Hit And Run Accident In Oxnard
Being injured in a hit-and-run car crash is terrible. You’re hurt and injured and you know you will probably have substantial medical bills and no way to pay them. In such a dire situation, it pays to turn to an experienced personal injury attorney for legal assistance for a favorable outcome after Oxnard auto accidents.
In many cases, the subsequent accident investigation will reveal who the hit-and-run driver is. Personal injury attorneys at Maho Prentice, LLP, may assist by suing the liable driver for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our car wreck attorneys in Oxnard have assisted many accident victims in receiving fair compensation for their losses. We have obtained millions in settlements and verdicts in many personal injury cases and our law firm looks forward to talking to you about yours.
What To Do After Hit And Run Accidents
You are likely upset and shaken when an Oxnard car accident involves you or a loved one. However, there are several critical steps to take to ensure your health and legal rights are protected in a car accident case:
- Contact the police immediately in car accident cases: Your first step is to call the police after a hit-and-run accident. They will begin an investigation and look for the other driver. Ensure that you get a copy of the police report. This is significant evidence to prove how and when the accident happened. Police reports are vital when filing insurance claims after car accidents.
- Collect as much crucial evidence as possible: Write down the model and make of the vehicle and any of the license plate you saw. Take photos of damaged vehicles and their positions. Note if there are any paint scrapes or other physical evidence left behind by the other car.
- Seek medical attention: You should have a doctor look you over immediately. Your injuries may not be apparent and delaying medical care can complicate a subsequent insurance claim.
- Talk to a hit-and-run attorney after car accidents: Your attorney will conduct an investigation in the personal injury case.
You should not attempt to follow the hit-and-run driver. Get any information you can about the vehicle and call the police. You should not risk a physical confrontation with a fleeing driver. Also, getting the accident filed with the police is critical to obtaining compensation later, so call 911 instead of chasing the other driver.
Hit And Run Accidents Drivers Can Be Sued
Most people know that leaving the scene of a crash is illegal. Even if the other driver didn’t cause the accident, they may face a criminal charge if caught by the police. But a criminal charge and conviction isn’t the end of their problems.
If identified, hit-and-run drivers can also be sued in civil court by those they harmed if they caused car accident injuries and property damage. If you were hurt in the crash, you can sue the liable driver and receive a settlement for your injuries and other damages. A criminal conviction against the liable driver is helpful for a subsequent personal injury claim filed by a car accident lawyer but it is not essential.
What Compensation Can Be Received After Hit And Run Accidents?
Hit-and-run crashes take an emotional toll, in addition to the physical injuries. The damages you can receive in a hit-and-run accident with Oxnard drivers are the same as other auto accident claims:
- Economic damages, including current and future medical expenses like doctor visits, hospitalization, surgeries, prescription drugs, and rehabilitation.
- Lost earnings, including lost future income for long-term injuries.
- Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, as well as emotional and mental anguish, disfigurement, and scarring
Your Oxnard car accident attorney always acts in your best interest and will calculate your losses and seek fair compensation from the other party’s insurance company. If the other driver isn’t found, your attorney can attempt to have your auto insurance policy cover some of your expenses. If your car was damaged, your auto insurance should pay for its repairs.
How Can Hit And Run Attorneys In Oxnard Help You?
Navigating the myriad legal complexities after a hit-and-run crash can be challenging, especially if you are seriously injured. This is when retaining an experienced car accident attorney can pay dividends. Some of the essential roles of your attorney include:
Gathering Vital Evidence
Your attorney will perform an extensive investigation of the auto accident. It is imperative to find the liable driver and hold them accountable for your injuries. The attorney may coordinate with the police and private investigators to locate the driver. Gathering vital evidence is key to proving liability.
Handling The Insurance Company
Insurance companies always try to reduce what they pay in claims to injured parties. A seasoned car accident lawyer understands how to negotiate effectively with insurance companies. If you have uninsured and underinsured driver coverage, your attorney may work with your insurance provider on a settlement for maximum compensation.
Filing A Lawsuit From Our California Office
Your attorney will help with the legal action process if the driver is found. This can involve filing a lawsuit in court to seek compensation for your injuries and lost income.
Filing A Claim With The Insurance Company For Hit-And-Run Damages
Sometimes, the responsible party is never found in a hit-and-run accident. If that happens, you cannot sue them for your losses. Your only option is to file a claim with your auto insurance policy if you have underinsured or uninsured driver coverage. Some states require this coverage but not all of them.
When making this claim, you must show that a hit-and-run driver caused the accident. You will need the police report that shows when and how the accident happened. This is why it’s critical to call the police immediately after a hit-and-run. Don’t waste time or risk your well-being by chasing the fleeing driver.
If the hit-and-run driver is located later, you can file a claim on their insurance policy. Insurance companies always attempt to minimize payouts, so it’s best to have Oxnard car accident lawyers negotiating on your behalf. Your attorneys are not compensated unless they obtain compensation for you in the legal process.
The damages obtained from the hit-and-run driver’s insurance will only cover your damages up to policy limits. For example, if you have $40,000 in damages and their insurance limit is $25,000, you can’t get more unless you get a judgment and attempt to seize other assets for your car accident injuries.
Speak To Hit And Run Accident Lawyers In Oxnard, Southern California
A hit-and-run is highly upsetting. You may have injuries, a totaled car, and no one to hold responsible. But all is not lost. The fleeing driver is often found, and you may be able to file a claim against them later. Oxnard Personal injury lawyers help maximize compensation in all car accidents claims, including hit and runs accidents.
The Oxnard car accident legal team at Maho Prentice, LLP, has the experience and track record to hold the at-fault party accountable for your serious injury, medical expenses, and lost wages. Speak to our car accident attorneys today in a free consultation by calling (805) 774-1295. You don’t pay any legal fees unless we win. Our attorneys are proud to serve Ventura County and all of Southern California.