Bakersfield Hit and Run Accident Lawyers

Practice Areas Hit and Run Accident Lawyers

In California, anyone involved in a collision must pull over and stop. Failure to stop following involvement in an accident is considered a hit and run. When one party flees the scene of an accident, the other party involved can suffer in the event that no one else is around to help.

If you or a loved one have been the victim of a hit and run accident, you deserve justice. The Bakersfield hit and run attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark are here to help you every step of the way in reaching the settlement and compensation you deserve.

What Is a Hit and Run?

In simple terms, a hit and run accident is described as accidental or intentional striking of a person or motor vehicle wherein the offender fails to stop and self-identify or provide assistance.

Under California law, a hit and run can be defined by the following circumstances:

• While driving, the involved party was in an accident
• The accident which occurred caused damage in some form
• The involved party knew that he or she had been involved in an accident and did not stop
• The involved party did not pull over to ensure the other party was safe or to exchange information

What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident

Accidents of any sort are stressful and often traumatizing for those involved. When involved in an accident with another party who happens to flee the scene of the accident, it’s even more important to discuss details with any additional witnesses. Following any accident, details must be carefully documented for both the police and insurance companies.

If you are involved in a hit and run accident, be sure to follow these steps:

• Stay calm and get to safety
• Call 911 to alert police of the accident
• Gather information from eyewitnesses, including license plate number, description of vehicle, location, date, and time of the accident
• Seek medical care
• Contact an attorney

All of the steps following a hit and run accident are important. Ensuring your safety should be your number one priority; once you are safe and the police have been notified, following the steps above will ensure you are properly documenting the accident and will have the information you need for your attorney.

Hit and Run Laws in California

Like any state, California has specific laws for hit and run accidents. If a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene before making a report with law enforcement, this driver has committed a hit and run and could face misdemeanor or felony charges.

California Vehicle Code 20001 states that when a driver is involved in a motor vehicle accident that results in the injury (or death) of a person other than themselves, that driver must stop at the scene of the accident. Any person who violates the code will face criminal charges, imprisonment, and a fine. If the other party involved in the accident faces death or serious injury, the fine and charges increase significantly.

In turn, California Vehicle Code 20002 states that a driver involved in a motor vehicle accident that only results in property damage must stop their vehicle at the nearest location that won’t “impede traffic or otherwise jeopardize the safety of other motorists.” They can either leave their name and contact information directly with the other driver or “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.”

While there are typical consequences to a hit and run accident, circumstances vary for each individual accident. Contact our Chain | Cohn | Clark Bakersfield hit and run lawyers today for a case evaluation.

Types of Damages in a Hit and Run Accident Case

A settlement for your hit and run injuries will typically include compensation—however, there are different types of damages awarded to victims.

Types of damages you may recover as a result of a hit and run accident include but are not limited to the following:

• Lost wages
• Medical treatment costs (past, current, and future)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of potential future earnings
• Mental anguish
• Diminished quality of life

Working with an experienced Bakersfield hit and run attorney will increase the likelihood you receive the compensation you deserve. Let us help you fight for justice. 

A Lawyer Can Help Investigate Hit and Run Accidents

Working with a lawyer has many benefits. One of the greatest advantages of working with a legal team is their ability to further investigate your case. If you or a loved one have been involved in a hit and run accident, our Bakersfield hit and run accident attorneys will immediately launch an investigation of your hit and run accident. We work to gather evidence from the scene such as photos and/or videos, interview witnesses, analyze police accident reports, and obtain any additional supporting footage from the accident.

A Lawyer Can Help Find the Party Responsible for the Accident

When a person involved in an accident flees the scene, it can be difficult to track them down. Accidents often happen so suddenly that remembering details in a moment of shock can feel like a task. Those who flee the scene of an accident want to avoid liability—but we are here to make sure they don’t. Our Bakersfield hit and run accident attorneys have what it takes to uncover the evidence necessary to find the person who fled the scene of your accident. Allow us to help find them and get you the justice you deserve.

 Reach Out to Chain | Cohn | Clark to Speak to a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Bakersfield

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit and run accident in Bakersfield or Kern County, contact our legal team today. Our team of Bakersfield hit and run accident lawyers will help you reach the justice you deserve.

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