A young woman involved in a hit-and-run collision recovered $250,000 from Travelers, her own insurance company, on an uninsured motorist claim. The young woman suffered from chronic neck pain following the accident and ultimately underwent cervical spine surgery.
GJEL Accident Attorneys worked extensively with the claimant’s neurosurgeon in meetings, reports, and a deposition, in order to show that the chronic neck pain and surgery resulted not from a prior, severe shoulder injury, but rather from the subject accident. The case resolved following two mediation sessions.
If you’re involved in an incident involving hit-and-run injuries, what do you need to know?
In California, if you are involved in a car accident that damages someone else’s property, you have a responsibility to identify yourself to the other party involved. This is according to California Vehicle Code §20002, also known as the Hit and Run law.
The law requires you to leave your name and contact information for the owner of the damaged property, or face legal consequences. Violating California Vehicle Code §20002 is considered a misdemeanor and can result in a maximum penalty of six months in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000 dollars.
To be found guilty of violating this law, you must have left the scene of the accident, failed to identify yourself to the other party involved, and caused damage to someone else’s property.
It’s important to note that the hit and run law is different from the more serious California Vehicle Code § 20001 Felony Hit and Run, which carries stricter penalties. A hit and run involving injury or death to another person is considered a felony and can result in a prison sentence of two to four years.
It’s also worth mentioning that in California, hit and run incidents must be reported to the authorities as soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in additional legal consequences, including fines and potential imprisonment.
If you are involved in a car accident in California, it is important to remain at the scene and identify yourself to the other party involved. Doing so will help you avoid legal consequences and protect your rights. If you have been involved in a hit and run incident, it’s best to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable and experienced attorney to help you navigate the legal process.
What are the most common hit-and-run injuries?
When a hit-and-run occurs, the passengers in the vehicles involved can experience a wide variety of injuries, from minor to severe and permanent. These can include whiplash, head and neck injuries, traumatic brain injuries, lacerations, burns, broken bones, and back strains.
Regrettably, hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists often result in even more severe injuries, including open and penetrating skull fractures, fractured vertebrae and ribs, damage to internal organs, rib and hip fractures, and arm and leg fractures. These types of injuries can have a significant and long-lasting impact on a person’s life and ability to work and engage in everyday activities.
It’s crucial to consider that a settlement from an insurance company can be a critical factor in helping the victim and their family recover from the physical and financial impact of a hit-and-run accident. It’s essential that the settlement not only covers immediate medical expenses but also any future physical therapy or rehabilitation costs.
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, our California hit-and-run accident lawyers can assist you in the insurance claims process and make sure that you receive a fair settlement. If the insurance company makes a lowball offer, our lawyers can negotiate and demand more to ensure that you are fully compensated for your expenses, both current and future.
In addition, our California personal injury lawyers can help you understand your rights, represent you in court or during litigation, and provide you with the knowledge and support you need to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.