San Jose Hit & Run Accident Attorney

Injured by a Fleeing Driver in San Jose, CA?

If you or a loved one have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, you understand how overwhelming and frustrating the experience can be. At Habbas & Associates, our San Jose hit-and-run accident attorneys are here to help you navigate the complexities of these cases and secure the compensation you deserve. With years of experience in personal injury law, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to accident victims.

To request a free case evaluation, call (888) 387-4053 or contact us online today.

What is a Hit & Run?

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without providing their contact information, assisting injured parties, or notifying law enforcement. These accidents can range from minor fender-benders to serious collisions involving severe injuries or fatalities. Hit-and-run incidents are not only illegal but also leave victims grappling with the financial and emotional aftermath of the crash.

Common Reasons for Fleeing the Scene

There are various reasons why drivers choose to flee the scene of an accident, including:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs may panic and leave the scene to avoid arrest.
• Lack of Insurance: Uninsured or underinsured drivers may flee to avoid financial liability.
• Fear of Legal Consequences: Drivers with outstanding warrants or prior offenses may not want to risk further legal trouble.
• Unlicensed or Suspended License: A driver without a valid license may try to avoid getting caught.
• Panic: Even otherwise law-abiding citizens may panic and make poor decisions in the heat of the moment.

Regardless of the reason, fleeing the scene is a serious offense under California law, and those who do so should be held accountable for their actions.

California Hit & Run Laws

Under California Vehicle Code Sections 20001 and 20002, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident without performing specific duties. These include:

• Providing your name, address, and insurance information to the other party.
• Rendering reasonable assistance to anyone injured in the accident.
• Notifying law enforcement if the accident results in injuries, death, or significant property damage.

Penalties for a hit-and-run vary depending on the severity of the accident. For instance:

• Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run: In cases involving property damage only, offenders may face fines, probation, and up to six months in jail.
• Felony Hit-and-Run: If the accident causes injury or death, penalties can include significant fines, imprisonment, and a felony record.

Victims of hit-and-run accidents have the right to pursue civil claims against the at-fault driver once they are identified.

How Can You Recover Compensation from a Hit & Run?

Recovering compensation after a hit-and-run accident can be challenging, especially if the at-fault driver cannot be identified. However, victims still have options:

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

In California, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is a valuable resource for hit-and-run victims. If you have UM coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, it can provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

UM coverage applies when the responsible driver is uninsured, underinsured, or cannot be located, as is often the case in hit-and-run accidents. Filing a UM claim can help you recover damages, but insurance companies may attempt to minimize your payout. Our attorneys can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

If the hit-and-run driver is identified, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them. A successful lawsuit can help you recover compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Our team at Habbas & Associates will work tirelessly to investigate the accident, identify the responsible party, and build a strong case to hold them accountable.

Other Avenues for Compensation

If neither of the above options is viable, we can explore alternative methods of recovery, such as:

• Identifying third parties who may share liability
• Filing claims against government entities for dangerous road conditions

Our attorneys will leave no stone unturned in seeking justice for you.

Why Choose Habbas & Associates?

Our team understands the unique challenges hit-and-run victims face. Our San Jose hit-and-run accident attorneys are committed to providing personalized legal representation tailored to your specific needs. Here’s why clients choose us:

• Proven Track Record: We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
• Client-Centered Approach: Your needs and well-being are our top priorities.
• Comprehensive Legal Support: From negotiating with insurance companies to litigating in court, we handle every aspect of your case.
• Local Expertise: As a San Jose-based firm, we have in-depth knowledge of California laws and the local legal landscape.

When you work with Habbas & Associates, you can trust that you are in capable hands.

Contact us today at (888) 387-4053 for a free consultation.