Most drivers understand what they are supposed to do when they get into a car accident. You pull over somewhere safe and exchange your info while you wait for the police to come and fill out a report. Unfortunately, some drivers do not follow these rules and you could end up dealing with a driver who fled the scene after hitting your car. These drivers can still be held accountable though, and a San Mateo County, California hit & run accident lawyer from our firm can help you do that.
What Should I Do After a Driver Leaves the Accident Scene?
If you see that another driver is leaving the accident scene, you need to act quickly. Take in as many details as you can and write down things like:
- The make and model of the vehicle
- What color the car was
- Where the car was damaged
- The license plate number
- A physical description of the driver
After you do these things, take some of the steps that you would normally take after an accident. You should:
- Call the police
- Take pictures of the accident scene
- Take photos of the damage to your vehicle
- Talk to any eyewitnesses
- Get the medical care that you need
Can Police Find the Driver Who Fled the Scene?
When you tell the police that the driver who hit you fled the scene of the accident, they will keep an eye out for the driver. The more details you can give about the car, the better. The cops might even be able to go into local businesses to see if they had cameras that caught your accident.
Can I Still Pursue Compensation From the Driver Who Fled the Scene?
If the driver who fled the scene is found, they can be sued for compensation. An accident can result in expensive medical bills and they frequently cause people to miss work and paychecks, which just adds to the financial stress. An experienced personal injury attorney from our firm can help you build a case and show how this driver’s negligence caused your injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
In California, you have just two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. In cases like these, it can take a while to find a driver who fled the scene of an accident. You need to be ready to act quickly and get the legal process started as soon as possible. It can seem stressful, but remember this. The sooner you file a lawsuit, the sooner you can receive your compensation.
Schedule a Consultation Today
When you are ready to pursue legal action, contact the Law Offices of Allister R. Liao. We can schedule a consultation and tell you more about how our firm can help you fight for the compensation that you and your family deserve.
