If you were hurt in a hit and run accident, get medical care, file a police report, and then hire our San Diego hit and run accident lawyer. While you may be able to seek compensation against your uninsured motorist coverage, you still need an aggressive and dedicated legal team by your side to help you determine fault, add value, and fight for your rights to full and fair compensation. The Law Office of Jared J. Drucker can provide the legal guidance and support you need, even in the worst of situations when you work with our San Diego car accident lawyer.
Contact Our Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in San Diego for Immediate Help
Experiencing a hit and run accident can leave you feeling helpless and overwhelmed. Victims often face severe injuries and significant property damage, compounded by the frustration of the responsible party fleeing the scene. At The Law Office of Jared J. Drucker, we understand the unique challenges that come with hit and run cases and are dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive legal support to help you navigate this difficult time.
Based in San Diego and serving clients throughout California, Jared J. Drucker leverages his experience in personal injury law to aggressively pursue justice and compensation for hit and run accident victims. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you hold the responsible party accountable and secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Even if you are unsure you have a case or how you can recover damages in your case, seek out a no-obligation consultation with our hit and run accident lawyer in San Diego.
Why Jared J. Drucker Should Be Your Choice for Representation in a Hit and Run Accident
Choosing the right attorney for your hit and run accident claim is important to getting the compensation and justice you deserve. Here’s why Jared J. Drucker is the right choice:
- Experience in Personal Injury Lawsuits: With years of experience in personal injury law, Jared understands the specific challenges that come with hit and run claims and will make sure that your case is approached with the utmost professionalism and skill.
- Direct Attorney Access: As a smaller firm, clients receive direct access to Jared throughout the legal process. He prioritizes consistent communication with his clients and a personalized attorney-client relationship.
- Reputation in California: Jared J. Drucker is recognized within the San Diego legal community for his ability to collaborate while not backing down. His professional demeanor and military background have earned the respect of his peers and judges.
- Positive Client Outcomes: The Law Office of Jared J. Drucker is committed to achieving positive outcomes for our clients. We let this speak for itself, as shown by the numerous successful settlements and verdicts Jared J. Drucker has secured for his clients.
The Importance of Legal Representation in a Hit and Run Claim
Hit and run accidents present unique challenges that require a tactical legal strategy. Having an experienced San Diego car accident attorney like Jared J. Drucker by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Here’s how our team at The Law Office of Jared J. Drucker can assist:
- Advanced Investigation Techniques: We will employ your legal rights to use whatever we can do to identify the fleeing driver. This may involve working with law enforcement, private investigators, and using technology such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: In many hit and run cases, the at-fault driver is never found, making it essential to file a claim through your own uninsured motorist coverage. We will handle the nuances of complexities of uninsured motorist policies to make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
- Establishing Fault: Even if the driver is not immediately identified, Jared J. Drucker can help establish fault and prove that the accident was not your responsibility. This involves gathering and presenting evidence that supports your case.
- Holding the Responsible Party Accountable: In cases where the at-fault driver is identified, Jared J. Drucker will not hold back the egregious party accountable for their actions. This includes filing a lawsuit and seeking punitive damages.
California Laws Governing Hit and Run Accidents
Drivers in California are obligated to adhere to specific laws when an accident occurs. Failure to adhere to these obligations can result in severe legal consequences. California Vehicle Code §20001 and §20002 provides the following:
Ҥ20001 (a) 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 and shall fulfill the requirements of Sections 20003 and 20004.
20002 (a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to any property, including vehicles, shall immediately stop the vehicle at the nearest location that will not impede traffic or otherwise jeopardize the safety of other motorists. Moving the vehicle in accordance with this subdivision does not affect the question of fault. The driver shall also immediately do either of the following: (1) Locate and notify the owner or person in charge of that property of the name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle involved and, upon locating the driver of any other vehicle involved or the owner or person in charge of any damaged property, upon being requested, present his or her driver’s license, and vehicle registration, to the other driver, property owner, or person in charge of that property. The information presented shall include the current residence address of the driver and of the registered owner. If the registered owner of an involved vehicle is present at the scene, he or she shall also, upon request, present his or her driver’s license information, if available, or other valid identification to the other involved parties. (2) Leave in a conspicuous place on the vehicle or other property damaged a written notice giving the name and address of the driver and of the owner of the vehicle involved and a statement of the circumstances thereof and shall, without unnecessary delay, notify the police department of the city wherein the collision occurred or, if the collision occurred in unincorporated territory, the local headquarters of the Department of the California Highway Patrol.”
Under these laws, drivers involved in an accident must stop immediately at the scene, regardless of fault. It is mandatory for drivers to stop after an accident that results in injury or death. Drivers are required to provide their name, address, vehicle registration number, and, if requested, their driver’s license to the other party involved or to law enforcement. If someone is injured, the driver must render reasonable assistance. This includes calling emergency services or transporting the injured person to medical help if necessary.
California Vehicle Code §20008 provides for specific reporting requirements for accidents:
“(a) The driver of a vehicle, other than a common carrier vehicle, involved in any accident resulting in injuries to or death of any person shall within 24 hours after the accident make or cause to be made a written report of the accident to the Department of the California Highway Patrol or, if the accident occurred within a city, to either the Department of the California Highway Patrol or the police department of the city in which the accident occurred. If the agency which receives the report is not responsible for investigating the accident, it shall immediately forward the report to the law enforcement agency which is responsible for investigating the accident. On or before the fifth day of each month, every police department which received a report during the previous calendar month of an accident which it is responsible for investigating shall forward the report or a copy thereof to the main office of the Department of the California Highway Patrol at Sacramento.”
What this means is that accidents resulting in injury, death, or significant property damage must be reported to law enforcement. Failing to report can result in additional penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges. Drivers must typically also promptly notify their insurance company of the accident. Failure to do so can lead to the denial of coverage and other potential legal consequences. Insurance companies require timely notification to process claims and provide coverage as outlined in the policy.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Hit and Run Accidents
Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of insurance that protects policyholders in the event of an accident where the at-fault driver either does not have insurance or cannot be identified, as is often the case in hit and run accidents. This coverage is designed to provide financial assistance for various damages resulting from the accident.
Uninsured motorist coverage can help to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. To be eligible for uninsured motorist coverage, it is important that the victim notifies the insurance company as soon as possible to meet the timely notification requirements in initiating claims as outlined in the insurance policy. Jared J. Drucker will assist in gathering the necessary evidence to back your claim and make sure that you are eligible for the most compensation that your policy provides.
Determining the Value of Your Hit and Run Accident Claim
When someone’s actions lead to your injuries, you may know that you can file a claim against that person’s liability insurance. In a hit and run, you do not know who that is. Instead, you must file a claim against your own uninsured motorist coverage. Yet, a significant mistake many people make is believing their insurance company will protect them and pay them fairly.
All insurance companies are for-profit organizations. Their objective is to reduce what they pay out. By working with a San Diego hit and run accident lawyer, you gain the insight you need to maximize your claim and make sure the insurance company pays what you are owed, up to the maximum coverage allowable. Some of the losses hit and run accident victims may be owed include:
- Medical expenses from the accident
- Property damage to your vehicle and other belongings
- Lost wages and benefits from being unable to work
- Pain and suffering claims
- Emotional trauma claims
It is up to you, the victim, to clearly define what your losses are and what their value is. Your San Diego hit and run accident lawyer will then work to substantiate these claims in any way possible. The ultimate goal is to seek out maximum compensation so you can recover from what happened to you.
Recovering Additional Damages
You can only hold your uninsured motorist coverage liable up to the value of the policy you have. Most often, serious accidents lead to very serious injuries, warranting a higher value of compensation. In these situations, it will be critical to determine fault.
If the police can determine who caused the accident, you can then seek compensation against them for losses you have and have not been paid for through your own policy. If the other driver does not have insurance, you may seek to file a lawsuit against their assets to force them to pay for your losses. Because this is a very serious situation, it is essential that you work with a well-qualified attorney to prove your case.
Contact Jared J. Drucker for Your Hit and Run Accident Today
If you have been the victim of a hit and run accident, securing experienced legal representation is necessary to face the complexities of your claim and obtain the compensation you deserve. At The Law Office of Jared J. Drucker, we are dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate, and effective legal support for hit and run accident victims.
Jared J. Drucker’s proven track record in handling such cases is evidence that your rights are protected. Our team will manage your case with the utmost competence. Don’t face this challenging time alone. Reach out to us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery. Let us work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to move forward with confidence.