Four Steps To Win a Hit-and-Run Case in Burbank

Over the past few years, there have been a number of hit-and-run accidents in Burbank. Regardless of whether you are a safe and defensive driver, there is still a chance that you may be involved in a hit-and-run accident due to another driver’s negligence. 

If you are involved in a hit-and-run in Burbank and want to file a case against the driver who left the scene, these steps will help you win your case. 

1. Gather evidence to prove liability.
2. Ask the police officer to locate the driver.
3. Seek legal advice from a Burbank accident attorney.
4. Cooperate with your legal team for settlement negotiations.

Step 1: Gather Evidence To Prove Liability

Like in any other personal injury case, you can claim restitution if you prove that the other driver was responsible for the crash. This may be challenging, especially in hit-and-run cases. 

However, you have a chance of locating the driver if you can gather evidence after the crash. It is best to do the following to secure proof at the accident scene:

• Take photos of the license plate number of the at-fault party.
• Document witness testimonies and ask if they can describe or identify the driver’s vehicle. 
• Check if there are surveillance cameras or CCTV footage within the location of the accident.
• Examine the Burbank car crash scene and check if there are any materials left that will help identify the driver.
• Call 911 immediately.

Step 2: Ask The Police Enforcement To Locate the Driver

After gathering evidence at the accident scene, you may ask the police to locate the driver. 

However, you must not make hasty decisions while waiting for the enforcement officer to arrive, such as following the driver who leaves the scene. This might aggravate the situation and cause harm to you. 

Instead, do the following to help you locate the driver after the collision:

1. wait for the law enforcers,
2. share your side of the story and cooperate with them,
3. provide information that may help find the driver, such as the vehicle’s driver’s license, and
4. contact an accident lawyer who can help you find evidence to shed light on the driver’s identity and location.

Sometimes, a driver may hit your parked car and leave the scene without notifying you. In case you didn’t report the minor hit-and-run incident to the police, you may still report the incident to the police with the following information:

• your driver’s license or identification card,
• your vehicle’s license plate number,
• your vehicle’s insurance information, and

Step 3: Seek Legal Advice from a Burbank Car Accident Attorney

We understand that hit-and-run accidents can be overwhelming and frustrating, especially if you can’t locate the driver. Fortunately, you may seek legal advice from a Burbank car accident attorney who can help you handle your case. 

A personal injury lawyer’s job is to help you maximize the restitution you deserve. They can do this by:

• gathering evidence to help find the driver,
• examining the facts of your Burbank car crash,
• communicating with the insurance company,
• providing you with legal options and
• negotiating on your behalf.

If you want to pursue a hit-and-run lawsuit against the at-fault driver, an accident attorney can also assist you in filing a case within the allowed timeframe and help you with the trial. 

Step 4: Cooperate With Your Legal Team For Settlement Negotiations

In most cases, the terms of your insurance policy indicate that you must report any car accident you are involved in. If you hire an attorney to defend you, they will contact and inform your insurance company of the hit-and-run accident. 

In addition, notifying the insurance company will:

• help you know how much compensation you may recover from the damages caused by the crash,
• inform you of your current insurance coverage, and 
• check if you have uninsured motorist coverage in case you don’t find the driver responsible for the Burbank car crash.

The purpose of having insurance is to have financial support in case of an accident. However, insurance companies will always try to reduce your compensation for their benefit.

While determining the estimated compensation value is essential, your accident lawyer will know if the settlement offer is the best amount you can get from the crash before you agree to any payout from an insurance company. A Burbank accident attorney can help you calculate the total damages and provide legal options that suit your needs. 

What Happens If I Can’t Locate the Driver At Fault?

Sometimes, victims of hit-and-run accidents worry that they may not receive compensation if the driver can’t be found. On the contrary, you may still receive restitution for the damages caused by the crash from your insurance policy.

Several types of insurance can cover your medical bills and repair expenses, such as:

• uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage
• uninsured motorist property damage coverage
• collision coverage
• medical payment coverage
• personal injury protection

Consult a legal expert before negotiating with the insurance company and agreeing to a settlement offer. They can help you identify the best options and defend your right to maximum compensation.

Jacoby & Meyers has competent Burbank accident attorneys with decades of experience in hit-and-run crashes. They can protect and defend your case while you focus on your recovery. Contact us at 800-922-2222 for a free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help you.

Call or text 888-522-6291 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form