Suffering a serious injury in a hit and run accident can lead to considerable financial hardship. Obtaining compensation from the at-fault party can be particularly difficult if they remain unidentified. Fortunately, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. An experienced hit and run accident lawyer in Bakersfield can assist you in securing damages for your losses.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we have a strong history of helping injury victims recover compensation after a collision. Our dedicated team has successfully recovered millions of dollars in damages for our clients. Reach out to us today to arrange a free case review with one of our Bakersfield car accident lawyers.
What an Experienced Bakersfield Hit and Run Accident Attorney Can Do to Help You Prove Liability
To pursue compensation after a hit and run accident, the initial step is to determine who is liable for your injuries. You cannot file a lawsuit until the responsible party is identified. Often, multiple parties may share responsibility. One of our knowledgeable Bakersfield personal injury lawyers will conduct a comprehensive investigation to establish liability.
Unfortunately, if the driver remains unidentified and no other liable parties can be determined, your only recourse for compensation may be through your own insurance provider. In such cases, we can help ensure that your insurer honors your coverage and does not minimize your payout.
Once your hit and run accident attorney serving Bakersfield identifies those responsible for your damages, they will ensure that all required paperwork is accurately completed and submitted well before the deadlines set by California’s personal injury statute of limitations.
What to Know About an Initial Settlement Offer
Following your hit and run accident, you may receive an initial settlement offer within just a few days. It’s important to understand that, even if the offer seems reasonable, it likely only reflects a fraction of how much your compensatory damages are worth. Accepting this offer could forfeit your right to pursue further compensation once you fully comprehend the extent of your losses.
Before agreeing to any settlement offer, it’s advisable to have an experienced hit and run accident attorney serving Bakersfield review the proposed offer. Your lawyer can compare your losses to the offered amount to determine whether the settlement addresses your needs. They will ensure you grasp all pertinent details, enabling you to make an informed decision.
While most cases are resolved through settlement, it’s wise to be prepared for the possibility of a trial. Settlement negotiations can sometimes fail, leading to the need to go to court. Additionally, indicating to the opposing party that you are prepared to take your case to trial can create leverage during negotiations, potentially leading to a more favorable settlement.
(310) 526-8383Understanding How Pure Comparative Negligence Works in California
In California, if you have incurred damages due to a hit and run accident, your ability to recover compensation is subject to the state’s pure comparative negligence rule. This rule allows any party who is not solely at fault for the accident to seek compensation from others who share some degree of liability.
However, the amount of compensation you can claim will be directly impacted by your own percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 40% responsible for causing the accident, you can only recover up to 60% of the total value of your losses.
This means that if your total damages amount to $100,000 and you are deemed to be 40% at fault, the most money you could potentially recover for your losses would be $60,000.
Exercise Caution When Dealing With Insurers After a Hit and Run Accident
After suffering injuries in a hit and run accident, you will likely need to file a claim with either the insurance company of the liable party or your own insurance provider. While the insurance adjuster may act friendly and say they want to help, their primary objective is to weaken your claim. The more trust you place in them, the more easily they can deny or devalue your claim.
Insurance companies frequently use various strategies to minimize their financial liabilities, often at the expense of those relying on their policies for support following an injury. To safeguard your rights, it is best to avoid discussing your case with any insurance representatives until you have secured the assistance of an experienced lawyer.
Once you hire an attorney from Omega Law Group, the insurance company will no longer be allowed to contact you directly. With all communications going through your attorney, you can prevent the insurer from using their typical tactics against you. If an insurer acts in bad faith, a hit and run accident lawyer in Bakersfield can help you file a bad faith insurance claim lawsuit.
Connect With an Experienced Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Bakersfield Today
To enhance your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve following a hit and run accident, it is vital to hire a knowledgeable attorney. At Omega Law Group, we prioritize our clients’ needs above all else. Our skilled team of Bakersfield hit and run accident lawyers will work around the clock to help ensure you receive the financial support you need.
Get in touch with us today by completing our online form or calling us to arrange a free case consultation with a member of our legal team. During this initial meeting, we will discuss the details of your case, answer all your questions, and clarify your legal options. We also encourage you to read our client testimonials to gain insight into the quality of our service.
