Under California law, motorists have a legal responsibility to stop and remain at the scene of a crash. Sadly, many drivers simply fail to abide by the duty — especially after fender benders. A shocking study cited by The Atlantic found that 48 percent of crashes in Los Angeles were hit and run accidents — a rate that is more than four times higher than the national average.
All drivers should be prepared to take action after a collision. This raises an important question: How do you deal with a fender bender hit and run? Here, our Los Angeles car accident lawyers explain the four key things you should do if you were involved in a minor or moderate hit and run accident in California.
Stop Your Vehicle, Get Any Information You Can
Do not violate your own legal obligations. After a crash in California, both drivers have a duty to stop their vehicle. You should bring your car to a stop so that you can assess the situation. Notably, if you have more than $1,000 in total property damage then you should report your accident to the police. Additionally, try your best to gather any information that you can at the scene of the crash. Did you catch the make or model of the vehicle or a partial license plate? If so, write that information down.
Assess Your Condition, Be Ready to See a Doctor
Fender benders can sometimes result in significant injuries. You do not need to have much vehicle damage to have suffered a serious injury in a crash. Make sure that you assess your condition. You might be fine — but if not, make sure you see a doctor. It is always best to get car accident injuries, even seemingly minor injuries, checked out by a professional.
Prepare to Submit a Claim Through Your Own Insurance Policy
Next, you will want to bring a claim through your own insurance policy. This is usually the best place to start after a fender bender hit and run. You may have an uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist policy through which you can pursue financial compensation for vehicle repairs, minor medical costs, and other damages. Be sure to get all of the information you need to bring a claim.
Contact a Los Angeles Hit and Run Accident Attorney For Help
Hit and run accidents leave victims in a difficult and potentially frustrating position. You should always be ready to get professional legal help. If you are having trouble getting full and fair compensation through your own policy or if you suffered an injury in the hit and run fender bender, call a Los Angeles car accident lawyer for immediate assistance.
At the office of El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we have the skills and experience to handle the full range of hit and run accident claims. If you were involved in a hit and run fender that left you with an injury, please contact our law firm for a free consultation. With a law office in Los Angeles, we handle hit and run accident claims throughout Southern California.