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GET TO A SAFE LOCATION
If possible, move out of immediate danger and evaluate whether anyone needs emergency medical assistance.
HIT-AND-RUN ACCIDENTS
When the other driver leaves the scene, the steps you take next can become especially important for documenting what happened and identifying potential insurance coverage.
CD LAW · LOS ANGELES PERSONAL INJURY
A DIFFERENT KIND OF COLLISION
A hit-and-run can leave an injured person with questions that are different from those involved in an ordinary collision.
Who pays for the damage? What happens if the driver is never found? What evidence can still be collected? What insurance coverage may apply?
The first priority is safety. After that, documenting what happened can become especially important.
If possible, move out of immediate danger and evaluate whether anyone needs emergency medical assistance.
Report the collision and request emergency assistance when necessary.
Do not create another dangerous situation by attempting to pursue the fleeing vehicle.
Write down anything you remember about the vehicle or driver as soon as possible. Potential details include color, make or model, body style, visible damage, direction of travel, a partial license plate or a driver description.
Photograph the vehicles, damage, roadway, debris, surroundings and other relevant conditions when it is safe to do so.
Someone nearby may have seen something you missed. Note names and contact information when possible.
Nearby businesses, residences, parking facilities or traffic areas may have recorded relevant footage.
YOU DON'T NEED THE WHOLE LICENSE PLATE FOR INFORMATION TO MATTER.
A partial plate number, vehicle description, direction of travel, witness account or nearby camera may provide useful information.
WITNESSES
CAMERA FOOTAGE
PHOTOGRAPHS
VEHICLE DAMAGE
DEBRIS
POLICE INFORMATION
MEDICAL RECORDS
INSURANCE INFORMATION
THE DRIVER MAY BE GONE.
OTHER EVIDENCE MAY STILL BE THERE.
THE INSURANCE QUESTION
Potential recovery depends on the circumstances and available insurance coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage may be relevant. Collision coverage, medical-related coverage that may apply, and other potentially applicable insurance can also matter depending on the policy and facts. Coverage does not automatically apply, and the specific language and circumstances should be considered.
YOUR OWN POLICY MAY MATTER
THE DRIVER DISAPPEARED.
YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE DIDN'T.
When the responsible driver cannot be identified or does not have available insurance, an injured person's own insurance policy may become an important part of the analysis. Whether coverage applies depends on the policy and circumstances.
IDENTIFICATION
Identifying the driver may provide additional information about liability, insurance coverage, vehicle ownership and potential claims. Finding the driver does not guarantee compensation; the facts and available coverage still matter.
DON'T IGNORE THE MEDICAL SIDE
Some accident-related symptoms may not be fully understood immediately after a collision. A medical evaluation may help document injuries, treatment and symptoms, along with medical expenses, missed work and limitations.
IF YOU REMEMBER ONLY ONE THING
DON'T CHASE THE CAR.
PRESERVE THE EVIDENCE.
LOS ANGELES HIT-AND-RUN CLAIMS
Crowded intersections, freeway entrances and exits, neighborhood streets, parking areas and heavily traveled surface streets can all present different conditions. The important questions involve evidence, injuries, insurance coverage and whether the responsible driver can be identified.
AFTER A HIT-AND-RUN
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident in Los Angeles or Southern California, CD LAW can review the circumstances, available evidence and potentially applicable insurance coverage and help you understand your legal options.
FREE CONSULTATIONNO FEE UNLESS WE WIN