San Francisco Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
Hit and run accidents occur when a negligent motorist collides with another vehicle and then flees the scene before first responders, such as the police and emergency medical professionals, arrive. These types of car wrecks can be particularly difficult to litigate because the parties were unable to exchange information, and law enforcement may not be able to find the defendant.
As a result, it is important to seek the services of an experienced San Francisco hit and run accident lawyer if you suffered injuries in this type of collision. A skilled attorney can help you pursue compensation, even when there is no defendant from which to collect payment.
What Makes Hit and Run Accidents Unique?
One of the main factors that make hit and run accidents different from other types of car wreck cases is that there may be some level of criminal activity involved, such as drinking while driving or police evasion. For example, if a drunk driver gets into an accident, he may flee the scene out of fear of receiving a DUI.
Additionally, in these cases, gathering evidence can be particularly difficult. A guilty party may refuse to give critical testimony by pleading the Fifth Amendment until the statute of limitations has been exhausted for their underlying criminal acts. Another aspect that makes these cases unique is that they usually end up being handled through underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. An experienced hit and run accident attorney in San Francisco will understand the nuances of these types of cases and can use that knowledge to litigate an injured claimant’s lawsuit more effectively.
Recoverable Damages
The recoverable damages in a hit-and-run case are typically the same as any other motor vehicle accident case, which may include damages for both economic and noneconomic losses. Some economic damages may include present and future medical expenses, as well as lost wages. In cases of reckless behavior, punitive damages may also come into play. For example, a judge may award punitive damages in a hit and run situation when the unidentified driver was driving while intoxicated.
What to Do After an Accident
The most important steps an injured party should take after any car wreck are to call the police so they can make a traffic collision report, seek medical attention, and obtain any appropriate coverage. A claimant should also make the report to the DMV and report their accident to their insurance.
Once an injured party has taken all of these steps, he/she should find a San Francisco lawyer who has experience litigating hit and run accident cases. An attorney can assist in collecting critical evidence such as: surveillance videos from local businesses, street cameras, and data from Muni buses.
Why is it Important to Contact a San Francisco Hit and Run Accident Attorney?
One of the most important reasons to contact a San Francisco hit and run accident lawyer is to gain assistance in preserving the appropriate evidence. For example, in many automobile accidents, the car is repaired, and its black box data may be wiped, creating problems in proving liability later on. An experienced attorney can help you in corresponding with your insurance company while you focus on your recovery and medical treatment. To learn more about how our attorneys at Mary Alexander & Associates can help you pursue compensation, call today.
