Calabasas Hit and Run Accident Attorney

Hit and run accidents are a serious issue in Calabasas, often leading to devastating consequences for victims. These incidents involve a driver causing an accident and fleeing the scene without providing contact information or offering assistance to those injured. Such actions not only violate the law but also leave victims in a state of shock and uncertainty, dealing with injuries, property damage, and emotional distress. Understanding the significance of hit and run accidents and the importance of seeking legal assistance is crucial for victims looking to navigate the aftermath of such a traumatic event.

Hit and run accidents are particularly egregious because they demonstrate a blatant disregard for the well-being of others. When a driver flees the scene, they evade responsibility and leave victims to cope with the consequences on their own. The aftermath of a hit and run accident can be overwhelming for victims. They must deal with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens, including medical bills and vehicle repair costs. Without the responsible party available to cover these expenses, victims often find themselves in a challenging position, struggling to make ends meet while recovering from their injuries.

Calabases Hit and Run Accidents

A hit and run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without providing their contact information or offering assistance to injured parties. This act violates California law and carries significant legal consequences. California's Vehicle Code outlines two main types of hit and run offenses:

• Misdemeanor Hit and Run (Vehicle Code Section 20002): This pertains to accidents involving property damage only. The law requires drivers to stop, provide their contact information, and, if necessary, leave a note with their details on the damaged property. Failure to comply can result in fines up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.
• Felony Hit and Run (Vehicle Code Section 20001): This applies to accidents that cause injury or death. Drivers must stop immediately, provide their information, and assist the injured. Violating this law can lead to severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment for up to four years, and additional penalties for causing severe injury or death.

Common Causes of Hit and Run Accidents in Calabasas

Hit and run accidents can occur for various reasons, often stemming from a driver's fear of legal or financial repercussions. Some common causes in Calabasas include:

• Driving Under the Influence: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs may flee the scene to avoid DUI charges, which carry severe penalties.
• Lack of Insurance:

Uninsured drivers may panic and leave the scene to evade financial responsibility.

• Fear of Legal Consequences: Drivers with outstanding warrants, suspended licenses, or previous offenses may flee to avoid further legal trouble.
• Distracted Driving: Drivers distracted by their phones or other activities may not realize the severity of the accident and decide to flee.
• Panic and Shock: Some drivers may leave the scene out of panic or shock, not fully comprehending their legal obligations.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Calabases Hit and Run Accident

Ensuring Safety and Seeking Medical Attention

1. Ensure Your Safety:
   • Move to a safe location if possible. If your vehicle is in a dangerous position, such as the middle of the road, and it is safe to do so, try to move it to the side to avoid further accidents.
   • Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the incident.
2. Check for Injuries:
   • Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. Even if injuries seem minor, they can be more severe than they appear.
   • If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance. Providing first aid, if you are able, can be crucial until professional help arrives.
3. Seek Medical Attention:
   • Regardless of the severity of the injuries, it’s advisable to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Some injuries might not be immediately apparent and could manifest later.

Gathering Evidence at the Scene

Collecting evidence at the scene is vital for any legal proceedings and insurance claims. Here’s what you should do:

1. Take Photos and Videos:
   • Use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, your vehicle, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Capture different angles to provide a comprehensive view of the damage.
2. Note Details:
   • Write down everything you remember about the accident, including the time, location, weather conditions, and any distinguishing features of the fleeing vehicle (such as make, model, color, and license plate number if possible).
3. Look for Surveillance Cameras:
   • Check for nearby security or traffic cameras that might have captured the incident. Note their locations, as this footage can be valuable evidence.

Reporting the Accident to the Police

1. Call the Police:
   • Report the hit and run accident to the police as soon as possible. Provide them with all the details you have gathered. A police report will be essential for your insurance claim and any legal action.
2. Cooperate Fully:
   • Cooperate with the police officers, providing them with accurate and detailed information about the incident. Ensure you get a copy of the police report or the report number for your records.
3. Follow Up:
   • Stay in contact with the police department for updates on the investigation. Your cooperation can assist them in identifying and locating the responsible party.

Importance of Collecting Witness Information and Documenting Details

1. Identify Witnesses:
   • Look around for anyone who might have witnessed the accident. Witness statements can be crucial in corroborating your account of the incident and identifying the fleeing driver.
2. Collect Contact Information:
   • Gather names, phone numbers, and addresses of any witnesses. Ask if they would be willing to provide a statement to the police or your insurance company.
3. Document Additional Details:
   • Write down any other details that could be relevant to the case. This might include descriptions of the driver, their behavior, or anything unusual you noticed before or after the accident.

The Role of a Calabasas Hit and Run Accident Attorney

Investigation and Evidence Collection

• Thorough Investigation: An experienced attorney will conduct a comprehensive investigation of the accident. This includes revisiting the accident scene, examining the damage to your vehicle, and identifying potential sources of additional evidence such as surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras.
• Gathering Evidence: Collecting and preserving evidence is essential for building a strong case. An attorney will gather crucial evidence such as photos and videos of the scene, police reports, medical records, and witness statements. They may also employ accident reconstruction experts to provide detailed analyses of how the accident occurred.
• Expert Collaboration: Attorneys often work with a network of experts, including medical professionals, forensic analysts, and accident reconstruction specialists, to establish a clear and compelling narrative of the accident and its impact on the victim.

Identifying and Locating the Responsible Party

• Utilizing Resources: Attorneys have access to various resources and databases that can aid in identifying and locating the responsible party. They can work with law enforcement agencies, private investigators, and other professionals to track down the driver who fled the scene.
• Analyzing Clues: By meticulously analyzing the evidence, such as paint transfers, vehicle parts left at the scene, and eyewitness accounts, an attorney can develop leads to identify the responsible driver.
• Legal Processes: If the responsible party is identified, an attorney can initiate legal processes to hold them accountable, whether through criminal charges or civil lawsuits.

Navigating Insurance Claims and Dealing with Insurance Companies

• Filing Claims: Navigating the insurance claims process can be daunting. An attorney will assist in filing claims with your insurance company and, if applicable, the responsible party’s insurer. They ensure that all necessary documentation is submitted accurately and promptly.
• Negotiating with Insurers: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. An experienced attorney negotiates with insurance adjusters on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that covers all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the responsible driver is uninsured or underinsured, your attorney will explore your policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to ensure you receive adequate compensation.

Legal Representation in Civil and Criminal Court

• Civil Lawsuits: If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your attorney can file a civil lawsuit against the responsible party. They will represent you in court, presenting a strong case to demonstrate the extent of your damages and the responsible party’s liability.
• Criminal Proceedings: In addition to civil actions, hit and run cases often involve criminal proceedings. Your attorney can work with prosecutors, provide evidence, and represent your interests in criminal court to ensure the responsible party faces appropriate legal consequences.
• Courtroom Advocacy: Skilled attorneys are adept at courtroom advocacy. They present evidence clearly and persuasively, cross-examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome, whether in civil or criminal court.

Contact Drake Law Firm

Hit and run accidents leave victims facing numerous challenges, from physical injuries to financial hardships. The complexity of these cases, including the difficulty of identifying the responsible party and navigating insurance claims, necessitates professional legal assistance. An experienced Calabasas hit and run accident attorney can provide invaluable support by conducting thorough investigations, gathering and preserving critical evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing victims in both civil and criminal courts. Legal representation ensures that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve, helping them to recover and rebuild their lives.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a hit and run accident, don't face the aftermath alone. The team at Drake Law Firm is here to provide the expert legal assistance you need. With extensive experience in handling hit and run cases, our attorneys are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for our clients. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take, and we are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process.

Contact Information:

• Los Angeles Office:
  19935 Ventura Blvd 3rd Floor,
  Woodland Hills, CA 91364
  Phone: 1-844-513-7253

Visit us at https://www.drakelawgroup.com/ for more information and to schedule your consultation today.

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