Irvine Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

A hit and run accident is where the negligent driver who is at fault, causes the collision and then improperly leaves the scene of the accident. The “Hit-and-Run” does not stay to exchange information or wait for the police to investigate. The adverse negligent driver violates California law and drives away from the scene which is a criminal violation. If you do not know the identity of the adverse negligent driver who hit you, then the case is an uninsured motorist case, where the injured victim actually has a claim against their own insurance company since the identity of the negligent driver is unknown. In these instances, it is important you consult with a skilled car accident lawyer to discuss the best way to proceed.

An Irvine hit and run accident attorney can help those impacted navigate through the claims process and file the most successful claim possible.

 Common Ways Hit and Run Accidents Occur

A typical hit and run accident would be where the injured party is stopped at a stop sign or at a red light or slowing down on the freeway or highway and the vehicle behind them is travelling too fast, cannot stop in time and rear ends the vehicle in front of them. It can also occur in any car accident where the driver who causes the collision then leaves the scene of the accident. This is a criminal violation which can make the case more complex which is why this injured party needs to be represented by a qualified hit and run accident attorney in Irvine right away.

Unique Aspects of Hit and Run Accidents

If the negligent driver who is at fault hits the plaintiff in their vehicle and then leaves the scene of the accident and there are no independent witnesses who obtained the license plate, then the identity of the adverse driver is unknown. That is a criminal offense in California.

A driver is not supposed to leave the scene of an accident. If you cannot identify the individual who hit you, then this will lead to an uninsured motorist claim because you do not know the identity of the adverse negligent driver. This means the injured party needs to be represented since the insurance company is not simply going to pay the claim. The injured party needs a qualified car accident attorney to represent them so the claim is presented in a proper fashion.

Learn How an Irvine Hit and Run Accident Attorney Could Help

When there is a hit and run accident the Irvine hit and run accident attorney needs to immediately investigate the facts of the case. If the police came and took information from the injured driver, then the personal injury lawyer will have the opportunity to determine if there are independent witnesses who can assist in proving the claim.

If a hit and run driver hits your vehicle and takes off then there may be debris in the roadway or skid marks. If there are photographs of these, the attorney can review them himself, or have a private investigator or accident expert review the spot a few days after. A lot of times the debris and skid marks will still be on the road which will help support the claim. It is important to get a jump on a case immediately in order for the investigation to be as complete as possible. Call today to learn more.