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Long Beach Hit and Run Car Accident Lawyer

Legal Help for Long Beach Hit and Run Car Accident Victims

Southern California is famous for having so much traffic on its streets, roads, and freeways. Nearly everyone in the region spends a good part of their day driving. In such an environment, the risk of a traffic accident is just part of life. Traffic accidents are a complication that no one wants to deal with. This is particularly true when it's a hit and run accident. California has more hit and run accidents than any other state. Statistics also show that nearly 10 percent of the state's automobile fatalities are the result of hit and run accidents.

If you have been injured in a hit and run car accident, it's important that you contact a Long Beach car accident attorney experienced in both traffic accident law and personal injury law. The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV has many years of experience in these areas of practice and will personally become involved in your case. Call our Long Beach office today at (888) 454-5569 for a free case analysis and breakdown of your legal options.

What is a Hit and Run Accident?

California law requires that the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident stop, locate the owner of the damaged vehicle or property, and exchange appropriate information; including name, address, and insurance documentation.

There are two general types of hit and run accidents in California:

  • Penal Code 2001: applies to any vehicle accident that results in physical injury or death.
  • Penal Code 2002: applies to vehicle accidents where only property damage is involved.

In an accident where injury is involved, the law requires a driver to: stop, render aid to the injured party or parties, and then exchange the information described above. Leaving the scene of a hit and run where someone has been injured is a felony punishable by 16 months to three years in state prison.

What If I'm Injured in a Hit and Run Car Accident in Long Beach?

  • If you are injured in a Long Beach hit and run accident, the first thing to do is get medical attention.
  • Once you've been treated, report the accident to local law enforcement. Provide them with any information you can remember about the car that hit you and left the scene. This includes license plate number, color, make, model, approximate year of model, etc.
  • Before you speak to your insurance company or the insurance company of the other driver, contact a qualified Long Beach hit and run car accident lawyer.

In most cases, a driver flees the scene of an accident because they aren't insured. Law allows an injured party to seek compensation from an uninsured motorist by going after their property and wages. An experienced litigator can help you auction off the defendant's property, garnish their wages, and seize their bank accounts.

Unfortunately, uninsured drivers are often financially unable to be responsible for your damages. In these cases, you will find yourself seeking compensation from your own insurance company. Even if you have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance company WILL NOT be on your side. For insurance adjusters, their priority is the company's bottom line. They will try to get you to accept the lowest payout possible. This is why it is important to be represented by attorneys knowledgeable of California's uninsured motorist laws and insurance bad faith litigation.

Like the Southern California freeway system, the legal system can be tangled and confusing. For this reason, you need a strong and experienced advocate on your side. The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV will be your advocate and pursue your case tirelessly until you've gotten the settlement you deserve. Call our Long Beach office today at (888) 454-5569 for a free consultation.

"Joseph, Thank you for your assistance. Your understanding compassion & incredible expertise are admired & appreciated. I will be referring any of my clients who require legal help to you."
- M.D.