If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Mountain View, you’re likely facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Unfortunately, these accidents occur frequently and can have severe consequences. We at Omega Law Group understand that this can be a difficult and overwhelming experience.
Our experienced Mountain View hit and run accident lawyer can provide guidance and support throughout the legal process, advocating for your rights and helping you to obtain the compensation you deserve. If you’re seeking legal representation, consider consulting with a qualified Mountain View car accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents
Despite the severity of hit-and-run laws, many accidents still occur, often due to reckless or panicked drivers who flee the scene for various reasons. As a driver, you’ve probably encountered your fair share of aggressive or distracted drivers on the road. Unfortunately, these hazardous behaviors can lead to devastating consequences, including hit-and-run accidents.
When drivers prioritize their interests over the safety of others, they put everyone at risk. You might be wondering what drives people to flee the scene of an accident. Here are some common causes of hit-and-run accidents:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, browsing, or engaged in other distracting activities may not even realize they’ve hit someone or something until it’s too late.
- Road rage: Aggressive drivers who let their emotions get the best of them may intentionally cause an accident and then flee to avoid accountability.
- Fear or panic: Drivers who are involved in an accident may panic and flee the scene, hoping to avoid the consequences of their actions.
It’s important to recognize these common causes of hit-and-run accidents, stay vigilant on the road, and avoid becoming a victim yourself. If you do find yourself involved in a hit-and-run accident, it’s important to seek legal counsel from an experienced Mountain View personal injury lawyer to make sure you receive the compensation you merit.
Injuries Sustained in Hit-and-Run Crashes
What kind of physical and emotional toll can you expect to suffer when you’re involved in a hit-and-run crash? You may experience a range of physical injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe broken bones, spinal cord damage, or even traumatic brain injury.
Managing your physical pain is important for the recovery process. You may need to undergo surgery, physical therapy, or rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility. Pain management techniques, such as medication, acupuncture, or massage therapy, can also help alleviate discomfort and improve your overall well-being.
However, the emotional toll of a hit-and-run crash should not be overlooked. You may experience emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The shock and fear of being involved in a crash, coupled with the uncertainty of the perpetrator’s identity, can take a significant toll on your mental health.
How a Mountain View Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Investigates a Crash
When you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, you must act fast to gather evidence and identify the responsible parties. By taking these steps, you’ll be able to build a strong case and increase your chances of holding the at-fault driver accountable.
Gathering Evidence Quickly
You should act quickly to gather evidence after a hit-and-run accident, as details can fade or disappear quickly. Every minute counts, and the more time that passes, the harder it becomes to piece together what happened. To build a strong case, you’ll need to collect as much evidence as possible.
Some essential pieces of evidence to focus on include:
- Witness statements: Try to get contact information from anyone who saw the accident, including their account of what happened.
- Dashcam footage: Check if any nearby cameras or vehicles captured the incident on video.
- Physical evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle or nearby property.
Identifying Responsible Parties
Identifying the responsible parties in a hit-and-run accident requires a thorough investigation to uncover important details about the fleeing driver and their vehicle. You’ll need to gather as much information as possible to build a strong case.
Witness statements can be particularly valuable, as they can describe the vehicle and its occupants. You should also speak with nearby business owners or residents to see if they have any relevant information.
Additionally, you may need to work with insurance providers to determine the extent of coverage and identify potential defendants. By working with a skilled Mountain View hit-and-run accident lawyer, you can ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted and that all responsible parties are held accountable.
Filing a Hit-and-Run Accident Claim
Filing a hit-and-run accident claim requires gathering important evidence and documentation to build a strong case against the at-fault driver or their insurance company. As the victim, you’ll need to take prompt action to preserve evidence and meet the necessary deadlines.
When filing a claim, you’ll want to focus on the following aspects:
- Insurance coverage: Review your insurance policy to understand the extent of your coverage. You may be eligible for uninsured motorist coverage, which can help compensate for your losses.
- Statute limitations: Be aware of the time limits for filing a claim in California. Typically, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
- Gathering evidence: Collect any available evidence, such as witness statements, police reports, photographs, and videos. This will help establish the facts of the accident and support your claim.
Proving Liability in Hit-and-Run Cases
In hit-and-run cases, the burden of proving liability often falls on the victim; you must demonstrate that the at-fault driver’s reckless or negligent actions led to the accident and resulting damages.
You’ll need to gather evidence, including witness statements, surveillance footage, and physical evidence from the accident scene. However, the at-fault driver’s absence can make it difficult to obtain information, such as their insurance details or driving history.
Additionally, witness intimidation is a common tactic used by at-fault drivers to discredit or silence witnesses. As a victim, you may face intimidation or threats from the at-fault driver or their representatives.
Contact a Mountain View Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
You’ve been through a traumatic experience, but with a Mountain View hit and run accident lawyer on your side, you can focus on recovery.
At Omega Law Group, we are dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a hit and run accident, contact us today for a free consultation.