Avoiding Common Mistakes: What to Do If You’re Involved in a Hit and Run Accident in Los Angeles

Being involved in a hit and run accident is no one’s idea of fun, but it can happen. If you find yourself in this situation don’t panic. There are steps to make sure everything gets taken care of properly. There are 4 common mistakes people make after an accident. Such as not calling the police immediately, skipping out on collecting evidence at the scene or even failing to get medical help if needed. To avoid these pitfalls when encountering a hit and run incident, consider consulting with a Los Angeles car accident attorney for further guidance.

Common Mistakes After a Hit and Run Accident

Not Calling The Police Right Away

One of the most common mistakes people make after being involved in a hit and run accident is not calling the police right away. Even if the other driver left the scene, it’s important to still report the accident to law enforcement. This will help create an official record of the incident. The police report is essential for insurance purposes and collecting evidence for any potential claims.

Failing To Collect Evidence

Another mistake people make after a hit and run is failing to collect evidence at the scene of the accident. It’s understandable that someone might not want to linger at the site of a traumatic incident. But, it’s important to remember that gathering information like photographs, license plate numbers, descriptions of vehicles/drivers in question, eyewitness accounts, etc., can all be helpful. Having the proper evidence will help in identifying and holding those responsible for causing damage or injury accountable.

Not Seeking Medical Help

Many people don’t realize that they should seek medical attention after being involved in a hit and run. Even if they feel fine at first glance, adrenaline can mask pain or other symptoms related to injuries sustained in an accident. Some injuries may not manifest until later on down the line. It’s best practice to check with a medical professional just in case there are underlying issues that need further attention or treatment.

Not Consulting With A Car Accident Attorney

Finally, many people fail to consult with a car accident attorney after getting into a hit and run accident. However, this is highly recommended for those seeking fair compensation for damages caused by a negligent driver who has fled from an accident scene without leaving their contact information. An experienced attorney will be able to provide advice on navigating legal processes. Such as, filing claims and pursuing litigation against parties deemed responsible for damages suffered in accidents.

What To Do After a Hit and Run Accident

Contact the Police

If you are involved in a hit and run accident, it is important to contact the police right away. When you call the police, provide as many details about the incident as possible – this includes descriptions of any vehicles or people involved as well as any other relevant information. Try to remember any details you can about the vehicle that fled the scene of the accident. What was color, make and model of the car? Did the car have any visible damage? Once law enforcement arrives, they will typically investigate the incident further by taking statements from all involved parties and checking for evidence such as skid marks or car parts left behind at the scene. Afterward, they will usually file a police report which can be used in insurance claims or legal actions against those responsible for causing your accident.

Collecting Evidence After a Hit and Run Accident

Evidence in a hit and run accident is extremely important. There are many forms of evidence you can collect while still on the scene of the accident.

Witness Information

If there are witnesses, provide their contact information to the police. Keep their contact information for future needs in your claims process.

Photographs

Additionally, taking evidence and gathering photographs of your vehicle and the accident scene can be a crucial element to any legal proceedings related to your car accident. It is important to take pictures of both your vehicle’s damage and any skid marks or debris left behind so that there is an accurate record of what occurred. These pictures will protect your evidence from unintentional changes caused by weather conditions, clean-up efforts, or other external factors. Staying acutely aware of evidence preservation is essential for protecting your legal rights in the wake of a car accident.

Medical Attention and Records

It is also important to get all necessary medical attention and document any injuries in case you need them for evidence later on. Make sure that you follow up with a doctor within 48-72 hours of your car accident. Some injuries are not obvious right away, and may be delayed.

Filing a Claim With Your Insurance Company As Soon As Possible

It’s very important to file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. The statute of limitations in California has a deadline to file a claim. Your personal injury lawyer can help you to do this and will also be able to advise you on the statute of limitations in your state as it related to personal injury cases. Quick action is essential as it will ensure that you don’t miss out on any compensation that you are entitled to. Contact your personal injury lawyer today to start the claims process.

Contact An Experienced Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney

Have you been injured due to another party’s negligence? Have you suffered damages from a hit and run accident in Los Angeles? An experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney, like the ones at B|B Law Group, can help. We will be your ally to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. Dealing with legal matters can be a daunting process. The insurance company will have important deadlines, paperwork, and other details to keep up with. An attorney knowledgeable in Los Angeles personal injury law can help guide you through the process and provide advice so that your rights are protected in a timely manner. With the right legal team at your side, you can rest assured that your case is being handled professionally and has the best possible outcome.

B|B Law Group – Los Angeles Hit and Run Accident Lawyers

If you or someone you love has been wrongfully injured in an accident, finding the right legal representation can be essential. Without it, the physical, emotional, and financial roadblocks can become too much to bear. At B|B Law Group, we genuinely care about our clients and want to make sure they are taken care of following their accident. 

At B|B Law Group, our goal is simple: preserve and protect the legal rights of the people of Southern California. Our award winning team of attorneys are experienced in the fields of personal injury, employment and habitability law. It is our mission to provide our clients with the best legal representation.

If we don’t win, you don’t pay

If your case isn’t successful, you have our guarantee that you won’t have to pay for anything. No hidden fees, costs or conditions — that’s our promise.