Victim of a Hit-and-Run in San Jose? We're on Your Side.
The shock and trauma of a hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming. If you've been injured due to a reckless driver who fled the scene, you don't have to face the aftermath alone. San Jose Personal Injury Attorney (SJPIA) is here to help you seek justice and get the compensation you need to recover.
Why Choose SJPIA for Your Hit-and-Run Case?
- Hit-and-Run Expertise: We have extensive experience handling the unique complexities of hit-and-run accidents.
- Relentless Investigation: We'll work tirelessly to track down the at-fault driver and hold them accountable.
- Protecting Your Rights: We'll fight aggressively to protect your rights and ensure your voice is heard.
- Maximizing Compensation: We'll pursue every avenue to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Free Consultation: We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and provide you with clear, honest legal advice.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents in San Jose
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist and then flees the scene without stopping to provide information or render aid. This is a serious crime in California, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on whether property damage or injuries occurred.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in San Jose
The moments after a hit-and-run accident can be chaotic and disorienting. Knowing what to do next can protect your well-being and your legal rights. Here's what you should do:
- Prioritize Safety: If possible, move yourself and your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, it's crucial to get evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Call the Police: Report the accident to the police as soon as possible. Provide a detailed description of the fleeing vehicle (license plate number, make, model, color, any distinguishing features).
- Gather Evidence: If it's safe to do so, try to collect any evidence from the scene. This may include photos of the damage to your vehicle, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries you sustained. If there are any witnesses, try to get their contact information.
- Contact SJPIA: Don't delay contacting an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney. We can help you understand your rights, investigate the accident, and build a strong case to pursue compensation for your damages.
Do NOT:
- Chase the Fleeing Driver: This can be dangerous and may put you at further risk.
- Admit Fault: Even if you think you may have contributed to the accident, do not admit fault to anyone. Let the police and your attorney investigate the circumstances.
- Speak to Insurance Companies: Do not speak to any insurance representatives without first consulting an attorney.
Remember: You are not alone. SJPIA is here to fight for your rights and help you recover. We have a proven track record of holding hit-and-run drivers accountable and securing maximum compensation for our clients. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Common Injuries in San Jose Hit-and-Run Accidents
Common Injuries in San Jose Hit-and-Run Accidents
The force of impact in a hit-and-run accident can lead to a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on the speed of the vehicles, the angle of impact, and whether the victim was a pedestrian, cyclist, or in another vehicle.
Common injuries sustained in San Jose hit-and-run accidents include:
- Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), skull fractures, and facial injuries are unfortunately common, especially if the victim was thrown from their vehicle or struck directly.
- Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal cord injuries can occur due to the sudden acceleration and deceleration forces. These injuries can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, or even paralysis.
- Broken Bones: Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, and other bones are frequent, often requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Internal Injuries: The impact can cause damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs, leading to internal bleeding and other complications.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and contusions can affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons, causing pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
- Road Rash and Lacerations: If the victim was thrown from their vehicle or struck as a pedestrian or cyclist, they may suffer from road rash, cuts, and other open wounds.
- Psychological Trauma: Hit-and-run accidents can be extremely traumatic, leading to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
It's crucial to seek immediate medical attention after a hit-and-run accident, even if you don't feel seriously injured. Some injuries may not be immediately obvious, and delaying treatment can worsen your condition. A thorough medical evaluation can also help document your injuries for insurance claims and potential legal action.
If you've been injured in a hit-and-run accident in San Jose, don't hesitate to contact SJPIA. Our experienced attorneys will fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you need for your physical and emotional recovery.
Seeking Compensation After a San Jose Hit-and-Run Accident
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Even though the driver fled the scene, you're not without options when seeking compensation after a hit-and-run accident in San Jose. Our experienced attorneys will explore all potential avenues to recover damages for your injuries and losses.
Potential Compensation Sources:
- Your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: This coverage is designed to protect you if you're hit by a driver who doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough insurance to cover your damages. Your UM/UIM coverage can step in to compensate you for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Collision Coverage (If Applicable): If you have collision coverage on your auto insurance policy, it may help pay for repairs to your vehicle after a hit-and-run accident.
- Med Pay Coverage (If Applicable): If you have medical payments coverage, it can help cover medical expenses regardless of who was at fault in the accident.
- Third-Party Liability: In some rare cases, other parties may be held liable for your injuries, such as the employer of the at-fault driver (if they were driving a company vehicle for work purposes).
- Civil Lawsuit Against the Driver: If the at-fault driver is eventually identified and located, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them to seek further compensation.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To:
- Economic Damages: These cover the financial losses you've incurred, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, property damage, and any future medical expenses or loss of earning capacity.
- Non-Economic Damages: These address the intangible losses you've suffered, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and physical disfigurement.
How SJPIA Can Help
Navigating the legal process after a hit-and-run can be complex. SJPIA will handle the legal complexities, investigate the accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your best interests every step of the way. We're committed to helping you get the full and fair compensation you deserve to rebuild your life.
Don't wait to seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact SJPIA today for a free consultation to discuss your options.
How to file a claim
If you're the victim of a hit-and-run, your first instinct might be panic. But don't despair. Even if the driver who hit you fled the scene, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own auto insurance policy's uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
Steps to File an Uninsured Motorist Claim:
- Report the Accident to the Police: Contact law enforcement immediately after the accident. Provide as much detail as possible about the fleeing vehicle and the circumstances of the incident. A police report is crucial evidence for your claim.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about the hit-and-run accident as soon as possible. Provide them with a copy of the police report and any other relevant information you have gathered.
- Cooperate with the Investigation: Your insurance company will likely conduct their own investigation. Be prepared to provide detailed statements, medical records, and any other documentation they request.
- Consult with SJPIA: While filing a UM claim may seem straightforward, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Having an experienced hit-and-run attorney on your side can make a significant difference. We'll help you navigate the claims process, ensure you meet all deadlines, and negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement.
Why You Need a San Jose Hit-and-Run Attorney
- Maximizing Compensation: We understand the full extent of damages you may be entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: We'll handle all communication with your insurance company, protecting your rights and preventing you from saying anything that could jeopardize your claim.
- Investigating the Accident: We may be able to help locate the at-fault driver through additional investigation, potentially opening up further avenues for compensation.
- Litigation (If Necessary): If your insurance company is uncooperative or denies your claim, we're prepared to take them to court to fight for your rights.
Don't let a hit-and-run driver leave you with the burden of their actions. Contact SJPIA today for a free consultation. We'll fight tirelessly to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
Don't Delay - Contact SJPIA Today
Time is of the essence in a hit-and-run accident case. Evidence can disappear, and witnesses' memories can fade. Contact SJPIA today for a free consultation with an experienced accident attorney. We'll review your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options so you can make informed decisions about your next steps.
Find Out More About Our Injury Lawyers
With a track record of success over the last 30+ years, our accident attorneys also specialized in a wide variety of other types of personal injury accidents. Listed below are other case types our injury lawyers handle.