Seeking Compensation after Serious Injuries in a Hit-and-Run Accident

 Posted on January 25, 2023 in Car Accidents

No matter how safely you drive, you can get into an accident because other drivers may be negligent. The impact of a car crash is downright scary. You may feel disoriented and not know what to do. You may be even more worried when you find out that the person who caused the accident left the scene. How will you ever find the person responsible for your serious bodily injuries in the hit-and-run accident and how much time do you have to take civil action in a hit-and-run case?

Hit and Run Accident

A hit-and-run accident is when someone is involved in a car accident with another car, pedestrian, parked vehicle, or bicycle and leaves the scene without providing reasonable assistance to an injured person or the following information:

• Driver’s license and vehicle registration

• Contact information

• Name of their insurance provider and policy number

• The license plate number of their car if it is requested

At Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C., we understand that if the at-fault driver simply left and you have no idea who it is, you might feel at a loss about what to do next and we are here to provide support during this difficult time. 

Statute of Limitations for a Hit and Run Accident

These types of accidents can be complicated because the at-fault driver may hide and delay the overall process. Perhaps they were driving while intoxicated or they had no driver’s license. In cases in which the at-fault driver is found, personal injury claims including hit-and-run accidents in California have a two-year statute of limitations. That means you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit against the other driver or insurance company to obtain financial compensation for personal injuries.

In criminal cases, California extends the statute of limitations on hit-and-run accidents to six years. If someone is convicted of criminal charges it could make it easier to get compensation in a civil case. However, the amount of restitution may not cover your total expenses. If you have suffered bodily injuries, a civil lawsuit can help you get the money you need to recover from your injuries.

Contact a Glendale Car Accident Lawyer

It can be extremely stressful to be involved in a hit-and-run accident. You are likely recovering from your injuries, trying to locate the at-fault driver, and the medical bills are piling up. An experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer will help you navigate through your case. At Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C., we will try to help you seek justice and compensation for your injuries. Call 818-242-8201 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&sectionNum=335.1

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201320140AB184&preview=true&site_id=312

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=20001