Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Lawyers

The experienced Los Angeles hit and run lawyers at Bisnar Chase are here to help those who have been seriously injured by hit-and-run drivers or families of victims who have been killed in such crashes. Our law firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for more than 12,000 injured clients and their families since 1978. We have represented those who have been injured by drunk drivers and hit-and-run drivers.

We are passionate in our pursuit for justice for our clients and are committed to helping injured victims secure fair and full compensation for all their losses. If you require assistance with your Los Angeles hit-and-run case, please contact us at (323) 238-4683 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Hit and Runs are Very Common

Over 18 million people live in Los Angeles which is only 4,850sq mi. Many roadways do not have crosswalks, have poorly lit streets and a high amount of vehicles. Consider the following:

• Southern California has the highest percentages of hit and runs in the entire country
• Individuals convicted of felony hit and runs that injured someone face up to a year in prison, $10,000 fine and points on their DMV record
• 60 percent of hit and runs involve pedestrians
• 1 in 5 of all pedestrian fatalities are hit-and-runs

Top 5 Most Common Hit and Run Accidents

Hit and runs are more common than most people think. Here is a list of the top 5 most common types of hit and run accidents:

1. Pedestrian: Whether a person is crossing the street or a car jumps the curb striking pedestrians on the sidewalk, over 60% of hit and runs involve a pedestrian
2. Bicycle: Bicyclist ranging from kids riding to school, to cyclist riding long distance in lane-sharing roads risk the chance of being struck by a vehicle. Many times these accidents involve the driver of the vehicle fleeing the scene.
3. Parked Car Side Swipe: Many times drivers who slide up against parked cars on the side of the road feel safe leaving the scene in hopes that nobody was around to witness it happen
4. Rear Ending: In rear ended crashes, the driver being rear-ended is many times caught off guard, injured or becomes unconscious. The rear-ender can easily flee as long as their car is still able to drive, if not, fleeing on foot is common as well. The rear-ended personal might get out to inspect the damages and confront the rear-ender to exchange information or call for help.
5. Car Accident: Same situations can occur in all types of car accident.

Many times a person flees the scene of the accident is because of the following reasons:

• No insurance
• Warrants for their arrest
• Illegal immigrant
• Afraid of getting in trouble with the law
• Intoxicated by drugs and or alcohol
• Mental conditions
• Individual does not care
• Stolen vehicle
• Other criminal activity

What to Do after a Hit-and-Run Crash?

If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run collision in Los Angeles, there are a number of steps you can take to protect your rights. First and foremost, stay calm. Do not try to chase the driver. Look out for your safety first. However, if you were able to get the full or even partial license plate of the hit-and-run driver, write it down as soon as you can. If you are unable to move, wait for emergency personnel to arrive. If you are able to get to your cell phone call 911. Make sure your account of the incident gets into the police report. Make sure you give a factual, unbiased and detailed account of what occurred. Obtain a copy of the report.

Take as many photographs as you can. Take photos of the accident scene, any debris from the suspect vehicle as well as your injuries. Preserve all evidence including torn or bloody clothing. If you were riding a bicycle, preserve it in its damaged condition. Do not repair it.

Obtain contact information for anyone who may have witnessed the incident. Talk to area businesses to see if their surveillance cameras may have caught the incident on tape. Such evidence can prove invaluable in hit-and-run accidents. Make sure that you contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that your legal rights and best interests are preserved.

The Dilemma of Hit-and-Run Victims

After a car accident, typically, fault is assigned and liability established. This enables the injured victim to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, surgery and rehabilitation costs. However, in a hit-and-run accident, there is no one to hold accountable. The Los Angeles Police Department has an abysmal record when it comes to apprehending hit-and-run drivers. When hit-and-run drivers are found, they can be held both criminally and civilly liable. However, when a hit-and-run driver is not found, how do victims pay for medical expenses? How do they pay their everyday bills when they are not working and trying to recover from their injuries?

Uninsured Motorist insurance is a clause in your auto insurance coverage that protects you if you are involved in an accident with someone who does not have liability insurance or lacks sufficient liability insurance coverage to pay for your damages. Uninsured Motorist insurance also protects you and your passengers in the case of a hit-and-run driver. Covered Uninsured Motorist insurance for you and your passengers include medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

If you are a motorist in Los Angeles, it is imperative that you have Uninsured Motorist coverage. The odds of you getting injured in a hit-and-run accident or in an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist are extremely high in Los Angeles. While liability insurance coverage protects others, Uninsured Motorist coverage protects you and your family.

Hit-and-Run Laws

Leaving the scene of a car accident is not only irresponsible and inhumane, but it is also illegal. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: "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."

Motorists involved in injury collisions are required under the law to remain at the scene, exchange pertinent information with other parties involved and most importantly render aid to the injured victim. The actions of the motorist after a crash could determine whether or not the victim gets prompt medical attention and whether he or she survives. When the motorist speeds away from the scene, the victim is often left the middle of the roadway exposed to further danger.

Often, we see that these victims are repeatedly run over by other vehicles who may not have seen the individual in the roadway. Remember, it is your duty to stop and remain at the scene after an accident - regardless of who is at fault.