After a hit and run car accident in San Bernardino, call 911. Give law enforcement as much information as you can, including vehicle and driver descriptions. Seek medical attention if you are injured. Report the accident to your insurance company.
The experienced San Bernardino car accident lawyers at LA Century Law explain what to do after a hit-and-run.
What to do following hit and run
Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident is stressful and upsetting. It can be hard to keep your composure and know what to do. But the steps you take immediately after can be important. What you do first matters—for your safety, compensation, and offender accountability.
Immediate Steps To Take After a Hit and Run Accident
First, assess your immediate safety. Stop your vehicle away from traffic. Although you need to try to note the offender’s vehicle license plate and model, avoid driving erratically or in a way that endangers yourself or others.
Assess whether to call 911 or a non-emergency law enforcement reporting number.
Either way, report the accident and remain at the scene for the investigation. Get medical attention for anyone injured.
Gathering Crucial Information at the Scene
Driver and vehicle information
A small percentage of hit-and-run accidents are solved, but it does happen. The more information you can provide to law enforcement, the better. Get as much information as you can without jeopardizing your safety—such things as a description of the vehicle, a driver’s description, and the direction they were headed. Identifying what damage the vehicle may have sustained can help law enforcement in their search.
Write down your observations so that you don’t forget. Note any distinctive features of the vehicle, such as bumper stickers, previous damage, or other decorations. Note the location, time, and date of the accident.
Witnesses
If there are witnesses, obtain their contact information.
Video and photos
Look for nearby businesses that may have cameras. Take photos of your vehicle, any damaged property, and the accident scene.
Evaluate the cause
When there is a hit-and-run, there are two important considerations—the fact that a driver fled the scene and the cause of the accident itself. Review the accident scene and try to determine the cause. Know that your evaluation may not be correct, as there may be factors that you’re not aware of.
Reporting a Hit and Run in San Bernardino
In San Bernardino, CA, it’s important to report a hit and run accident.
911
If anyone is injured or if there is significant damage, a hit and run is an emergency and you should contact 911. The police can issue alerts for law enforcement to be on the lookout for vehicles matching the description and persons involved.
Non-emergency hit-and-run accident reporting
If it is not an emergency, you may report the accident through non-emergency law enforcement contact numbers. An example might be someone hitting your parked vehicle when you were not present.
San Bernardino Police—The City of San Bernardino Police Department receives intake calls at their non-emergency number of (909) 383-5311.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department—Non-emergency dispatch (760) 956-5001 (Desert), (909) 387-8313 (Valley).
California Highway Patrol—(909) 383-4247 (San Bernardino area offices)
The Role of Uninsured Motorist Coverage in a Hit and Run
When you’re in a hit-and-run, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may apply. There is no separate insurance specifically for hit-and-runs. In California, you’re not required to have uninsured motorist coverage, but the insurance company is required to offer it to you. UM coverage applies when the other driver is at fault but doesn’t have insurance. It can also apply when you’re in a hit-and-run.
In addition, collision insurance may cover damage to your vehicle, regardless of fault.
MedPay may cover medical bills, ambulance transports, and medical equipment.
What is a hit-and-run in California?
In California, a hit and run is a motor vehicle collision where the driver does not stop at the nearest safe location and provides others involved with information, such as name, address, license, and vehicle details.
Legal Consequences for Hit and Run Drivers in California
In California, hit-and-run offenders may face criminal and civil consequences. Even a hit-and-run where no one is hurt is a misdemeanor with the possibility of jail time and a fine. A hit-and-run resulting in serious physical injury or death is punishable by up to four years in prison and other penalties. The person may also be charged with any other underlying offenses like drunk driving or reckless driving.
In addition, a hit-and-run driver in California is personally liable to victims. They may be required to pay damages, including additional damages that result because they fled the scene, such as an increase in medical bills because of delayed treatment. A hit-and-run may qualify for punitive damages. The fact that the person fled may weigh heavily against them in determining fault for the accident.
How a San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
A San Bernardino car accident lawyer can:
- Investigate and preserve evidence
- Document damages
- Evaluate insurance coverage
- Value your case and the amount of compensation that you should receive
- Prove your case
- Dispute coverage with the insurance company
- Bring a claim against the responsible party, if identified
- Answer your questions and guide you through the legal process
Being a hit-and-run victim is disruptive to your life. What happened was wrong, and you deserve justice. An attorney can help you through the entire process.
Wondering what to do after a hit-and-run? Call us!
At LA Century Law, we know what to do after a hit and run. We represent accident victims in San Bernardino. With millions recovered for our clients, we are leaders in representing those hurt in motor vehicle collisions to get the compensation that they deserve.
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