Hit and Run Accidents Lawyers in Santa Barbara

Written by: Tyrone J. Maho

Hit and run accidents are criminal offenses that can result in massive amounts of property damage and devastating injuries. Because the perpetrators are often speeding to get away, they can crash into additional cars. Hit and run drivers often leave the scene so they don’t have to pay compensation for the accidents they caused. They also might drive away because they are underinsured or have no insurance at all. Once you’ve been in a hit and run accident, you should reach out to our personal injury law firm and find out what you should do next. This circumstance is unique and a bit more difficult than a traditional car accident case, which is why you need legal advice. Contact Maho | Prentice, LLP today for a free consultation. 

What Should I Do If I’ve Been In A Hit And Run Accident?

After a hit and run accident, you should let authorities know what happened. Follow these steps to help you prepare for when you file an accident claim:

Call 911

After you’re hit and the driver leaves the scene, call 911. The police can try to find the driver who ran into you. Give them as much detail as possible so that they can find the hit and run driver. Paramedics will come to your location if you are injured. Do not try to follow or catch the driver.

Get Eyewitness Contact Information

If there were any eyewitnesses nearby, try and gather their contact information and any other useful information they have. Later on, your lawyer can contact the eyewitnesses and request testimony from them. This evidence can be used in your claim against the hit and run driver if they are found. 

Take Pictures 

You should photograph your car’s property damage, the area where the hit and run driver collided with you, and your injuries. All of this information is used to build your case and show how badly you were harmed. 

See A Doctor 

See your doctor so that you can receive the healthcare you need. You need to take care of your injuries. Your attorney will also use your medical bills that were caused by the accident to calculate how much you should receive in compensation. 

Contact Your Insurance Company 

Call your insurer and inform them that you’ve been in a hit and run accident. After you sign a waiver of liability, they can help cover property damage and some of your medical bills.

Reach Out To A Lawyer

Your next step is to speak to an attorney to find out if you can receive a settlement. Attorneys can stay on top of your claim and communicate with police regarding the hit and run driver. If driver is caught, your lawyer will then begin the settlement process and reach out to the other party regarding your damages. They also calculate your damages based on how severe your injuries are. Compensation can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more. 

Speak to a Knowledgeable Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

When another driver neglects their responsibility to compensate you after causing a serious wreck, it can be infuriating and frustrating. The person liable for the hit-and-run accident shouldn’t avoid paying for all of the damages that they caused. When you are in this situation, you can ask your attorney for additional information and resources to get you through your personal injury. Your attorney won’t be the only one to investigate your case and will leave it to the police to catch the hit and run driver. Meanwhile, your attorney will update you every step of the way as they manage your case. Until then, you can begin preparing for your settlement claim with your attorney. Your attorney will use your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages to accurately estimate your total damages. Learn more about how hit and run accidents are managed by speaking to a lawyer today. They are the best resource for you to learn about how hit and run case settlements can proceed. Call Maho | Prentice LLP for a free consultation.