Fresno Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Fighting For Hit & Run Accident Victims in California

In the state of California, all drivers involved in auto accidents are required by law to stop at the scene, identify themselves, and provide reasonable aid to anyone else involved in the crash. This is true whether the driver hits another vehicle, a person on foot, a bicyclist, or even a stationary object. Failing to do these things and, instead, fleeing the scene of an accident is known as a hit-and-run, and it is a crime in Fresno County and elsewhere in the state.

Due to California’s fault-based car accident system, victims of hit-and-run accidents may fear that they are out of luck when it comes to recovering compensation. After all, how can you file a claim against an at-fault driver if you cannot identify the driver or their insurance company? In fact, you may have several options when it comes to recovering for your damages after a hit-and-run accident.

At Fowler | Helsel | Vogt, our Fresno hit-and-run accident attorneys bring more than 40 years of experience to their practice of personal injury law. We are committed to being your trusted partner as you navigate the legal system; when you choose Fowler | Helsel | Vogt, you get an entire team of legal professionals dedicated to you and your recovery.

To schedule a free initial consultation with our hit & run accident lawyer in Fresno, call (559) 283-8091 or contact us online today.

What to Do If You Are Injured in a Hit & Run

If you are involved in an accident and the other driver fails to stop or provide identification, there are several things you should do immediately, as well as in the hours, days, and weeks following the crash. By taking these steps, you can not only protect your health, safety, and continued well-being, but you can also preserve critical evidence that may be crucial to your future hit-and-run claim.

If you are injured in a hit-and-run, immediately try to do the following:

• Check yourself and others for injuries; if necessary, call 911. If you or anyone else appears seriously injured, wait until paramedics arrive.
• Stay at the scene; do not attempt to chase after or track down the hit-and-run driver yourself. Instead, leave the investigation to the police.
• Take pictures or write down anything you can remember about the other vehicle, such as the make, model, color, partial or full license plate, and any other identifying features.
• Call the police and have them come out to the scene of the accident. Once they have arrived, provide the police with all the information you have regarding what happened, as well as any details about the hit-and-run driver or their vehicle. The more evidence you can provide, the better able the police will be to conduct a proper investigation.
• Write down or otherwise record everything you can remember about the accident, including how, when, and where it occurred. The sooner you write the details down, the more accurate and descriptive they are likely to be. This can be a huge help to your future claim.

In the hours and days following the accident, you should also do the following:

• If you did not receive medical attention at the scene, or if you were not transported to a hospital, seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident.
• Report the accident (if necessary) to the DMV. You are required by California law to report any motor vehicle accident that results in injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more to the DMV within 10 days.
• Notify your auto insurance company about the accident. Depending on your specific policy, you may need to do this within a few hours or a few days of the crash. Make sure you understand your policy and follow all applicable rules outlined therein.
• Contact an attorney who can assist you with your personal injury case. While it may be possible to recover compensation from the at-fault driver (if they can be identified) or through your own insurance policy (depending on your coverage), actually doing so can be difficult without the help of a skilled and knowledgeable lawyer.

At Fowler | Helsel | Vogt, we can help you explore your options for seeking compensation after a hit-and-run accident. Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to compensation through your own insurance provider. You may also be able to bring a lawsuit against the hit-and-run driver if the police can identify and locate them. Our Fresno hit and run accident attorneys are here to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. Contact our team for an evaluation of your case to see how we can help you!

Common Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents

Common causes may include the following:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Drivers who are intoxicated by alcohol or drugs may leave the scene to avoid severe penalties such as DUI charges or license suspension.
• Lack of Insurance: Uninsured or underinsured drivers may flee out of fear of financial liability or legal repercussions.
• Fear of Arrest or Warrants: Drivers with outstanding warrants or a history of legal trouble may panic and flee to avoid further legal consequences.
• Distracted Driving: A motorist who causes an accident while texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other distractions may flee to avoid admitting fault.
• Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Reckless behaviors like speeding, tailgating, or illegal passing can lead to accidents. In many cases, reckless drivers flee to escape responsibility.
• Unaware of Collision: In some cases, particularly with minor accidents, the at-fault driver may claim they were unaware that a collision occurred.

Common Injuries in Hit-and-Run Accidents

Common injuries may include the following:

• Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and skull fractures are frequent in serious collisions, potentially resulting in long-term cognitive or physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Harm to the spinal cord could result in partial or full paralysis, necessitating lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
• Broken Bones: Fractures, especially to the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis, are common in hit-and-run accidents and often require surgery and extended recovery periods.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma during a collision can cause internal bleeding or damage to vital organs, which may not be instantly apparent but require urgent medical attention.
• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden, forceful movements during a crash often lead to soft tissue injuries, including whiplash, that can cause persistent pain and restricted mobility.
• Lacerations and Abrasions: Victims may suffer cuts, scrapes, and bruises from shattered glass or impact with vehicle interiors, often leaving lasting scars.
• Emotional and Psychological Injuries: Beyond physical harm, the trauma of being involved in a hit-and-run accident could result in anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Call our office at (559) 283-8091 or submit an online contact form to request a free initial case evaluation today with our Fresno hit & run accident lawyers.