motor vehicle accidents. That means, if you are ever harmed in a motor vehicle accident resulting from someone else’s negligence, you can seek compensation for your medical bills and related losses by filing a claim to collect from the insurance of the negligent party. If this is not an option, you may file a lawsuit and pursue damages in court.
You may only recover compensation if you first accurately identify the careless party who caused your accident. In some instances, this is relatively easy. If the negligent party remained at the scene of the accident, you can simply gather their information right then and there. Although they will likely deny that they are responsible for causing the accident, with the help of an attorney, you can gather evidence proving your collision was indeed their fault.
However, you may understandably wonder whether you should bother taking legal action if you have been harmed in a hit-and-run accident. If the driver did not remain at the scene, you might think there’s no point in pursuing compensation, because you do not know who is responsible for providing it.
This is a logical reaction. That said, it may still be worth your time to schedule a free consultation with a California car accident attorney in these circumstances. Although recovering compensation after a hit-and-run accident may be slightly more difficult than it would be if the negligent driver had not fled the scene, it is still theoretically possible to secure what you may be owed.
The fact that a negligent driver left the scene of an accident does not mean it is utterly impossible to determine their identity. This is particularly true if you took note of certain details (such as the color and/or make of their vehicle) at the time of the accident.
If it appears there is a chance of determining the identity of the party responsible for your accident occurring, a Santa Barbara car accident lawyer can investigate the circumstances thoroughly to gather evidence that may prove useful. For example, there may have been witnesses to your accident who remember certain details about the negligent motorist’s vehicle or even the appearance of the negligent motorist themself that can assist in identification.
A lawyer can also coordinate with law enforcement agencies. This is critical. After all, the police want to identify motorists who put others at risk. Thus, they will generally be glad to help your lawyer as they attempt to determine who caused your accident.
Being injured in a hit-and-run accident can be a very frustrating experience. Your accident has probably left you facing medical bills, lost wages, and other such unexpected losses. It is understandable to be angry when you do not know who should compensate you for such losses.
This is why it is smart to review your case with a Santa Barbara car accident attorney at the Law Offices of John B. Richards. We may be able to help you recover compensation even if the person who caused your accident did not stay at the scene. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 805-683-2736.