Being struck by a vehicle that then flees the scene adds fear and uncertainty to an already traumatic experience. Victims of hit-and-run collisions often face serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and the challenge of dealing with uncooperative insurance companies. Without the driver’s information, gathering evidence and proving fault can feel impossible on your own.
At Perliss Law Firm, we offer comprehensive legal services to hit-and-run victims in the San Gabriel Valley. We provide free, confidential consultations in English and Mandarin and handle every case on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we win. Our extensive experience and proven track record in hit-and-run cases position you for a stronger recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you receive the compensation you deserve after a hit-and-run accident.
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in a collision fails to stop at the scene and exchange the required information. California law treats these cases very seriously, especially when the crash causes injury or death. Even if there is only property damage, drivers must remain at the scene and fulfill certain legal duties.
Under California Vehicle Code section 20001, leaving the scene of an accident that results in injury or death is a felony. If only property damage occurs, the offense falls under Vehicle Code section 20002 and is typically a misdemeanor. In either case, drivers must:
Remain where the collision occurred or as close as safety permits.
Provide name, address, vehicle registration, and insurance information to the other party or to law enforcement.
If anyone is injured, offer or arrange for medical assistance.
Notify law enforcement immediately if no one else does. For property-damage-only crashes, a written report must be filed within 24 hours.
Accident victims of hit-and-run incidents often struggle to gather evidence and prove fault without the driver’s information. Car accident lawyers can guide them through alternative avenues for compensation, including insurance claims and investigative techniques to identify the fleeing motorist.
Hit-and-run collisions often involve unexpected impact forces that can cause a wide range of car accident injuries. Even a low-speed impact can result in significant trauma, while higher-speed crashes frequently lead to life-altering damage. Understanding the typical injuries suffered helps you recognize the seriousness of your condition and the need for prompt legal and medical attention.
Sudden jerking motions can strain or tear neck muscles and ligaments, leading to chronic pain, headaches, and limited range of motion.
Impact with a vehicle or the ground can fracture ribs, arms, legs, or the pelvis, often requiring surgery and extended rehabilitation.
Blows to the head can cause concussions, bleeding, or swelling in the brain. These injuries may lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and require ongoing neurological care.
Sprains, strains, and deep bruising to muscles, tendons, and ligaments can develop into chronic pain syndromes if not treated properly.
Damage to the spinal cord can interrupt nerve signals, resulting in partial or complete paralysis and a lifelong need for assistive devices.
Blunt force to the torso can injure internal organs such as the liver, spleen or kidneys, sometimes without immediate symptoms but with potentially life-threatening consequences.
The shock and fear of a hit-and-run can trigger anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, requiring mental health support.
Each of these injuries carries its own medical challenges and financial burdens. An attorney can work with your healthcare providers to document the full extent of your injuries and ensure that any claim addresses both your immediate needs and long-term recovery.
Taking immediate steps after a hit-and-run collision helps protect your health, preserve critical evidence, and strengthen any future injury claim.
Ensure Your Safety. Move to a safe location if you can and check yourself and any passengers for injuries.
Call 911. Report the collision immediately, even if you feel fine. Emergency responders can provide medical care and law enforcement can begin an official investigation.
Document the Scene. Use your phone to take photos of your vehicle damage, your injuries, skid marks, and surrounding road conditions.
Collect Witness Information. Ask bystanders for names and contact details. Eyewitness statements are invaluable when the driver flees the scene.
Note the Vehicle Details. Write down any details you remember about the fleeing car, such as make, model, color, partial license plate or direction of travel.
Obtain a Copy of the Police Report. Request the incident number from the responding officer and follow up to secure a full report.
Seek Medical Attention. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation can identify hidden trauma and establish a treatment record.
Contact an Attorney as Soon as Possible. A hit-and-run injury lawyer can help locate the at-fault driver, handle accident claims, and file a lawsuit if necessary.
Following these steps preserves essential evidence, triggers insurance coverage, and ensures you receive the medical treatment and legal support you need to recover.
When the at-fault driver cannot be identified or lacks insurance, your own auto policy becomes the primary source of recovery for your injuries and vehicle damage.
Most standard policies include uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage that can step in when the responsible party has no or insufficient insurance. By filing a UM or UIM claim, you can seek compensation for your medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering even in a hit-and-run scenario.
Here are some key insurance coverages to consider:
Covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages when the other driver is uninsured or unidentified.
Kicks in after the at-fault driver’s policy limits are exhausted, helping cover costs that exceed their coverage.
Pays for repairs or replacement of your vehicle regardless of fault.
Covers immediate medical treatment and related expenses without regard to fault.
Depending on certain policies, PIP provides a broader range of medical and non-medical benefits following a crash.
An experienced hit-and-run attorney will help you:
Review your insurance policy and identify all applicable coverages.
Submit timely UM and UIM claims with accurate documentation of medical treatment and lost income.
Negotiate aggressively with your insurer to prevent undervaluing your claim.
File a lawsuit against your insurer if it wrongfully denies or underpays your benefits.
By leveraging your own policy’s protections, you can obtain critical funds for recovery when the hit-and-run driver remains at large. A dedicated attorney at Perliss Law Firm will manage the entire process, ensuring that you maximize the compensation available under your insurance coverage.
"I personally was recommended to Sanford Perliss. My situation was dire. After our first meeting I Immediately felt relieved, I knew I was in good hands. He handled the case diligently and with the utmost professionalism. I don't know where I would be without the help of this man. Thank you Sandy, I will recommend you to anybody I know."
"I can’t thank Perliss Law Firm enough for their outstanding representation. I felt confident I was in good hands from the moment I walked into their office. They explained every step of the process regarding my case and made sure I was fully informed about my options. Perliss Law Firm is professional and cares greatly about their clients. Highly recommend!"
"Perliss Law Firm’s attorneys are extremely experienced and skilled。 They treated me with respect and were always available to answer any questions I had. I am extremely grateful and would recommend their firm if you’re looking for a dedicated and trustworthy defense team."
Determining the worth of an injury claim involves several critical factors, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and the severity of the injuries. In San Gabriel, CA, personal injury attorneys collaborate with medical professionals to assess the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
They gather essential evidence, such as police reports and witness statements, to build a robust case. By negotiating with insurance companies, they strive to secure a fair settlement that covers all your losses. Each accident and injury is unique, and a personal injury lawyer can help you understand the valuation process and fight for your rightful compensation.
California law sets firm deadlines for filing personal injury claims, including those arising from hit-and-run accidents. If you miss these deadlines, the court will likely dismiss your case, regardless of its merits. It is important to know and act within these time limits to preserve your right to compensation.
These damages can act as reimbursements for a variety of expenses that follow a crash, including:
You must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1.
If you did not immediately discover your injury or its cause, you may have two years from the date you became aware of the harm and its connection to the hit-and-run.
Victims under 18 at the time of the collision have a two-year period paused until their 18th birthday, giving them until age 20 to file a claim.
If a public road defect contributed to the accident, you must file an administrative claim with the responsible agency within six months before you can sue.
An experienced attorney will track these deadlines, advise you on any applicable exceptions, and ensure your personal injury claim is filed in time. By acting promptly, you secure the opportunity to recover for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
Working with a local attorney in San Gabriel, CA, offers several advantages when dealing with personal injury cases. Local attorneys possess in-depth knowledge of the area, including local laws and regulations.
They have established relationships with insurance companies and medical professionals in the region, which can be beneficial for your case. Additionally, local attorneys provide personalized service, are readily accessible for in-person meetings, and can offer more immediate support compared to attorneys from other areas. In San Gabriel, CA, personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping their clients achieve the compensation they deserve, providing guidance and support throughout the legal process.
Perliss Law Firm provides dedicated support and proven strategies to help hit-and-run victims recover the compensation they deserve. Our experienced accident attorneys are skilled in handling cases involving catastrophic injuries resulting from these incidents.
We offer no-cost case reviews in English and Mandarin to explain your rights and outline potential recovery paths.
You pay nothing unless we secure compensation, allowing you to focus on healing without financial stress.
Familiarity with San Gabriel roads, traffic patterns, and law enforcement procedures speeds up evidence gathering and claim resolution.
We quickly secure surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and work with accident-reconstruction experts to identify the at-fault driver.
Our attorneys handle uninsured and underinsured motorist claims, negotiating with carriers to prevent lowball settlement offers.
If insurers refuse to pay fairly, we are prepared to file suit, draft compelling pleadings, and advocate on your behalf in court.
We keep you informed at every step, answer your questions promptly, and tailor our approach to your unique needs and recovery goals.
With Perliss Law Firm on your side, you gain a trusted legal partner committed to maximizing your compensation and helping you move forward after a hit-and-run accident.
You can still recover compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage. This policy pays for medical bills and lost wages when the at-fault driver cannot be located or lacks insurance.
Timelines vary based on injury severity and evidence gathering. Minor injury cases may settle within 6 to 12 months, while complex claims involving extensive medical treatment or litigation can take 18 months or longer.
Most hit-and-run cases, like many car accident cases, settle out of court through negotiation with your insurer. However, if your claim cannot be resolved fairly, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and represent the plaintiff's injuries in court to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Yes. You should seek medical care immediately and use health insurance or PIP (if available) for treatment costs. Your attorney will then include those expenses in your uninsured motorist claim.
California follows pure comparative negligence rules. You can still recover damages even if you share some fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility, and an attorney can work to minimize that share.
Don’t let a hit-and-run accident leave you with mounting bills and unanswered questions. Perliss Law Firm offers free, confidential consultations in both English and Mandarin to review your case and explain your legal options. We serve clients in San Gabriel, California, Los Angeles County, and Riverside County.
Our contingency fee arrangement means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact Perliss Law Firm today to start your recovery and gain the injury compensation you deserve.
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