Hit-and-Run Accidents in Modesto
Hit-and-run accidents on the road in Modesto, California, may prove to be a traumatic and life-changing experience, especially when bodily injury or death is involved. The situation may be even more stressful when local law enforcement is unsuccessful in tracking down the suspect driver and vehicle. You may find yourself dealing with many unexpected expenses in the aftermath of the incident.
It is challenging to know what steps must be taken to seek maximum financial recovery after a hit-and-run crash with bodily injury or death. If you find yourself in this situation, you may benefit from the assistance of a skilled personal injury attorney serving Modesto, California. Learn about your rights and options for recovery by reading this article or scheduling a free consultation with one of our lawyers from AutoAccident.com.
Statistics on Hit-and-Run Accidents in Modesto, CA
The unfortunate reality about hit-and-run accidents in Modesto, California, is that they may be more common than you may think. These crashes may often involve other drivers along with pedestrians and cyclists in urban areas. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), there were approximately 151 hit-and-run crashes involving injury and death in 2020 in Modesto city limits.
California Laws on Hit-and-Run Accidents
In California, drivers are required to stop and exchange information after a roadway crash. A motorist may face misdemeanor or felony charges for leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash. The California Vehicle Code Section 20001 defines a felony case for a hit-and-run as one causing bodily injury or death to others. Conversely, the CVC 20002 defines a misdemeanor case as one that only involves property damage.
Will Insurance Cover a Claim for Damages from a Hit-and-Run?
If a hit-and-run in Modesto, California, only involves property damage to your vehicle, you may file a claim through your collision coverage. Remember that a deductible generally applies. Uninsured motorist property damage may also be an option for recovery based on the facts of the case. If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, your uninsured motorist coverage may cover losses up to the plan’s limits.
If a hit-and-run accident caused bodily injury or death to a pedestrian or cyclist, it is useful to know that a claim through uninsured motorist coverage may be brought through the injured party or decedent’s insurance policy. If the injured individual or deceased did not have auto insurance but lived with a relative who has UM coverage, a claim may be brought under the plan only if they are not excluded from the policy.
Can You Seek Punitive Damages in a Hit-and-Run Accident Case?
While rare, punitive damages may be sought from a party whose egregious conduct contributed to an accident that caused bodily injury or death to others. In the context of a hit-and-run crash, punitive damages may be sought from the motorist who fled the scene if there is clear and compelling evidence that proves egregious behavior. This may include excessive speeding or driving under the influence (DUI).
Is There a Deadline on Claims for Hit-and-Run Accidents in California?
There is a statute of limitations, or filing deadline, on personal injury claims for traffic accidents in California. According to the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, you have a maximum of two years to file a case in civil court for personal injury. The same statute of limitations applies to wrongful death matters. Therefore, it is essential to act quickly and retain legal counsel after a recent hit-and-run accident in Modesto.
Do You Need an Attorney for a Hit-and-Run Collision Case?
After a hit-and-run crash, you should not be left to deal with the bill for losses stemming from the incident. You deserve justice and maximum financial recovery for your damages. Therefore, it is crucial to file a claim for damages and start the path toward financial compensation. You do not have to navigate the process alone as a skilled California personal injury attorney, such as ours from AutoAccident.com, can help.
While you can file a claim for damages arising from a hit-and-run wreck without legal counsel, you may not receive the financial compensation you need and deserve. Insurance companies are known for making lowball settlement offers and disputing the value of personal injury claims. Your injury lawyer will not allow for any of that and will have your best interests at heart every step of the way.
Importance of Working with a Lawyer After a Hit-and-Run Accident
After you have been injured or lost a family member in an accident caused by a hit-and-run driver, taking on a personal injury claim or wrongful death action may be the least of your concerns during this difficult time. You may find yourself dealing with difficult insurance companies who are reluctant to pay what you need to rebuild your life after the traumatic incident. A skilled accident attorney can help you after a hit-and-run by:
- Gather evidence before it is lost or destroyed
- Hire a private investigator to locate the suspect party and vehicle
- Communicate and negotiate with insurance carriers and defense counsel
- Work with expert witnesses to establish liability and damages in the case
- File the case in civil court to proceed with litigation and protect the statute
- Take the case to court if a mutual settlement agreement in the client’s favor is unsuccessful
At AutoAccident.com, our legal team is committed to delivering successful results to our clients. When you find yourself injured or deprived of a loved one due to a hit-and-run accident in Modesto, California, our injury attorneys can help you with your claim and fight for what you are rightfully owed. Learn more about us and how we can help you with your case by watching this video.
Personal Injury Attorney in Modesto
At AutoAccident.com, we understand that nothing is more important than seeking full financial recovery for your losses after a hit-and-run accident. Our Modesto personal injury attorneys have decades of combined experience handling cases like yours and can help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve. Learn more and receive free, friendly case advice by dialing (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
Our personal injury law firm is committed to obtaining successful results through verdicts and settlements for our clients. We strive to provide excellent service and compassionate guidance to our clients. Visit our Yelp, Avvo, and Google pages to read through our client reviews. We are honored to be included in the Top 1 Percent, Million Dollar Forum, and other legal organizations.
Photograph Source: “Rodnae” via Pexels
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