California state statutes require that people respond appropriately to collisions. Drivers generally need to stop to check on one another to see if emergency medical care is necessary. They also have an obligation to report the crash if it caused significant property damage or injuries.
Despite those requirements, hit-and-runs are much more common in Los Angeles and across California than they are throughout most of the rest of the United States. Drivers who attempt to follow the law may be left unsure of what to do next when the person at fault for a crash flees the scene of the collision.
What steps can people take to protect themselves after a hit-and-run crash in Los Angeles?
Reporting the collision
Even if the other driver does not participate, officially reporting the crash is key to documenting that it occurred and ensuring legal protection in the future. Providing police officers with as much information as possible about the other vehicle could help them identify and track down the other driver. Unfortunately, the Los Angeles Police Department has an abysmal solve rate for hit-and-runs, with it dropping down into the single digits in some years.
Reviewing insurance coverage
Many people carry extra coverage on their own policies that can help protect them in the event of a hit-and-run crash. Uninsured motorist protection can pay for hit-and-run expenses. Drivers with totaled vehicles and major medical expenses can potentially use their own policies, even though they were not at fault for the hit-and-run crash.
Consulting with an attorney
A personal injury attorney can offer several forms of support after a hit-and-run crash. They can communicate with law enforcement professionals, which may inspire more diligence regarding this particular investigation. They can assist with an independent investigation as well.
A lawyer is often better equipped to review an insurance policy than a layperson. They can also help assess options for compensation, especially if the police locate the other driver. There may be the option of filing a lawsuit against the hit-and-run motorist if they do not have insurance. There may also be third-party liability that could allow for a lawsuit against an outside party instead of the driver.
Knowing how to respond to a hit-and-run crash, which is a serious risk for those in Los Angeles, can help drivers minimize the harm caused by another person’s irresponsible behavior. Hit-and-run crashes can be financially devastating, but drivers can take steps to protect themselves after a collision.